Where readers ask, and we try to answer: Hello Alex, I came across theFrontSteps today while researching local real estate blogs. My mother is an agent in NJ and she came to me about advice on creating a blog and testing other social media channels to help her business. I figured I’d research what others … Continue reading Ask Us: Does Blogging Work For Real Estate?
Category: Ask Us
Ask Us: St. Regis Wealth, The Question From Left Field…or Maybe Afghanistan
In this little “Ask Us” segment we typically field the standard, “I’m buying a house, I need your help” type question, but this one that came across our email recently is quite extraordinary, if not bordering on spam, but somehow, we think it’s legit: Good afternoon, I know you are probably busy but it would … Continue reading Ask Us: St. Regis Wealth, The Question From Left Field…or Maybe Afghanistan
Ask Us: Income Property, Foreclosures, Short Sales, Rent Control & Impatient Realtors All In One!
Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer: Dear tFS, I have been following your newsletters for awhile, now that my husband and I are considering investing in an income property, we are coming to you for advice. A friend of ours has referred an real estate agent and we have worked with … Continue reading Ask Us: Income Property, Foreclosures, Short Sales, Rent Control & Impatient Realtors All In One!
Ask Us: Do Lenders REALLY Need All That PRIVATE Information?
Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer (in the comments below, so don’t be shy): “For the past 12 months, all our attempts to refi to lower the rate to 5.25 or better have fallen short. Many times, it starts great – then stops short when reaching the line that says I … Continue reading Ask Us: Do Lenders REALLY Need All That PRIVATE Information?
Disclose or Dissemble?
My recent almost first time buyer identity was shattered by a disturbing disclosure. Or rather, by a failure to to disclose the disclosures. A Realtor, who shall remain nameless (and is in Portland, OR, anyway), had us almost in contract before I ever lay eyes on the disclosures, at which time I discovered 1. Lead … Continue reading Disclose or Dissemble?
Readers Ask: Readers Know (Usually)
The Frontsteps is littered with experts, so when a reader asks a question, seems like the highest form of logic is to simply pose that question to the aforementioned experts. Yesterday I asked if any, any, any reduction in price could make being a landlord for a full occupied, multi-unit property worthwhile. One reader, in response, … Continue reading Readers Ask: Readers Know (Usually)
Ask Us: 815 Alvarado Just Doesn’t Jibe
Have a look at the front of 815 Alvarado (4 bed, 3.5 bath, 3 car parking, “Single Family Residence” asking $2,965,000) : Now have a look at our reader’s question: So whats the story on 815 Alvarado, SF…..listed as a House…but really has a Legal Inlaw, and only 2 bedrooms upstairs. One can be divided….but … Continue reading Ask Us: 815 Alvarado Just Doesn’t Jibe
How To Successfully Reduce Your Property Tax Basis In San Francisco?
From one agent, to their company, and we’re bringing it to you. I have some clients who applied to the Tax Board to have their property tax basis reduced and the city rejected it, even though they presented valid comps indicating their property value has decreased (they live in Pacific Heights). I’m wondering if [any … Continue reading How To Successfully Reduce Your Property Tax Basis In San Francisco?
Factoring Weather When Buying A Home In San Francisco Is Anything But Simple
We get these kind of inquiries all the time, and it’s certainly something up for debate, as we all have our own comfort levels as to what is considered warm or “nice”. Heck, Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction lives in Sunny warm L.A., but by following his Twitter feed, you’d think he’s better suited for … Continue reading Factoring Weather When Buying A Home In San Francisco Is Anything But Simple
Battle Royale: San Francisco’s Infinity Towers Versus Some Peninsula Townhouse
We haven’t done a Battle Royale in a while, but we thought this recent email could not only shed some light on the steals and deals being thrown out by The Infinity to get their Towers sold, but also a bit of debate as to whether it’s better to put your money in San Francisco, … Continue reading Battle Royale: San Francisco’s Infinity Towers Versus Some Peninsula Townhouse
Ask Us: What’s The Real Estate Forecast For Bernal Heights
Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer. We pulled this from Lily on Why the Fuss About Noe Valley. The question is pretty simple, the answer, however, is very complex: What’s the real estate forecast for Bernal [Heights]? The Fluj has already taken the bait and provided some answers on the thread, … Continue reading Ask Us: What’s The Real Estate Forecast For Bernal Heights
Ask Us: Why The Fuss About Noe Valley?
Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer: The Front Steps really concentrates on Noe. I live in Noe and understand the attraction and the desirability of neighborhood but I’m not exactly sure why it is the barometer for everywhere else. Can you shed any light on this? Good question. It’s not that … Continue reading Ask Us: Why The Fuss About Noe Valley?
Ask Us: Why The Obsession With Price Per Square Foot?
Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer: Yes – people are obsessed with cost per square foot – why or why shouldn’t we concern ourselves with that statistic? Thanks! Thanks for the email. Price per square foot in San Francisco and around the country, hell the world for that matter, is an … Continue reading Ask Us: Why The Obsession With Price Per Square Foot?
The Truth About Inspection Bids, A Letter To Buyers
If we could speak to you, Mr & Mrs Buyer, in the middle of your tense negotiations about repairs to the home you’d like to buy, we would say this: The bids you received from your agent and her inspectors/experts are great. We’re glad you’re doing your due diligence and we’re happy to credit you … Continue reading The Truth About Inspection Bids, A Letter To Buyers
Comment Du Jour: Oh Noe, Where Will You Be In 2 Years?
From “Seb” on “Noe Valley Is Not Immune”: Where do people think Noe [Valley real estate] prices will be in two years? Up or down? I sense things are stabilizing. We’ll just say the feeling of free-fall has disappeared. Stable? Not so sure. Going up, definitely not. In two years…crystal ball is a little bit … Continue reading Comment Du Jour: Oh Noe, Where Will You Be In 2 Years?
Ask Us: Homeowners Insurance By Cost Per Square Foot
Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer: Greetings everyone: I was wondering does anyone out there have a good way to determine how much dwelling coverage one needs in the homeowners insurance in the city of San Francisco because I noticed when I get a quote from insurance companies, the dwelling coverage … Continue reading Ask Us: Homeowners Insurance By Cost Per Square Foot