Ask Us: It was sold, but what’s up? (1474 17th Ave)


Where readers ask and we try to answer: 1474 17th ave was sold on 1/25 for $1mm (3000sqft duplex), but I did not see anything in MLS or any other signs of activity, nor was there any trace of it in the sfnewsletter. Was this a pocket listing? The price seems to be very reasonable, … Continue reading Ask Us: It was sold, but what’s up? (1474 17th Ave)

Ask Us: Converting from Condo to Duplex or Single Family


Where readers ask and we try to answer: Looking to understand how to change a 2 unit condo (1 building, 2 separate addresses, 1 owner) to a duplex or single family residence. How this happened: We bought the upstairs, and when the bottom unit became available we bought the bottom unit. Problem: Now deemed “unwarrantable” … Continue reading Ask Us: Converting from Condo to Duplex or Single Family

Ask Us: A map of bedrock vs. landfill


Where readers ask and we try to answer: Can you tell me how I can get a map of all the SF neighborhoods that would show me what areas are bedrock vs. landfill. Thanks,C First, you’ll want to know your Seismic Hazard Zones. Then, you’ll want to get in there a bit further and really … Continue reading Ask Us: A map of bedrock vs. landfill

Ask Us: 1233 Shrader, do you know what it went for?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: It looks like 1223 or was it 1233 Shrader sold. It was across from Grattan [Elementary School] and though it was nice, I was shocked by the price. Do you know what it went for? Thanks for your question. The address was indeed 1233 (here are details), … Continue reading Ask Us: 1233 Shrader, do you know what it went for?

Ask us: What’s up with 1409 Sanchez?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: Can you help find out if 1409 Sanchez closed? This was a total tear down and it was listed for $1.1MM. If this sold anywhere near ask, then Noe [Valley] is still hot… The status of this property is “pending” and scheduled to close in March. Make … Continue reading Ask us: What’s up with 1409 Sanchez?

Ask Us: Will San Francisco again be immune?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: Alex, Maybe its too negative as a topic, but the latest Business Week cover story could be an interesting thread. It predicts that “home prices could sink an additional 25% over the next two or three years, returning values to their 2000 levels in inflation-adjusted terms.” Do … Continue reading Ask Us: Will San Francisco again be immune?

Ask Us: Where are individual TIC loans headed?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: I’m wondering if anyone has some up-to-date information on where individual TIC loans are headed? I bought in 7/06, my interest rate is 7%. With mortgage rates dropping, are we likely to see corresponding drops in these individual TIC loan rates? I went to an open house … Continue reading Ask Us: Where are individual TIC loans headed?

Ask Us: Cheaper to build new or remodel in San Francisco?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: Any idea on the cost to build a new home in San Francisco by square foot? I understand it is often cheaper to rebuild than remodel a small, old structure. Any reply is appreciated. You are correct. Generally, it is cheaper to rebuild than remodel. As for … Continue reading Ask Us: Cheaper to build new or remodel in San Francisco?

Ask Us: “Massive construction at 766 Harrison”


Where readers ask and we try to answer: I work on Harrison between 3rd and 4th. For the past year+, there’s been massive construction at 766 Harrison. What’s the building going to be? And will it have an affect on the homeless/mentally ill/substance abusers who camp outside of the substance abuse/mental clinic next door? As … Continue reading Ask Us: “Massive construction at 766 Harrison”

Ask us: “When should I refinance, or purchase?” ABC7 News is listening!


Where readers ask and we try to answer. This one we’re actually doing for ABC7 News. David Louie is running a story tonight at 6pm, and was hoping we could help him and their viewers out. So….readers, and real estate peeps, don’t disappoint! ;-) Given the fact that interest rates took another dip recently, and … Continue reading Ask us: “When should I refinance, or purchase?” ABC7 News is listening!

Ask Us: Selling a home off the market


Where readers ask, and we try to answer. Why do agents shop houses off-MLS or before they hit the market?-E.S. I shop places off the market simply because my clients say, “If you find me a buyer, I’ll sell it, but I’m not listing it on MLS, not doing open houses, and not doing signs.” … Continue reading Ask Us: Selling a home off the market

18th & Mission: a reader asksed…


Quite a while ago, we put this post up, and actually received a fair bit of insight. But we finally got a bit more scoop from the source, so here it is again, update below. “What’s up with the building at corner of 18th & Mission? Work has recently started again. This project sat dormant … Continue reading 18th & Mission: a reader asksed…

Ask us: Fallen Trees, what’s the deal?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: [Image Source: Daily Dose of Imagery] Given the recent hurricane force winds we had and all the downed trees, I was wondering, could we have more information on the legal aspects of the tree planted in front of a property? I know that we need to apply … Continue reading Ask us: Fallen Trees, what’s the deal?

Ask Us: “Lembi juggernaut” selling units?


Where readers ask and we try to answer: There must be many of you brokers out there who are familiar with the Lembi juggernaut. Well, word is that they are adjusting to a changing financing landscape and even, gasp! selling some units. Maybe that will allow some of us little guys to get a shot … Continue reading Ask Us: “Lembi juggernaut” selling units?