The same reader kindly asks again: Thanks for posting my question and the answers regarding unreinforced masonry buildings. It is much appreciated, but I am still looking for the answer to my second question: How can I find out how a building fared in the 1989 earthquake, including but not limited to whether it was … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: UMB (Unreinforced Masonry Buildings) take two
Category: Ask Us
Curb Cuts: Who has the answer?
From Kenny: I have a question for my fellow agents out there. Have any of you heard the rumor that there is a moratorium on new curb cuts? I’ve heard it more than once. I think it’s down to two things. One, this fall’s Prop H, which is the exact opposite — it’s a measure … Continue reading Curb Cuts: Who has the answer?
Stump the Stammtisch: UMB (unreinforced masonry buildings)
Where readers ask, and we try to answer: “How can I find out if a building in San Francisco is made of unreinforced masonry? Does the city have a list of such buildings? How can I find out if a building was red tagged after the 1989 earthquake or damaged in the earthquake? Thank you.”-BGD … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: UMB (unreinforced masonry buildings)
Comment du Jour: Does sold mean sold?
Sophie on Millennium Tower…”: Close of Escrow [for units at the Millennium Tower] is scheduled for Spring of 2009. I have a question. Close of escrow is when title is given [for] a big chunk of money. Right? So if they advertise “58% sold” what does that mean? That you can buy an “option” lasting … Continue reading Comment du Jour: Does sold mean sold?
17th & Clayton, a reader asks…
[Update: New drive by photos below!] “I was wondering if you know what the deal is with the copper siding on the new condos on the corner of 17th & Clayton. Some people are saying that it will be the finished look and I am hoping they are wrong. Hideous! Thanks.” Here’s all I know: … Continue reading 17th & Clayton, a reader asks…
Stump the Stammtisch: “Should we tenants be worried?”
“Hello, I rent an apartment on Grove near Clayton over in the Panhandle/North Park area of the city. Our landlord has recently been bringing brokers by to “view” certain apartments in our 6-unit building. Many properties have been for sale in our neighborhood recently, and everything seems to go like hot cakes. Should we tenants … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: “Should we tenants be worried?”
2138 Beach…what happened?
“Hi Alex, Do you mind highlighting what happened to 2138 Beach St., $1.799 mil, 2000sqft? In my notes, i write that i saw it on July 24th and it went in contract already. It’s killing me not knowing what the property was.” Fear not. It was, actually still is, a “remodeled & spacious 3 bedroom, … Continue reading 2138 Beach…what happened?
Stump the Stammtisch: Whole Foods in Noe Valley?
A reader asks, and I don’t have the answer. Anyone? What’s the deal with the rumors about a Whole Foods on 24th St in Noe Valley? The Noe Valley Voice once again ran an article with shoddy reporting that doesn’t provide any answers. The Whole Foods website lists Noe Valley as a site with an … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: Whole Foods in Noe Valley?
TICs fetching the same price as condos?
I’m going to hope the Stammtisch comes through with a quick response to this reader’s question, as I am totally swamped right now. If they don’t I’ll get to your answer this weekend. Thanks for writing in. In Andy Sirkin’s famous online article on condo conversion in SF, the graph seems to suggest that vacant … Continue reading TICs fetching the same price as condos?
Just “Wondering”
A reader kindly asks about 2746 Gough #1 in Cow Hollow, and 120 Cherry in Presidio Heights, so I thought we’d give the answers. 120 Cherry is a home that hadn’t been on the market…ever, since it was built in 1923. (According to the “remarks”.) It is in Presidio Heights, is a trophy home, and … Continue reading Just “Wondering”
Stump the Stammtisch: Why do an off-market deal?
This question came to me from Sophie, a very avid reader of both theFrontSteps and the sfnewsletter. I’m hoping we can provide some insight. Dear Alex, I’m very puzzled by something that happens more often than I can understand in the SF market. Why would ANY party agree to an off-market deal? (VIP houses put … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: Why do an off-market deal?
Stump the Stammtisch: Refinancing our 3/1 ARM…
“Hello Front Steppers, We bought our SFR in 2004 and have a 3/1 ARM of $600K on a $1mil home. We can pay the newly adjusted amount without really changing our lifestyle, but we would like to refinance before the next rate adjustment in 10 months. With all that is going on in the mortgage … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: Refinancing our 3/1 ARM…
Stump the Stammtisch: “Have buyers become more conservative in their offers…”
I am only one small fish in the sea, and only represent a tiny portion of the real estate transactions taking place in San Francisco on a daily basis (yes, properties are still trading, and trading briskly). To assume that my experiences are an 100% accurate depiction of the market would be plain foolish. I … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: “Have buyers become more conservative in their offers…”
Various Updates (Alhambra, Sea Cliff, 22nd, Sacramento, Douglass, 27th, and more)
Our readers have been asking in various places about some properties we featured as of late. Since so many have asked so nicely here you go: 3280 22nd St @ Valencia, the “green” building that all the blogs were all hot about and many claiming wouldn’t sell. Guess what? Last week, in the middle of … Continue reading Various Updates (Alhambra, Sea Cliff, 22nd, Sacramento, Douglass, 27th, and more)
Sold? (64 Pierce)…a reader asks
Take note…flattery at the beginning of the paragraph grabs our attention and puts the email at the top of the list. Flattery at the end of the paragraph assures you can cut in line and get a quick response. A reader asks, [We answer]. “Hi- First off, just wanted to say that I enjoy your … Continue reading Sold? (64 Pierce)…a reader asks
The Faces of Real Estate
From a reader who chooses to remain “anon”: Just a question I’ve often wondered. Who’s idea was it to allow, or encourage Realtors to put their pictures all over everything from biz cards, to shopping carts, to buses, etc.? Why Realtors and not all the countless other professions out there? Good question. I don’t have … Continue reading The Faces of Real Estate