How I Closed Two Homes in Marin Last Month and Why It Matters


Marin and San Francisco real estate are similar beasts, except for one glaring caveat: amazing vs mediocre public schools. Single Family homes in both area’s sell for relatively similar amounts with similar buyer profiles. Given their close proximity and interdependence on each other, both area’s are on the radar of prospective buyers with a major … Continue reading How I Closed Two Homes in Marin Last Month and Why It Matters

If You are in the Market to Buy a Home, the Time is Now


“I believe that beginning with next month’s CPI Report (May 10th) and continuing through the summer, inflation will trend downward, only at a much faster pace. And while it may seem counter-intuitive, if you are in the market to buy a home, we suggest using today’s potentially higher interest rates to negotiate a discount from sellers, and … Continue reading If You are in the Market to Buy a Home, the Time is Now

What Is My Home Worth? Why Online Valuations Stink, So Do Appraisers


“What do you think my home is worth?” “How’s the market?” By far, the two most asked questions of any real estate agent. We’d venture as to say the latter is more common, but the former is certainly something on everyone’s mind. So how do you answer this, and how do you, the person not … Continue reading What Is My Home Worth? Why Online Valuations Stink, So Do Appraisers

Is COPA half full or half empty?


Did you know that SF supervisors passed legislation to give non-profits the right of first offer and refusal to purchase a multi-unit building? They sure did. It was supposed to go into full effect on June 2, 2019, but it seems there are few kinks to iron out. The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community … Continue reading Is COPA half full or half empty?

SOLD | 1177 California #1024, Nob Hill, San Francisco


I’m pleased to announce the successful off market purchase of an awesome unit at Gramercy Towers in San Francisco’s one and only Nob Hill district. My clients got word of this new listing, called me up, and we snagged it before it had a chance to go to MLS. They are thrilled, seller is happy, … Continue reading SOLD | 1177 California #1024, Nob Hill, San Francisco

Featured Today On SFGate: 3 Of My Recent Transactions


High prices? No problem. Homes in Bay Area selling faster than anywhere else in the nation: http://t.co/1OOsIcC27D pic.twitter.com/qp1HOxjau7 — SFGate (@SFGate) April 16, 2015 I wouldn’t have been able to achieve these successful sales without the epic staging by Katrina Schissel of GiGi Park, my great photographers, my in house team, and especially my amazing … Continue reading Featured Today On SFGate: 3 Of My Recent Transactions

Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 5 And Beyond: Depends On How Step 4 Goes


There is one guarantee after writing an offer on a property in San Francisco, and that is there is no guarantee you’ll get the property. With multiple offers all too common, sellers holding the upper hand, extremely low inventory, and thousands of buyers in the market, writing an offer is only part of the property … Continue reading Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 5 And Beyond: Depends On How Step 4 Goes

Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 4: Make An Offer (Choose A Realtor)


Here you are, having completed Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 of the home buying process in San Francisco. Now what? This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. You’ve found the perfect (or almost perfect) property, you’re educated on the market, you’ve seen what other comparable properties are selling for, you love the … Continue reading Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 4: Make An Offer (Choose A Realtor)

Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 2: Get New Listings Fed To You Automatically


Yesterday, we educated you on the first and most important step in the San Francisco home buying process, so today we’re moving on… Step 2 – Get New Listings Fed To You Automatically (via Email or Text) Our market moves fast, and so must you. You might have thought the next step would be to … Continue reading Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 2: Get New Listings Fed To You Automatically

A Few Things To Consider When You’re Considering Selling Your Home


This is a video that every home seller everywhere, in every market, in every price level needs to watch. There is so much good information along the lines of “you just gotta do it”, and take the advice of the expert (your Realtor) when doing so. We know what we’re doing, and we’re here to … Continue reading A Few Things To Consider When You’re Considering Selling Your Home

San Francisco Real Estate Market Update, Recent Sales, And IPO Madness


Another week, another issue of sfnewsletter sent. All kinds of great market info and real estate p*rn for you to peruse. Including many off market opportunities I’ve already mentioned here. Have a great weekend! –Latest issue of sfnewsletter/MarketTracker

San Francisco Fog, Wind, And Micro-Climates…So Where Should You Buy Your Home?


Long time readers will remember this one… 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 … Continue reading San Francisco Fog, Wind, And Micro-Climates…So Where Should You Buy Your Home?

Buying San Francisco Real Estate Is As Easy As…Not Giving Up Before You Start!


I’ve been getting a few phone calls and emails from potential buyers looking to get into the San Francisco market, and their general mood is that of despair…mostly because of my latest posts about how hot the market (particularly Cole Valley) is right now. I’ll just come right out and apologize for giving the impression … Continue reading Buying San Francisco Real Estate Is As Easy As…Not Giving Up Before You Start!

Wanted: John Maniscalco (Designed Home)


It’s good to be loved…especially when you have buyers out there looking for one of your previously designed homes. In this case, the love is for a John Maniscalco designed residence like this… …or perhaps, since it did just snow up Tahoe way, a little ski hut to get you through the winter… Property owners … Continue reading Wanted: John Maniscalco (Designed Home)

When Someone Hands You Lemons….


Do you, my dear readers, remember this property I mentioned back in July? I showed it to a couple of buyers that came forward after that post. It didn’t work for them for various reasons, but at least they came forward and saw the opportunities I’ve been presenting you. The rest of you will now … Continue reading When Someone Hands You Lemons….

Ask Us: Does Blogging Work For Real Estate?


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?