Category: Inspection/Disclosure

Bay Area Liquefaction, Landslide, and Seismic Zones – Mapped

Lots of talk in the news these days about landfill, liquefaction, and general stability of property in and around San Francisco’s waterfront, and entire city for that matter (see “SF’s landmark tower for rich and famous is sinking and tilting“that hit newsstands and internets today [SF Gate/Chronicle]). Big news, no doubt, but what about the … Continue reading Bay Area Liquefaction, Landslide, and Seismic Zones – Mapped

Maximum Overbid Of The Week | “Corpse House” Wins | HazMat Suit Sold Separately

It’s the house that had not only a hoarder, but a mummified corpse father of said hoarder that takes top honors this week. Originally listed for $928,000, 152 4th Ave buyers jumped at this house, put it in contract for $1,029,500, and sent it to court for overbids. With the hoarding daughter hospitalized and hopefully … Continue reading Maximum Overbid Of The Week | “Corpse House” Wins | HazMat Suit Sold Separately

San Francisco “Soft Story” Retrofit Advisory – Some Details

I get a few questions from time to time about Earthquake retrofitting, liquefaction zones, when is the next quake going to be, and so on and so forth. The answer to all of those questions is the same, “I don’t have the answers, but there are other people who can help, and I’m happy to … Continue reading San Francisco “Soft Story” Retrofit Advisory – Some Details

What Makes A Room A Bedroom?

What is it exactly that makes that room a bedroom? The question has come across my email enough, and actually I think I even posted on it at some point. Well, it’s resurfaced and maybe time to hash it out, as the opinions on what makes a room a bedroom are anything but concrete. The … Continue reading What Makes A Room A Bedroom?

Fifty Percent Of Bay Area Water Heaters Not Properly Braced!

In a recent report sent to me via way of email I’ve learned that more than HALF of the Bay Area is living with improperly strapped/braced water heaters! A recent survey of water heater seismic bracing conducted by members of the Golden Gate Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors throughout the Bay Area … Continue reading Fifty Percent Of Bay Area Water Heaters Not Properly Braced!

The City Is On A Witch Hunt And They’re Looking At Your Un-Permitted Repairs/Alterations

This comes by way of email. (Of course, with permission from the author of said email.) So you can be guaranteed this is from one pro to another. Hello Everyone, First off, have any of you had any experiences or stories you can share that are on par with this one I am about to … Continue reading The City Is On A Witch Hunt And They’re Looking At Your Un-Permitted Repairs/Alterations

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?

Is the Infinity Condo SF Built on Bedrock?

We get all kinds of good search words driving traffic to theFrontSteps, but “MonsterTruck” still leads the pack for consistency. Recently we had quite a few people find the site searching “Bedrock SF” and more specifically “Is the Infinity condo sf built on bedrock”? For exact details, we’d suggest you contact the folks at the … Continue reading Is the Infinity Condo SF Built on Bedrock?

Department of Building Inspection increases fees for 3R (Report of Residential Building Record) to $160

If you think we come up with this legal mumbo jumbo reporting on our time, you’re nuts. This taken from the SFAR Advantage Online: The Department of Building Inspection is increasing the fee for 3R reports from $50 to $160. The increase is part of a comprehensive adjustment of permit and inspection fees designed to … Continue reading Department of Building Inspection increases fees for 3R (Report of Residential Building Record) to $160

You wanna re-think that staging!?!

by Rik Goodell I have little talent for design. Actually I’m still fond of the cable-spool, coffee table I had in college. So it goes without saying that I believe staging, done right, unquestionably helps present a property in its best light. It makes small spaces look more useful and large spaces look more functional; … Continue reading You wanna re-think that staging!?!

The first step to remodeling

by Rik Goodell: Before calling contractors for a remodel project or an addition, do your homework so you’re ready when they get there. Talk it over with your partner (husband, wife, lover, live-in, significant other…these things were easier to write when I still thought “PC” meant personal computer). Make a list of what each of … Continue reading The first step to remodeling

149 Mangels, the $524,000 “dump” that slid away…no fault of the property.

The money Realtor quote, “We just sold this dump for $125,000 over asking price! Imagine what your property is worth!” That dump was “built in 1909 and completed in 1910 for $750”, came on the market for $400,000 (memory tells me it was actually $399k), and sold for $524,500. In case you missed the article … Continue reading 149 Mangels, the $524,000 “dump” that slid away…no fault of the property.

READ THE DISCLOSURES and PRELIMINARY TITLE REPORT!

Sure to raise quite a hullabaloo in the real estate community, this article that ran on the Examiner about a woman who unknowingly purchased a below market rate unit at market rate prices, and would now like to sell it at market rate, but can’t, should be a wake up call to our little real … Continue reading READ THE DISCLOSURES and PRELIMINARY TITLE REPORT!

149 Mangels…Still a Story, but Not a House (Demo begins)

The media is having a field day with this one…as expected. We are too. ;-) And of course we’re waiting to see who spins this into a “the market has crashed” metaphor. Hopefully, this will uncover a lot of the red-tape necessary to get anything accomplished with regards to renovating or doing any work to … Continue reading 149 Mangels…Still a Story, but Not a House (Demo begins)

149 Mangels…Before, After, and What Could Have Been

Before: After: What could have been: We can’t emphasize enough, the importance of inspections, and hiring qualified professionals to do renovations for you. Sold in December 2006 for $524,250, and yes…it was overbid from $399,950.  What a shame.  A total and complete shame.  So sad.  –Home Collapses in Sunnyside Neighborhood in SF [sfgate] –Getting Back Your … Continue reading 149 Mangels…Before, After, and What Could Have Been