Calculating Square Footage in San Francisco: “Comment du Jour”


To think that I always choose snarky comments for the “Comment du Jour” would be silly. As I always say, the comments are full of information, but I know not all of you read or follow them. So…a reader (FogCityBrit) provides a horses mouth (City Assessor) account of calculating square footage: (An update on Chelsea … Continue reading Calculating Square Footage in San Francisco: “Comment du Jour”

What’s the square footage on that, and why’s it missing?


by Kenny, verbatim: This post is to question a common practice in the SF market. That is the practice of intentionally leaving the lot and block numbers (apn) information out of the MLS listing, entering instead 9999999 or else intentionally running the numbers into one another so that the hyperlink won’t load. I understand why … Continue reading What’s the square footage on that, and why’s it missing?

Large and in Charge (3730 Washington)


On May 14th of this year, we alluded to a “very big, very expensive” home that will be coming on the market. Since I just drove by and saw the sign out front, we’re finally letting you all know. That was a tough secret to keep, let me tell you. > 3730 Washington is coming … Continue reading Large and in Charge (3730 Washington)

The neighbors are “aghast”! (3809 Clay)


“This property [3809 Clay, a 3 bed, 3 bath in Presidio Heights] sold about three years ago (neighborhood rumor) to an agent, who modernized it then flipped [it] for around 1.4… note what it is listed for now. What do you think? We are aghast.” Well…I don’t like rumors, so I did a little digging, … Continue reading The neighbors are “aghast”! (3809 Clay)

Why Buy Hotel Condos?


by Janet Krahling (thanks Janet): People often ask “Why buy a private residence at the Four Seasons, St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco?” Here’s the simple answer: Imagine having exceptional high-end services in your home every single day and the potential investment upside associated with real estate, but without any of the headaches normally … Continue reading Why Buy Hotel Condos?

“Six offers, $260,000 over” (3299 Folsom)


From Kenny, in the comments: “WOW. This one [3299 Folsom in Bernal Heights] just sold [for $1,255,000]: Six offers. 260K over asking. 850 a foot. On Folsom! This is a neighbor of mine. I’m very fired up about this one.” I think your other neighbors are pretty fired up too. And for the “traders” wondering … Continue reading “Six offers, $260,000 over” (3299 Folsom)

Done Deal in the Marina and only $395,000 over (2330 Bay)


Our readers have come up with some good finds this last week, and thankfully I have some time to post them, so you can pick your jaw up off the ground along with the rest of us: Take a look at this. [2330 Bay] Closed in 21 days for almost $400,000 more [asking $2,495,000 selling … Continue reading Done Deal in the Marina and only $395,000 over (2330 Bay)

Benjamin Bratt sells SF Investment and “Your Mama” tells us how it is


I truly love when readers (thanks Shelley) send in links to other sites that truly make me laugh, and have a good grasp of the sf market, so I can quote them and not have to say it myself. Lest anyone think the sub-prime lending crisis and mortgage meltdown is having a huge affect on … Continue reading Benjamin Bratt sells SF Investment and “Your Mama” tells us how it is

The reasons for my absence: Market Activity on three levels


I know, I know. I’ve been MIA, but there is a reason. A good one. Or two. Actually three. You see, when I get caught up in this blog, reading comments, and reporting on what I see “virtually” I almost get the sense the market has cooled. It has cooled, but not nearly to the … Continue reading The reasons for my absence: Market Activity on three levels

1330 Chestnut…a done deal


I can’t believe how many people are asking me about 1330 Chestnut, and I haven’t had time to check (cough…bull shit!)…but it is now sold. Asking $1,495,000 sold $1,550,000 and only spent 15 days (during the mortgage crisis) on the market. Reminder: If you were to receive the sfnewsletter either from me, or your Realtor/Mortgage … Continue reading 1330 Chestnut…a done deal

Tiffany…you’re sooooo…in contract!? (95 Tiffany)


From kenny “Wow. This one surprised me. 7 days on the market? On Tiffany? If this isn’t an indicator that many micro-markets are thriving — not just the especially well heeled neighborhoods — I don’t know what is. In the middle of this scare, Tiffany street commands this type of activity?” Maybe it’s the green … Continue reading Tiffany…you’re sooooo…in contract!? (95 Tiffany)

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?

Hotel Luxury Condo’s Hold Their Value


by Janet Krahling Take a look at this comparison: Downtown Hotel Luxury Condos (St. Regis and Four Seasons Residences re-sales) vs. Pacific Heights Condos ($1m+ sales). This chart compares average price per square foot in 2006 vs. average price per square foot YTD in 2007, according to MLS data. The average price per square foot … Continue reading Hotel Luxury Condo’s Hold Their Value

“the place was crawling with people” (1422-24 14th Ave.)


Deferring to our readers on this one. I have not seen it. Thanks “anon8mizer” for the tip. Hi – Just an update on this building. I saw it on Sunday. The place was crawling with people. I thought i was back in 2004 when I was house hunting. Three types of visitors: 1) young couples/families … Continue reading “the place was crawling with people” (1422-24 14th Ave.)

comment du jour: 520 Clipper and being “green”


We get such a kick out of some of the comments that go un-noticed, we thought we’d grab a few from time to time. Today’s “quote du jour” comes from Joe Schmoe on “Go Green” regarding the Lorax Development Clipper House. Important to note before you see the quote, this home had features like “the … Continue reading comment du jour: 520 Clipper and being “green”

Find your way to the Mid-Century…modern (429 Burnett)


Sometimes you just have to show some pictures, and dream. Five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3 parking spaces, 3600 square feet, listed for $2,790,000 about a month ago, into contract about 10 days ago, and “very nice” (say that like Borat). It is indeed an “Entertainer’s Dream”, so don’t forget we make a great fresh lime … Continue reading Find your way to the Mid-Century…modern (429 Burnett)