Bay Area sales volume down 9.8%, median price up 6.9%


“In the Bay Area, the [California Association of Realtors] said sales volume was down 9.8 percent from last year, while the median price was $841,660, up 6.9 percent from $787,540 last July.” –Home sales still weak in California and throughout the country [sfgate]

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

Battle Royale: Hayes Valley or Haight Ashbury, if you had to choose


We’ve been having lots of fun with the other Battles: Outer Richmond v. Outer Sunset and Pacific Heights v. Marina, so today we give you Hayes Valley or Haight Ashbury. The choice is yours. As always, we provide the data, and hope you provide the insight. Have fun. Sorry for the tech difficulties, it’s not … Continue reading Battle Royale: Hayes Valley or Haight Ashbury, if you had to choose

comment du jour: Will prices fall in SF?


From Kenny on “What’s Going on in the Mortgage Market”, and indeed something we’d all like to know. Yes, median prices have fallen in some areas (mostly when talking YOY), but we’d like to know what you all think. The million dollar question: “Whether or not prices will fall in SF…” Indeed that is the … Continue reading comment du jour: Will prices fall in SF?

“…deals can be found now”


From a reader to you. I anxiously await the story, along with a few other readers, I’m sure. “There’s very, very little to select from in the foreclosure arena in San Francisco. However, I am currently in contract on a bank-owned property. It’s a single family home in a desirable neighborhood. We offered about 25% … Continue reading “…deals can be found now”

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…

Green Home Tour San Francisco


Continuing the green thoughts, we receive some information from our green experts about a green tour, which might save you some green, and ultimately help green this city. However, you might keep the Land Rover LR3 parked in your green garage for this tour. ;-) by Tiffany Elston San Francisco’s first green home tour Build … Continue reading Green Home Tour San Francisco

“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”

Verbatim: fewer than 1% of all residential mortgages in foreclosure


“…. There are some $10 trillion of residential mortgages outstanding in America. Only 15 percent of those are subprime mortgages, and only some 12-13 percent of those mortgages are delinquent (payment overdue for more than 30 days), with even fewer, perhaps 5-6 percent in foreclosure. That is fewer than 1 percent of all residential mortgages….” … Continue reading Verbatim: fewer than 1% of all residential mortgages in foreclosure

Pardonnez moi monsieur, mais vous avez dit “+79.7%”?


We often compare trophy cities (London, Sydney, Paris, Tokyo, etc.) of the world to San Francisco, and in my humble opinion, we’re not quite trophy, but on our way. If we got rid of Chris Daly, maybe we could get there. Regardless, a reader sends us this quote and link: “And we thought prices were … Continue reading Pardonnez moi monsieur, mais vous avez dit “+79.7%”?

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…”

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)

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)

What’s been happening locally


by Meagan Levitan I’m not even going to start speculating on where the San Francisco market is heading after this week’s mega-headlines about the loan market. Needless to say, though, difficulty getting jumbo loans COULD affect the San Francisco market but it is too soon to tell. So…I’ll just talk about what’s been happening locally … Continue reading What’s been happening locally

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