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?

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)

Comment du Jour: “Highest stakes table in Vegas”


I chose this comment for the “Comment du Jour”, as it is a very good, brief description of the mindset of many buyers currently in the market. Thanks “Ah Boom”, and thanks to all the others that have responded and shared their thoughts on that thread. You put your life savings down [on a home … Continue reading Comment du Jour: “Highest stakes table in Vegas”

Countrywide Short Sales, Pools, and Dark Clouds


I’ve been told a big wig at Countrywide has been forced to sell his home in Gilbert, AZ (Phoenix), for $700,000 600,000. (Oops…already pending at $700,000 with multiple offers after one week.) Apparently recent comps support a $900,000+ purchase price. So you see? It’s all about finding the silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud. … Continue reading Countrywide Short Sales, Pools, and Dark Clouds

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?

San Francisco Foreclosures UP!!!!!


Yup, it’s true. Foreclosures in San Francisco are up from a whopping 62 63 notices in 2006 to 65 in 2007, or 3%. Dave, it looks like you were one of a very few to get your hands on a foreclosure in San Francisco. Hats off to you. We anxiously await the story. As always, … Continue reading San Francisco Foreclosures UP!!!!!

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

Marketplace Updated


In case you haven’t checked it out yet, I have started a little Marketplace for myself, and my colleagues to do a little promoting. I will not be posting those items here, but I will periodically be doing little posts like this to remind you all about it. It’s what puts food on the table, … Continue reading Marketplace Updated