“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…
Category: theFrontSteps
What’s going on in the mortgage industry
by Miles Grant WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY? I have been getting calls from Realtors and principles asking if we are still going to be able to fund loans, and other questions. Following is a list of questions and answers. What is going on? Most lenders sell to Wall Street and Wall Street … Continue reading What’s going on in the mortgage industry
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
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)
Market Update
by Alexander Clark via sfnewsletter charts, data, and trends The negative reports about our market continue to bombard us and are definitely taking their toll on many people and transactions. However, like always, it’s not as bad as it is made out to be. Here is a list of all the properties that went into … Continue reading Market Update
Bernal Heights strikes again (145 Coso…$309,000 over)
We’re not making this up, but it might help answer the question, “is Bernal on Fuego or Hielo?” All pricing issues aside, this is a pretty damn good find. Thanks Garrett: 145 Coso, a 3-bed, 2-bath, 13 days on the market and $309,000 above asking, which brings the sales price to $1,408,000 in Bernal. No … Continue reading Bernal Heights strikes again (145 Coso…$309,000 over)
Tour de San Francisco (real estate)…Miraloma Park
Once again we defer, or refer, you to sfnewsletter’s Tour de San Francisco (real estate) and their look at Miraloma Park. It is your best source for information regarding San Francisco’s micro-markets. Enjoy! –Tour de San Francisco (real estate) [sfnewsletter]
The legwork of hiring the right contractor
by Rik Goodell Given the elusive market conditions (by “elusive” I mean that no one, including me, really seems to be able to decide what to call it) many owners are likely to be remaining owners – rather than sellers – for the time being. Owners that need more space or a better space, may … Continue reading The legwork of hiring the right contractor
Converted warehouse, converted price…now you!
This converted live/work loft South of Market was interesting at $1,500,000 in ’05. Of course it was interesting at $1,175,000 and $1,349,000, also in ’05 but we’re thinking $1,350,000 in ’07 is the magic number. 1 Bernice [mls]
Sales Center Opening for Caledonia at Post
We haven’t had the chance to go check out the sales center at 2161 Sutter (between Pierce and Steiner in Lower Pacific Heights) for Caledonia at Post, but we were one of many to get the email announcing the opening of said sales center, and we’re passing it on to you. Along with the opening, … Continue reading Sales Center Opening for Caledonia at Post
The Faces of Real Estate
From a reader who chooses to remain “anon”: Just a question I’ve often wondered. Who’s idea was it to allow, or encourage Realtors to put their pictures all over everything from biz cards, to shopping carts, to buses, etc.? Why Realtors and not all the countless other professions out there? Good question. I don’t have … Continue reading The Faces of Real Estate
If I bought my home in 2000 then today it’d be worth…
Link provided by DL…thanks! According to the Consumer Price Index calculations found on this page, which are supposed to take inflation into consideration, if in 2000, you bought a home for $500,000 then today in 2007, your home should be worth $580,508. If in 2007 you buy a home worth $1,000,000 then in 2000 that … Continue reading If I bought my home in 2000 then today it’d be worth…
Keep pumping the bull shit, and the public will likely keep buying it
…and the downward spiral will continue until everyone forgets about it. We’re not denying the real estate market has/is experiencing a bit of a shake up, but all the “sky is falling” reporting is getting a bit tiring, and in no way an entirely accurate representation of the San Francisco real estate market. Don’t call … Continue reading Keep pumping the bull shit, and the public will likely keep buying it
Battle Royale: Outer Richmond or Outer Sunset/Parkside…if you had to choose
Our last attempt at a healthy discussion as to whether you’d choose Pacific Heights or the Marina kind of took a turn for the worse when comments got a little heated and were taken a bit personally, but that isn’t stopping us from trying again. So…if you had to choose, Outer Richmond or Outer Sunset/Parkside, … Continue reading Battle Royale: Outer Richmond or Outer Sunset/Parkside…if you had to choose