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”
The jury is in on the Transbay Terminal
Yet another reason I HIGHLY recommend you subscribe to the San Francisco Business Times or at least periodically check their site. The jury is in on the Transbay Terminal: The jury charged with ranking three proposals for San Francisco’s tallest building and the new Transbay Terminal has picked the team of developer Hines and architect … Continue reading The jury is in on the Transbay Terminal
Done Deal in Outer Parkside (2342 42nd)
What feels like ages ago on April 11th, I wrote about 2342 42nd Avenue: …in August of 2006 this property was listed at $1,095,000, then in March of 2007 listed at $899,000, now it is listed at $1,295,000. If it sells at $1,295,000, I’m packing up and moving to Mexico, because that would be just … Continue reading Done Deal in Outer Parkside (2342 42nd)
Tour de San Francisco (real estate)…Forest Hill Extension
Wondering where I’ve been? Busy with the sfnewsletter, selling property, and the Tour. Check it out. This week is Forest Hill Extension.
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
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
Mattell Recalls Toys…Again!
Why is this significant to real estate? Because it has given the media something else to beat to death, which is pushing the mortgage reporting to the bottom of the pages, and allowing a healthy market to return. We can also thank Felix and Henriette for turning their attention elsewhere.
Welcome two new members of the Stammtisch
I just wanted to send a quick post welcoming two more experts to our panel: Miles Grant a mortgage expert. Mark Choey a downtown, new development expert. If you are a reader, like “wondering”, and “anon8mizer”, and you’d like your “name” added to our Stammtisch, just let me know. Otherwise, keep spreading the word, and … Continue reading Welcome two new members of the Stammtisch
Stump the Stammtisch: Whole Foods in Noe Valley?
A reader asks, and I don’t have the answer. Anyone? What’s the deal with the rumors about a Whole Foods on 24th St in Noe Valley? The Noe Valley Voice once again ran an article with shoddy reporting that doesn’t provide any answers. The Whole Foods website lists Noe Valley as a site with an … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: Whole Foods in Noe Valley?
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)
Dukck Hunting Season has begun
That’s my way of saying Labor Day is in the past, the phone is “gringing” (Anyone know the joke that goes with that?), emails are flying, and the buzz has begun. More listings are slowly creeping onto the market, sellers are getting a bit more confidence, “real” buyers are still out there in droves, and … Continue reading Dukck Hunting Season has begun
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?
SF getting hurt by subprime crisis?
A quote and a link from Damion Matthews…to an article that is quite representative of a lot of what is going on in some parts of the city, and not at all representative of a lot of what is going on in many parts of the city. Get that? ;-) Read it again. In and … Continue reading SF getting hurt by subprime crisis?
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”
How to buy a foreclosure in San Francisco
by “Dave”…a reader that seems to have just scored a great home. Important detail he left out, and what I’m dying to know…did you use a Realtor? As I mentioned before, there wasn’t much magic in my purchase. The house was listed on MLS like everything else but was disclosed as an REO. I had … Continue reading How to buy a foreclosure in San Francisco
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?