Archive for July, 2009

« Newer Entries
h1

Pocket Listings for 7/15/2009

July 15, 2009

What is a pocket listing? A pocket listing is a home that is not being advertised to the general public through the MLS or a listing that will come on the market in the future but right now is still a secret. Many homes in San Francisco sell while off the open market, so pocket listing culture is a big deal. Each week, we’ll be sharing info about pocket listings that we know of (most of them anyway- some have to remain completely confidential).

Information on pocket listings is sparse and secretive, so pardon us if we seem short on details for the purposes of our blog. If you are interested in learning more about a particular listing you can click HERE to contact us. Without further ado, here are this week’s pocket listings:

Pocket Listings!!
Out of our pocket and over to you

To see this week’s pocket listings, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Pocket Listings, Tips | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments »

h1

Tuesday Tour Show-Stoppers XV

July 15, 2009

The perennial “July lull” in the local real estate market is just about over as we saw many new listings come out this past week.  It’s a shame our Tuesday Tour was abbreviated due to prior engagements, but we still managed to see a number of new offerings in Districts 6, 7 and 8.  Here are some of the homes that struck us as “excellent” on tour this week – all receiving 4 out of 5 stars.

There's something about the first part of July that makes agents lazy.

There's something about the first part of July that makes agents lazy.

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Public Listings, Show-Stoppers | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Does San Francisco have a foreclosure problem?

July 14, 2009

There it is… the big bad F-word.  We ran across an article today that talked a bit about San Francisco’s ranking in the foreclosure pecking order, and we have to say, we’re not all that surprised.  We rarely hear about foreclosure sales in the City and when we do, they’re oftentimes south of I-280 or near Stonestown Galleria.  A few have reared their ugly heads South of Market and in South Beach, but overall, the City has largely dodged bullets with respect to foreclosures.

San Francisco County as a whole registered the lowest foreclosure sale rate of any county in California during June, logging just 70 foreclosure sales. That’s one per 11,779 residents.  Marin and San Mateo Counties also made appearances in the top five for least number of foreclosure sales in June.  The worst county in the Bay Area for foreclosures was Contra Costa County (one per 1,127 residents), and Merced County the worst in the state (with one per 605 residents).

So to answer the question, “Does San Francisco have a foreclosure problem”… we’d have to say that relatively speaking, NO, it does not.

Full article HERE, and thanks to J.K. Dineen and the SF Business Times for the stats.

What does YOUR exit look like?
What does YOUR exit look like?

To share this article, continue reading –>


Bookmark and Share

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment »

h1

Condo Market Showdown – SOMA vs North of California Street

July 12, 2009

It’s time to battle.  The first half of ’09 is over and we’re anxious to see which condo market has fared better through the roughest patch of real estate roadway we’ve driven over in quite some time.

It's time to battle! Is Obama about to flick McCain's ear? Nice.

It's time to battle! Is Obama about to flick McCain's ear? Nice.

In this analysis, we compared condominium median trends in two large market areas.  The first is what we’ll refer to as “SOMA”, and includes South of Market, South Beach, and Mission Bay.  See districts 9d, 9f, and 9h on THIS map.

The second market area is what we’ll refer to as “North of California” and includes the neighborhoods of the Marina, Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, North Waterfront, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill.  Districts 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d may be seen on THIS map, and 8c, 8d, 8e, 8g, and 8h, on THIS map.

The two market areas we defined differ significantly from one another.  We’ve written about SOMA’s higher inventory levels in the past, and since the overall market has taken a turn for the worse, we would like to see if those inventory levels have indeed affected values.  North of California has tighter inventory levels and less growth (in the form of newly built homes).  It seems more stable, but what will the numbers say?  Lets find out, shall we?!?

To see the charts, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Nerdy RE Analysis, Micro-Level Info, Neighborhood Info, Getting Granular | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Want to live in a walker’s paradise?

July 9, 2009

Chance are, you already do! (if you’re a local reader)

Walkscore.com just came out with its annual “walkability” rankings for cities around the U.S. and San Francisco was again the top choice.  Walkscore takes data from over 2,500 neighborhoods nationwide to come up with the rankings, which places the top 40 walkable cities in order.  Here is a glimpse of the top cities:

  1. SF
  2. NY
  3. Boston
  4. Chi-Town
  5. Philly
  6. Seattle
  7. DC
  8. Long Beach (aka, the LBC)
  9. LA
  10. Portland (Oregon, not Maine)

Check out the awesome “heat” map on Walkscore which gives you a visual representation of where SF’s most walkable areas are located.  They also rank our neighborhoods — here is a glimpse of the top 10:

  1. Chinatown
  2. Financial District
  3. Downtown
  4. North Beach
  5. Mission
  6. Nob Hill
  7. Pacific Heights
  8. SOMA
  9. Western Addition
  10. Haight Ashbury
Screenshot of Walkscore heat map for SF and neighborhood rankings

Screenshot of Walkscore heat map for SF and neighborhood rankings

Being able to walk to shops, grocery stores,restaurants, banks, and bars is a huge lifestyle upgrade that we SF’ers should never take for granted.  Anyone who’s lived in a sprawling metropolis knows what we’re talking about.  So while other cities waste their time sitting in traffic inhaling gas fumes, go out for a walk, breathe in the cool, fresh ocean air, and enjoy the weather!  (and pat yourself on the back for consuming less oil AND for living in such an amazing city)

To share this article, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Countdowns & Rankings, News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Pocket Listings for 7/8/2009

July 8, 2009

What is a pocket listing? A pocket listing is a home that is not being advertised to the general public through the MLS or a listing that will come on the market in the future but right now is still a secret. Many homes in San Francisco sell while off the open market, so pocket listing culture is a big deal. Each week, we’ll be sharing info about pocket listings that we know of (most of them anyway- some have to remain completely confidential).

Information on pocket listings is sparse and secretive, so pardon us if we seem short on details for the purposes of our blog. If you are interested in learning more about a particular listing you can click HERE to contact us. Without further ado, here are this week’s pocket listings:

Pocket Listings!!
Out of our pocket and over to you

To see this week’s pocket listings, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Pocket Listings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Second Wave on the Way?

July 6, 2009

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the “second wave”.  Although it seems like we’ve made it through the rough patch and confidence is slowly on the rise, many pundits agree that another blow to the economy could be coming our way.  True, it’s tough to imagine another October ’08 or a frozen real estate market– the kind reminiscent of this past November thru February.  But it could happen as unemployment continues to rise, ARMs reset, and foreclosures spike again.

An article from the SF Business Times was published today that highlights some of the ominous, looming forces that have yet to fully play out in the markets.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  While we don’t deny there is another wave coming, we’re curious how it will compare to the first one… particularly since there has been so much government intervention.  As the article states, the size of the second wave could hinge upon Obama’s reappointment (or not) of Bernanke, whose term ends in February.  Guess we’ll see how things shake out, and we’ll be prepped with boogie boards (or life preservers, depending).

Click HERE to read the article in full.

It's coming, but how big will it be?

It's coming, but how big will it be?

To share this article, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Google Maps Gets More RE Functionality

July 6, 2009

Google Maps has come a long way since its creation.  With recently added functionality such as street views, points of interest layers, and real estate search, Google Maps continues to grow in its ubiquity.  We stumbled upon THIS article regarding Google Maps’ real estate search features, and thought some of you may be interested in checking it out.  We’ve found the real estate listing results to be fairly decent, and the interface addictive.

Try it out HERE.  And if you’re bored and want a few giggles, check out StreetViewFun.

Google maps puts a dot everywhere there is a listing

Google maps puts a dot everywhere there is a listing

Click a dot for details

Click a dot for details

To share this article, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Home Buying, Neat Stuff & Gadgets, Public Listings, Tips | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

A pad for you and a park for the pooch

July 6, 2009

A top floor Edwardian condo in Hayes Valley hit the market earlier today at 119 Pierce.  The remodeled 3BR/1BA home caught our eye with its dog-friendly location… just a stone’s (or tennis ball’s) throw from Duboce Park.  Listed at $1,099,000, the home features a remodeled kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets, granite countertops, an island, breakfast bar and a wine fridge.  Although the condo has just one bathroom, it’s nicely appointed with double marble vanities and an oversized tub.  The early 1900′s home is full of charm, with a formal dining room, coved ceilings, and two fireplaces.  We’re looking forward to seeing it in person, and may stop off at the park to play fetch with the pups.

Click HERE to see the listing on the MLS.

Remodeled kitchen at 119 Pierce

Remodeled kitchen at 119 Pierce

Duboce Park is a dog-lovers heaven!

Duboce Park is a dog-lovers heaven!

For more photos, continue reading –>

Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Hayes Valley, Public Listings, Taking You Inside | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Happy Fourth of July

July 3, 2009

Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone.  We’ll be back on Monday with our regularly scheduled programming.  In the meantime, enjoy some tariff-free tea, crack open a Sam Adams, and wave your stars and stripes.  Cheers!

Kaboom

Kaboom

Posted in Announcements | Leave a Comment »

h1

Field Trip to Ross!

July 2, 2009

We’re sure many of you are already breaking for a long weekend, so the time is ripe for a little field trip up north.  Get your parents to sign those permission slips so we can hop on the bus and head out!

Destination?  1 Upper Road in Ross.  Mission?  To scope out a new $17.5 million listing that three of our colleagues just listed.  This amazing estate features a mansion, five auxiliary buildings, a tennis court, swimming pool, pool cabana, redwood grove, spa facility, car barn, meandering nature trails, creek, and suspension bridge… sprawled out on 3 acres of Northern California paradise.

If you’re curious how the other half lives, or just appreciate fine real estate, you might get a kick out the website and photo galleries.  Want a tour in person?  It’s by private showing only, of course, so call us if it’s just what you’ve been looking for. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

1 Upper Road in Ross

1 Upper Road in Ross

A leafy green paradise

A leafy green paradise

Car barn

Car barn (cars sold separately)

For more info on this home, continue reading –> Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Field Trips, Public Listings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

« Newer Entries
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.