What is a walk score? Washington Post wrote, "Walkscore.com ranks communities nationwide (and soon, globally) based on how many businesses, parks, theaters, schools and other common destinations are within walking distance of any given starting point." Being in San Francisco most properties have a high walk score. We have been showing our listing's own walk score as a marketing point. It almost seems obvious that a higher walk score can add value to your property. Wall Street … [Read more...]
Hupt two three four…Can Your Walk Score Increase Your Property Value?
Filed Under: For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Selling, Hot FAQ
The Economist says the worst of America’s real estate downturn is over and you’ve been thinking of selling your San Francisco home, what to do now?
January 2nd's The Economist notes, "House prices are still far above their fair value in many countries - though no longer in America." Of course, the article does warn that "a further downward leg is possible since past housing busts have pushed priced below their fair value..." but those of us in the San Francisco real estate market have seen time and again that SF is the last to go down and the first to go up (or, at least, amongst the last and first.) So what if you own a home in, say, … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, Home Selling, Home Selling
I want to sell my current San Francisco home and buy another one either here in SF or in another area. How does this work? Is there a way to time it so I am not “in-between” homes? How do I know how much I can afford in my next home?
Question: I want to sell my current San Francisco home and buy another one either here in SF or in another area. How does this work? What is a good time line for buying and selling? Is there a way to time it so I am not "in-between" homes? How do I know how much I can afford in my next home? Answer: Whether you want to sell your home right away or just sometime in the next year, there are some simple things which, when done ahead of time, will increase your chances of getting the highest return … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Sellers, Home Selling, Home Selling, Hot FAQ Tagged With: buy and sell a home, time line of buying and selling
San Francisco Home Listings & Real Estate Market Data: Are we our neighbors?
San Francisco Home Listings: Are we our neighbors? Last Sunday, the Chronicle printed an article about a slowdown in the luxury market. As usual, San Francisco real estate listings were lumped into the broader Bay Area market. Given that I'm a big believer in all real estate is local (but you gotta understand global to interpret), I was curious to see how the market dynamics would compare between the published Bay Area statistics and just San Francisco City and County. Let's find out! … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, Home Buying, Home Selling, San Francisco Real Estate Tagged With: 2008 vs. 2009 real estate, Luxury Real Estate Market, The SF Chronicle
San Francisco Real Estate Market Rebound
As stated by Hank Plante with cbs5.com, “More home sales in the last two weeks then in previous six months.” If a property is priced right it will generate offers…42 for one Seller. Click here to learn more with a cbs5’s video report. And read any/all comments posted regarding this report at FrontSteps.com Tags: San+Francisco+real+estate+market, Hank+Plante … [Read more...]
Yeah, it’s a great time to buy but is it a great time to buy…for YOU?
Yes, friends, that is the real question. I don't have to tell you that right now is an uber-fantastic, once in a generation real estate buying opportunity because you already know that! The combination of LOW mortgage rates and declining prices makes a perfect storm for first time buyers and "trade-up" buyers (those who have owned their starter homes for 5+ years and are ready to move up the food chain). Yeah, you're tuned in. You know this part. What you may not know is that just because it's … [Read more...]
Filed Under: First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Home Selling, San Francisco Real Estate Tagged With: great time to buy, San Francisco Real Estate, trading up
Follow SFHotlist on Twitter
Follow us on Twitter and get even more info on SF real estate! C'mon, it'll be fun. I may even throw in random real estate agent embarrassing tidbits to keep it interesting. For example, did you know that Zephyr agents attended an etiquette class last Friday? Well, they called it "Image Consulting" but it felt a lot like the etiquette I learned at my snotty all-girls prep school in Dallas! ;) Sign up now! http://twitter.com/SFHOTLIST or look to your right and down. … [Read more...]
Filed Under: First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Home Selling, San Francisco Real Estate Tagged With: SFHotlist, twitter
San Francisco Real Estate in 2009: Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
"Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs..." So, what are the signs we should look for to help us forecast San Francisco real estate? I'm gonna "KISS" 2008 good-bye with 4 "Keep It Simple, Stupid" topics to keep an eye on. The 4 Pillars of 2009 San Francisco Real Estate Forecasting Foreclosures, Short Sales, Bank-Owned Properties (REOs): Loan modification programs Ease of Credit: Jumbo Loan Options and Availability Interest Rates General climate: What's the "feeling" on the street, at … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Home Selling, San Francisco Real Estate Tagged With: 2009 forecast, 4 pillars, signs of the market
2008 was gr8 but 2009 will shine.
( The following is a reprint of the annual holiday letter I wrote for my clients, friends and real estate associates. A few of you suggested that I publish it on the blog so at the risk of going a little personal, here goes! I hope you find it helpful as we move forward into a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009.... ) Dear SFHotlist reader and San Francisco real estate devotee, Every year, I write a holiday letter. And, as is my way, it is usually geared more towards the New Year and its hope … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Home Selling, San Francisco Real Estate Tagged With: 2008 holiday letter
Zephyr Head Honcho Makes the Cover!
Well, it's not particularly great news but it's pretty fair and accurate considering how not so long ago the lovely Chron real estate folks seemed to only like to trash us agents. In the slowdown, have they decided to stop biting the hand that feeds them? Yet, I regress. I don't have time right now to pontificate (yes, you are so sad) because I'm on my way to a signing, aka closing appointment. Yes, folks are buying homes in San Francisco. In this case, they're buying a great single family in … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Home Selling Tagged With: bill drypolcher, home buying, Home Selling, real estate meltdown, sf real estate market
