Ok, we must be near the bottom now. Manhattan has joined the fun!

At the risk of sounding bitter and petty (not for the 1st time, I'm sure), I found just a wee bit of glee to read in the New York Times that even holier-than-thou Manhattan real estate is feeling the downturn. Of course, be careful to understand the broader picture. Some neighborhoods have seen median home prices go down while others have seen their real estate values go up. Most notably, "the neighborhoods that fared the best through the third quarter included Fifth Avenue and Park … [Read more...]

Go out to dinner on Wednesday, November 19th. Support a good cause.

It's so easy. All you have to do is go out to eat in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 19th and who doesn't love to do that. We, San Franciscans, are particularly fond of the restaurant experience. We have the best food, wine and cocktails so it's a no-brainer. Oh, one more thing, you gotta dine at one of the participating restaurants. Good thing, there's plenty of yummy choices. Last year, we had a great time at Destino....not sure where we're headed this year. Stay tuned. More info at … [Read more...]

Off-Topic but Important: Please Vote NO on PROP 8 this Tuesday! Every Vote WILL Count.

I don't usually go political on this blog (except in support of affordable ownership housing in San Francisco) but I am making an exception b/c writing discrimination into our Constitution seems absurd and totally anti-American. Yet, the race is very, very close. Even the Economist understands how consequential this vote is for California and hence, the rest of the United States. "The hardest fought political race in California is not the presidential one, which will surely be a big win for … [Read more...]

For San Francisco Home Buyers, Why Have Your Own Realtor?

Frequently Asked Question: Why Have Your Own Buyer's Agent?* At the risk of overly exciting the bloggers over at Curbed SF with my scintillating content, I'd like to explain the benefits of working with your own agent (Realtor) when you are buying a home in a complex market like San Francisco. Top 10 Reasons It is Smart to Hire Your Own Agent When Purchasing a Home: It costs you nothing. Your agent works on a contingent basis as opposed to a retainer like a lawyer. Your buyer's agent will … [Read more...]

California Housing Prices Continue Down BUT Number of Home Sales Continue Up

According the 2009 California Housing Market Forecast from the California Association of Realtors, prices will continue to decline into early 2009 while the number of sales will continue to increase. Of course, we usually have a holiday/winter slowdown. What does this mean? On the one hand, prices continue to adjust downward. Most economists foresee the decline to level soon-ish. How's that for vague? On the other hand, more homes are selling than was projected. This signals the beginnings … [Read more...]

But my San Francisco condo’s value is down. Why on Earth would I trade-up now? Um, b/c it could make you money.

Trading Up in a Down Market: The Benefits I've blogged before about the benefits of trading up or moving up in a down or flat market like we have here in San Francisco (i.e. going from your "starter home" to one that has more room and the location you really want). However, I never took the time to actually lay out what I mean. Here goes. Example: You bought your starter condo for $600,000 at the top of the market which was 2004/2005. The place you really wanted (we'll call it your dream … [Read more...]

New California Law Affecting Animals Abandoned Due to Foreclosure

As an animal lover and guardian to two "special-needs" Pomeranians, I am sensitive to the plight of abandoned pets. You Tube Video: Pets Abadoned Due to Foreclosure Whether through natural disaster or more recently through homeowner or tenant displacement (think homeowner's foreclosure or eviction of tenant due to landlord's foreclosure), it is just awful that animals (mostly cats and dogs, I think) are being abandoned in record-breaking numbers. These animals depend on their human … [Read more...]

Just 5 of the Reasons Why I Wish I Was a San Francisco First Time Buyer Right Now

Just 5 of the Reasons Why I wish I was a First Time Buyer Right Now: 1. I'd finally have a **** chance to get my first choice home rather than lose out over and over again in outrageous bidding wars!! For the first time in many, many moons (most say since 1990-1991), San Francisco real estate is not a crazy seller's market. The playing field is MUCH more even. In some micro-markets, it is even a buyer's market. In general, the market is balanced and for a chronically "low supply / high … [Read more...]

Zephyr Fall Newsletter

Zephyr Fall Newsletter just came out.  Discussed are President Bush signing of a goundbreaking new law to strengthen the economy and aid homeowners, how to enjoy the Indian Summer, learning about how “walkable” your neighborhood is, and some information on how to prepare your home for the coming winter month and rain. Take a Look: File Attachment: Fall08.PDF (1559 KB)Tags: Zephyr+Real+Estate … [Read more...]

Melting Pot: Neighborhood Spotlight on the Richmond and Sunset Districts of San Francisco

The Richmond and the Sunset. Sometimes referred to as second Chinatown, home to a string of spirited Irish pubs, and crowded along its main thoroughfares with eateries of every nationality, th Richmond is a true cultural melting pot.  To start experimenting, walk down Clement Street and don’t be scared off by the lack of polish.  Delicious Chinese, Burmese Thai or Vietnamese food may be served in dining rooms that look a little rough around the edges.  The Plough & Stars, at the … [Read more...]