Danielle Lazier

Spring Market Outlook

It’s true that after several months of decent home sales, we saw a dip in January. It’s also true that a slow down at this time of year is typical for San Francisco. People have other things on their minds (holidays, lousy weather, etc.) and will normally wait until early Spring to re-focus on selling or buying real estate.

At last, it appears that we have returned to the market normalcy that existed prior to the boom of 2003 through 2006. Every indication is that we have turned a corner with the market statistics and that home sales have at least stabilized, if not begun to rebound.

We have everything going for us; mortgage interest rates, great home prices and the ever resilient San Francisco real estate market.

They say that the numbers don’t lie. Comparing the last year’s three month period of November 1st through January 31st to this year’s we have some pretty good results. Last year, 761 sales city-wide, this year 1182 sales. Also, last year’s median sale price for the same time frame was $685,000, while this year’s median was $719,000 (these numbers included SFDs, Condos and 2-4 unit buildings). Not too shabby!

The numbers for each neighborhood can differ tremendously from the City-wide data. As they say, our neighborhood sales vary like our micro-climates!

The real test of market recovery will be the numbers that we see for the coming three months, so stay tuned!

San Francisco’s Refreshing Green Initiatives Help Property Owners

In these difficult economic times, San Francisco stays ahead of the curve with environmental initiatives that accomplish multiple goals at once by creating jobs, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases, and helping property owners improve their home’s value.

Most recently, Mayor Gavin Newsom signed legislation creating an innovative new program to finance energy-efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and other environmental improvements to San Francisco residential and commercial buildings. Inspired by the success of the city’s GoSolarSF incentive program, this as-yet-unnamed program will help property owners pay the sometimes out-of-reach upfront costs of installing major environmental improvements. With financing attached to the property and paid back through a special line item on the property tax bill over the life of the improvements, costs become more manageable.

“With almost half of San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions being produced by our homes and local buildings, this new green financing program will drastically curb San Francisco’s carbon footprint and reduce the strain on our regional water supply,” said District 1 Supervisor Eric Mar. “It will also help put San Franciscans to work through our growing green jobs academies and programs.”

To that end, it was also recently announced that the city will receive $19.2 million in funding for energy efficiency programs through the San Francisco Energy Watch program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“San Francisco’s energy-efficiency programs demonstrate how protecting the environment creates jobs and helps businesses and property owners save money” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “To dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we have to be responsible stewards of our buildings and facilities. That’s why we are leveraging all these funds to create green jobs and further our environmental goals.”

$11.5 million of that funding will go toward the San Francisco Energy Watch Program, which offers businesses and multifamily building owners free on-site assessments to identify energy savings. Visit www.sfenergywatch.org to find out if you qualify.

When You Can’t Take Him With You…

Spring break is right around the corner. Whether you’re traveling or just need a place to keep your dog out of the way during an open house, you may have to use the services of a boarding kennel. Consider making your reservation well in advance, especially in San Francisco, where dogs may very well outnumber kids! Here are a few vital things to keep in mind as you search:

• Is the kennel staffed 24/7? Don’t assume that it is; ask! In addition to ensuring that your pet will be cared for immediately should any worst-case scenario strike, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of being able to reunite with your companion at any time of the day or night.
• Does the kennel have separate play areas for big and small dogs? Even if your itty-bitty Chihuahua plays with the big guys at Duboce Park all the time, dogs can act unpredictably in new situations. To avoid any unexpected trauma to your little guy, make sure the kennel has a separate play area or schedules time just for smaller breeds.
• Can the kennel accommodate your pet’s special needs? Make sure the staff is equipped to manage very young dogs or ones who require medication.
• What sort of security does the kennel have? Your confused pet may decide to go looking for you. Can the facility keep even the wiliest pets safely inside?
• What are the procedures for obtaining vet services? Is there a vet on staff or will your pet have to be moved elsewhere if it’s hurt or sick?

Once you’ve found a place you feel good about, the best way to ensure that it’s the best for your pet is by dropping in for a visit. Check out this great guide to boarding at The Pet Center. Happy travels!

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