Kathy Wall

Brisbane – Missing the Boat…
August 15, 2010 · · 5 Comments

Many home buyers and Realtors are missing the boat when it comes to  a nearby town that offers great weather, lots of amenities and darned good real estate prices.     I’m talking about the little community of  Brisbane.   It is located 10 minutes (or less, if you drive like me!) from the airport and  is only 10 minutes to downtown San Francisco.   Yet, hardly anyone even knows of  it’s existence.

Brisbane is a hidden gem here on the Peninsula.    It is located on the side of San Bruno Mountain between San Francisco and South San Francisco.     There are only 3,597 residents, which makes it one of the smallest communities in the area.     It is very unlike your typical suburb in that it has a hodgepodge of all types of architecture, from shacks to mansions, with very few ranch style homes.    Many of the homes have great views of the Bay and downtown San Francisco.

The people of the community are almost as diverse as the architecture.     Living in the town are world renowned film makers, rocket scientists, artists and musicians…all living happily amongst all of us regular folks.     Brisbane is known as the “City of the Stars” because for over 65 years the residents have put up stars on their homes during the holiday season and even have a “Festival of Stars” each year.      Read more

Terry Birt

Missed Opportunity ?
May 22, 2009 · · 6 Comments

buyers-choiceRecently, it seems that all the buyers have come out of the wood work….
We have been inundated with large groups at our open houses and receiving large amount of “sign calls” and inquires on our websites…
But the one thing that has not changed is fear…Depending on where the property is and the price range that it is in, there is a different strategy on how to make an offer. I think the public understands that the interest rates are great, and  inventory has lessened, and  buyers are hearing about multiple offers; but there is something that is preventing them to make a move. My advise: Work with your agent…let them help you understand… ask a lot of questions.

Just this week, I have encountered buyers who I met a few weeks ago, they saw this home in their price range, and have their financing in order, but they needed time to “think about it”.  When they came back to reconsider the home, it was gone (in escrow with multiple offers).  Had they written a couple of weeks ago it could have been theirs.

 Don’t lose your opportunity. There are several ways to protect yourself from competition and allow you to participate in obtaining home with your price and terms.

Nicole Machado

The “Runaway Buyer”…
March 12, 2009 · · 9 Comments

pk-grannyJust a quick post on a funny note… I have encountered a “runaway” buyer at two of my open houses in South San Francisco, two months apart from each other in two different neighborhoods. The first time I met her; she was so nice and friendly and seemed genuinely interested in the home. She said she liked it so much she wanted her husband to see it (he was waiting in the car). I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but once she went out to the car the husband slammed on the accelerator and took off down the street. I thought it was strange, but in this business nothing fazes me. It was about two months later Read more

PruCalVoices

There is no “I” in Real Estate Team!
March 2, 2009 · · 3 Comments

You’ve decided to buy or sell a house so you gather all the players you’re going to need around you. You have your lender, your Realtor ®, escrow officers and any inspectors needed. You’ve gathered them around with the intention of meeting your goal of buying or selling that home. You’re all on the same page so how hard will it be to get along. That depends. Read more

PruCalVoices

Questions! Why so many questions?
November 21, 2008 · · 5 Comments

You’ve decided to go out and jump into the home buying process.  Good for you!  You think, this will be fun…driving around neighborhoods, looking for homes, thinking about all the ways you’ll redecorate.  What you might not think about is all the questions you are going to be asked and all the personal information you’ll be expected to share.  I’ve had one client lament it would feel less vulnerable standing in a room full of strangers with their skivs on than laying out all the details of their life.  But like many things, that which isn’t pleasant may still be good for us. Read more

Shokoofeh Nowbakht

San Bruno Homes – Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off!!!
July 31, 2008 · · Comment here

Just Kidding!!! But, seriously, it is almost true.

875 Mills Ave. (2 br,1 bath) is listed for $398,900,

648 3rd Ave. (3 br, 2 bath) is listed for $499,000.

2 bedroom houses sold for about $600,000 and 3 bedrooms for about $700,000 two years ago in this area of San Bruno. Now, do you agree with me? Ok, let’s go shopping! Buy real estate before the SALE is over.