“Thriving” Neighborhoods – How do they Happen?

February 28, 2011 · Kathy Wall · 4 Comments

This is the first of a series of articles that will highlight various neighborhoods in San Francisco and on the Peninsula. In this article, I will talk about a couple of San Francisco neighborhoods….West Portal and Bernal Heights. Both are thriving areas and that has caused me to wonder:

Why are some neighborhoods so popular?

West Portal, as an example, is busy every day and every night. It has tons of restaurants….everything from Mediterranean (Bursa Kabob) to Peruvian (Fresca) and even a Polish restaurant (Old Krakow). They have a lovely, old fashioned neighborhood movie theater that seems to do quite well and the most popular “boutique” Goodwill store around, as well as other more high end shops. And, of course, there’s your requisite “Starbucks”. People come to the neighborhood from all over for it’s charm and warmth. Read more

San Francisco Giants World Series Trophy is Coming to Daly City

February 17, 2011 · Adam Chinn · 1 Comment

The San Francisco Giants World Series Championship Trophy is coming to Daly City from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2011. Giants fans can get an up-close view of the trophy when it comes to City Hall, 333 90th Street. This once in a lifetime opportunity is free to the public. Parking around the Daly City Civic Center is limited, so fans are encouraged to carpool or take public transit (SamTrans Route 121 stops at Edgeworth Avenue and 90th Street).

“For more than 52 years, our dedicated fans have supported us through thick and thin,” said Giants Managing General Partner and CEO Bill Neukom. “The trophy belongs to them as much as it belongs to us, and we want to thank our fans by extending the World Champions celebration throughout Giants country.”

Since this is a first for the Giants, they are not sure how many people will visit the trophy, but initial “viewing” parties were tremendously popular with fans. The Giants are going to do their best to accommodate everybody, but the lines will be managed on a first-come, Read more

“HOW IS THE MARKET” AND THE YEAR THAT PAST

January 13, 2011 · Terry Birt · 5 Comments

“HOW IS THE MARKET” AND THE YEAR THAT PAST

This past year, the most common question I was asked was, “How is the market?”

It was a year that I will never forget. At Prudential California Realty, San Bruno, we have over 100 agents. Some with many years of experience and some new to the business, this was our environment last year:

-We had the lowest drop in interest rates, yet it was difficult to obtain a loan.

-Buyers who chose to participate in a short sale waited months for the banks to approve the sale; meanwhile the banks delay in response created a larger debt.

-We had “short sale negotiators” with astronomical fees, so our agents learned to become “short sale negotiators” and they did not charge their clients.

- In some cases, homeowners stop paying their home mortgages so the bank would consider them as a “short sale” candidate. Read more

Open House Etiquette

December 7, 2010 · Kathy Wall · 4 Comments

For the last 17+ years, I have been selling real estate and, for the first 16 of those years, have hated doing open houses. I love meeting new customers, but if it is a slow day it can be incredibly boring. Nowadays, I enjoy them a lot more, because I bring my computer and can accomplish quite a bit (well, alright, sometimes I play word games and don’t actually accomplish too much, but I’m a lot happier!)

While doing my open house yesterday, I had plenty of time to contemplate, since it was pouring down rain and absolutely no one came. Fortunately, the house I was holding open was warm and cozy, so it was pretty comfortable. Since I had so much time, I began thinking about the whole open house process.

I thought it might be helpful for all of the buyers out there if I shared a few thoughts about the etiquette of open houses. A few helpful hints are: Read more

Prices Are All Over the Map…Where Are You?

September 22, 2010 · PruCalVoices · 3 Comments

The way you answer that question will depend largely on whether you are the buyer or the seller. A seller may look at the highest comparable and start spending the cash. While the buyer will zoom in on the lowest comparable, add a couple bucks and consider the seller lucky to get that. Trouble arises when the spread between the two is a substantial one. Multiple factors that can influence the price of a home, some having to do with the home itself and others with the market. Figuring out where the subject house sits in the spectrum can go a long way selling a home or getting the one you want. Read more

Brisbane – Missing the Boat…

August 15, 2010 · Kathy Wall · 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

The Power of Permits

March 2, 2010 · Terry Birt · 4 Comments

An acquaintance of mine came home from work to see a “stop work notice” posted on her front door. Two years ago, she submitted plans to build a second story addition and remodel her existing kitchen and bathrooms. She went thru the planning commission process and the application was approved. Due to the economy situation, it was decided not to go ahead with the addition.

Recently, they decided to go ahead with just the kitchen and bathroom remodel. Apparently, a neighbor called the city which resulted with a stop work notice even though the previous plans were approved, the application expires a year from the approval date.

I attended the meeting with the code enforcement officer, who met the homeowner, and I was pleased on how he interacted with them. It is a very intimating to have a stop notice on your door, and a city official in your home scrutinizing all the work that is in process. Even though they were in violation, the officer went thru the house, and told them what they needed to do to get back on track. Read more

Short Sale, A Great Option!

January 23, 2010 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · 3 Comments

short sale I have talked to many home owners who are late on their mortgage payments, who are struggling to pay even their everyday expenses. Some have not paid their mortgage in over 6 months. Unfortunately, this is happening more often these days. My advice is, of course, try to modify your loan and save your home. Homeowners have to qualify for the modified loan plan. What if they can’t? What if they can’t even make the mortgage payments on the new lower interest rate? So, why not try to short sale the house? Lenders are becoming more understanding of the short sale situations. They are easier to deal with and get an approval on a short sale. Homeowners will have less effect on their credit score if they do a short sale rather than go through bankruptcy or foreclosure. A realtor will be able to assist homeowners with the short sale process.
Good Luck!