San Francisco's Front Door

5 Most Annoying Phrases of 2011

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Just for kicks...did you figure them out?

5. Seriously

4. Just Sayin

3. You Know

2. Like

1. WHATEVER

*Marist Poll, 2011 (maristpoll.marist.com)

TINY: A Story About Living Small

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest realizations in the last few years is the true separation of NEED vs. WANT. Many have been forced to get back to basics, to learn how to live within their means. This story is based on living in simplicity.

TINY: A Story About Living Small

Backyard Design

2011-06-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

The weather seems to be heating up lately and I can't help but think of backyard bbqs and outdoor gatherings. There's nothing like a really great backyard design to act as the perfect setting for hot summer days and warm summer nights:

I've actually seen a few homes in San Francisco that had pools, but those tend to sit on the market for longer than usual. i wonder why... the two hot days of the year might have something to do with it.

I've been having a debate with my girlfriend about the pros and cons of living further outside of the City. That can probably be a blog entry of its own. What we did agree on though, was how enticing an amazing use of a backyard in a warmer climate suburb is. An outdoor kitchen and pool would be my ideal! What's your perfect backyard like?

Is Owning a Condo For You?

2011-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

An option often overlooked by those desiring home ownership is purchasing a condominium or condo. The traditional detached single-family home is not the ideal situation for everyone. For those just starting out, affordability may be an issue. An empty-nester may want to downsize and not have the hassles of yard work and other maintenance. Or it can simply be that the traditional family home doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

When you own a condo, you own the title to the space within the walls of your living quarters. Common areas such as hallways, roofs, parking lots, green areas and pools are shared with the other owners in the complex. The more common type of condo is the apartment-style, in which you may have units on either side of you and above and/or below. However, there are other styles. There are units that are designed more like town homes, with single or multiple levels and one or two common walls with neighbors. You may even find a condo in a building that was a multi-unit apartment converted to condo units.

Condos are attractive to many buyers because they offer them a chance to own their residence and build equity at what is usually a lower cost than a single-family detached home. Of course there are exceptions, such as the luxurious condominiums that many developers are building in downtown and affluent neighborhoods.
Also, if you rather spend your free time doing something besides mowing the lawn, painting the outside of your home, or waiting at home for the pool maintenance person, then a condo may be for you.

Other advantages of owning a condo are the amenities that may be part of your complex such as a pool, tennis courts, fitness center or clubhouse. These are some of the perks you might not be able to afford or even have room for if you were to purchase a single-family home.

Of course, as with all things, there are some disadvantages to owning a condominium, such as the lack of privacy that a single-family detached home affords. You are also restricted by the rules and laws of the community association, which can run the gamut from how to display a satellite dish to the type of animals you can keep.

Another factor to consider is that condominium owners generally must pay a monthly condo association fee. These fees defray the cost of maintenance, repairs and upgrades to the common areas as well as the cost for the services of a property management company.

Is a condo the right living arrangement for you? Make an informed decision by weighing the pros and cons. Preview various condos in your area to get an idea of how the properties are run. Condo living isn’t for everyone, but can be an attractive option for those who want to own instead of rent!

I Found the Cookie Monster in Potrero Hill

2011-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

WOW. All you need is a cool $3.3 million and you can spend all your meals in a kitchen that looks like cookie monster went A-WOL and exploded.

However, in fairness, the rest of the house looks quite pleasant but posting those pictures are no fun.

My HGTV Episode Airs Tonight! March 1 @ 9pm!

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

It has finally arrived! The episode of HGTV's My First Place that I filmed with one of my clients, Darwin (who happens to be Jennifer's brother), will air tonight at 9pm. It was a strange and unnatural experience, but it was fun and entertaining nonetheless! I haven't seen it yet so I'm a little apprehensive how editing is going to make us all look! If the following blurb they posted on their website or TVGuide is ANY indication of what is to come, then help us all!

"Bachelor Darwin's social life is seriously suffering because he still lives with his parents. Buying his first place will afford him some privacy, but after a year of searching he still can't find a home. With a house hunt that seems stuck in neutral, will Darwin be stuck living with his parents forever?"

Ha! They really made Darwin sound DESPERATE! Actually - that's what they titled the episode! "Desperate Bachelor's House Hunt" We probably should have taken a clue when they asked him to give a tour of his room a la "Cribs" style and show them where the magic DOESN'T happen!

Park Circa! Always Have a Spot to Park in the City...

2011-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing...Park Circa! It's like on-demand for parking spots in the City! Park Circa is a new program/app that shows people where parking spots are available throughout the City, depending on the neighborhood you're looking in. Currently in beta, the concept is interesting, and in a place like San Francisco, has a lot of potential. It works by allowing homeowners to make their driveways or deeded parking spots available for people to use, in exchange for an hourly rate.

Homeowners win by making a little extra cash on the side and people looking for parking win because they can preserve their sanity by not wasting time circling the same block 50 times! This is not a new concept, however, as this practice is common right outside of Candlestick Park on 49er game days! I guess Park Circa is supposed to be an organized manner of doing it?...and sharing that genius idea with the rest of the City.

With the Park Circa app, you can get live, location-aware stream of the best parking spots available. But please be cautious and pull over first! It seems like a convenient program, but I think I would be uncomfortable knowing I just left my car in some stranger's driveway! What do you think? Would you utilize these spaces up "for rent?"

Babyproof Your Pet!

2011-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

To my fellow animal lovers, or newly initiated pet owners: February is Spay and Neuter Month! The San Francisco SPCA is offering FREE spaying and neutering the entire month of February! The appointment for surgery must be booked for sometime this February and is only available for residents of San Francisco County. Visit www.sfspca.org for details.

For residents of Contra Costa County, ARF is also offering free spaying and neutering for pets whose owners fall under specific income qualifications . These procedures will be performed on February 3 and 5 only, so make sure to call 925.296.3105 to see if you qualify and make an appointment!

The House I Grew Up In

2011-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

With times and needs changing, people often find themselves downsizing-especially when their kids grow up and move out own their own. Last year, my Mom sold the house I grew up in. I had the previlige of knowing who purchased the house and was aware of their plans to renovate the home. Today, I had the opportunity to view it in all it's newfound glory. It was surreal, walking through my childhood home and seeing it through someone else's vision. Here's some photos of the house:

Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

2011-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Turn off the lights when they’re not needed.

According to ENERGY STAR, as much as 20% of a home’s energy use comes from light bulbs. Using a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) requires about 75% less energy than incandescent, but lights that are turned off save the most energy of all.

Wash clothes in cold water.A washing machine can use up to 90% of its energy to heat water, and the higher the temperature, the greater the cost to you and the environment.

Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer.Keeping the lint trap clean may save you up to $34 in energy costs annually.

Use a clothesline or rack.An outdoor clothesline costs only a few dollars. You might also want to consider buying an indoor drying rack, so you can keep up your energy efficient ways even when it’s raining.

Investigate green energy programs.Some local utilities now have low-impact hydro-electric windmills and solar farms contributing “green energy” to their grid. Find out if your local utility has such a program and ask if they give a discount for purchasing power from these “green” generators.

Isolate your refrigerator.If your refrigerator is beside a vent, stove or dishwasher, it will have to work harder to remain cool. If possible, keep it isolated.

Avoid chemical cleaners.Forego cleaning products for plain old hot water and white vinegar – the ultimate green living product.

Make the green grass of home a hardy perennial. Perennial ryegrass and drought-tolerant fescue are grass types that need less watering and chemical care. Use a healthy layer of mulch to reduce weed growth, retain moisture in the soil and keep roots cool, which again lessens the strain on the community’s water supplies.

Shop Green.Whether it’s bedding, furniture, flooring or wall and window coverings, shop green and leave the plastics behind. Draperies, window blinds, and shades are all now available in natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, wood, reeds, silk or bamboo. Upholstered furniture containing silk, wool, latex or natural rubber are emerging, as are sofas and chairs stuffed with a foam product made from soybeans.

A Homebuyer's Must Haves and Wishlist

2011-01-19T10:00:00.001-08:00

Shopping for a home is an exciting adventure. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of dazzling for-sale homes and all of their fabulous amenities. This can cause you to temporarily forget that a large back yard might be your top priority. To keep yourself focused, take time to identify and organize exactly what you’re looking for in a home by creating thorough “must-have” and “wish” lists before you begin home shopping. You may also want to make a third list that details your dislikes.

To get started, ask yourself these questions: Which items and features must your home have? Which items and features would you like to have, but could live without? What would your dream house include? And, what features or issue must you avoid? For the must-have list, try to focus on essentials and hard-to-change details, like a home’s layout. If you must have a three- bedroom, two-bath house, put it on the list. Ranking your must-haves in order of importance is also a good idea. Hard-to-change, must-have features can include the type of house, for example a two-story colonial or sprawling rancher; the number of rooms and square footage; the home’s proximity to shopping; or its overall condition. Your must-have list can’t be too detailed because it aims to itemize the features that are most important to you and your family.

Your wish list is the flexible and fun list. Wish lists are good for cosmetic features that would be great to have, but that can be changed. Hardwood floors can replace old wall-to-wall carpeting. If the yard is large enough and has adequate open space, a pool can be installed later and landscaping can be a work in progress. Because the wish list is secondary, there are no limits, so be sure to also include your dream amenities. While compiling your lists, don’t hesitate to confer with your real estate professional, who is a great source for information about neighborhoods, homes and other pertinent “must-have” information.

Once you’ve determined your must-haves and optional features, create a checklist to take with you during your home tours. Besides helping you stay focused, it will provide an organized review of each house. Your lists will most likely change as you tour homes and see what the market really has to offer. It’s also unlikely that one house will include all of your must-have features. But, your efforts will be well worth it once you find the perfect house that includes just enough must-haves and even a few wishes. Your perfect home might not include that must-have basement, but its view may be a dream come true.

Should You Buy a Home Now or Wait?

2011-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Why buy now? Right now, you have unprecedented market conditions. Low mortgage interest rates, low home prices, and high inventories that have lasted more than three years.

Even the most determined market timer knows the odds of getting all three market conditions at their most optimum are slim, yet you may have those conditions in your market right now.

Home prices.

If you buy today, in many markets, you’re buying at prices not seen since before the boom, and in some areas, before that. Meanwhile, your salary has likely risen at least 1% annually during the same period.

Interest rates.

Even though interest rates are higher, they are still far from Freddie Mac’s historical annual median—8.95% on a 30-year fixed rate qualifying loan.

Inventory selection is premium.

Housing inventories are being inflated by distressed homes. As job losses increase, we may see further foreclosures, so it’s likely that selection will remain attractive. However, inventory is being gobbled up by first-time home buyers and investors, who are 45% to 50% of the market, and 18% of the market, respectively. That means that while inventory is building on a national level, it could be depleting in your area and price range.

Tax benefits.

Uncle Sam helps all home buyers with tax incentives. If you factor in the tax deductions you receive for mortgage interest payments, private mortgage insurance, points paid in purchase and equity loans, property taxes, homestead exemption, capital gains exemptions, and more, you can come out way ahead, even if your home loses value.

What’s to be gained by waiting?

Wait if you think your job is at risk or if your credit needs improving. Otherwise, there’s little else to prevent you from buying. Prices might go down further, but you’re risking that interest rates will also go down again, too. If they do, congratulations. If they don’t, ….well, who said we could predict the future?

The bottom line?

Just as favorable buying conditions don’t last forever, neither do recessions. As the economy improves, many incentives will disappear and your competition for desirable homes will increase.

The best time to buy a home is when the time is right for you.

Resolve to Get Your Home Documents Organized

2011-01-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

As a homeowner, you begin to accumulate all sorts of records and papers the moment you make the offer on your home. Loan documents, inspection reports, title insurance policy, home improvement receipts, and appliance warranties are just a few of documents that you may need at one time or another. Knowing where these items are can save you a lot of time and even money in the long run.
Consider investing in a record-keeping system. It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can purchase an accordion file and label each flap with a different category. Then use the following tips as a guide to get started.

Contracts and Legal Papers
Keep all the papers signed and/or given to you at the closing together in one place, preferably in a safe deposit box. These documents include the deed, settlement statement, appraisal, disclosures, mortgage note, inspections and any other reports, and title insurance policy. You will need these records again if you decide to refinance or sell your home.

Insurance Policies
Keep a copy of all insurance policies relating to your property together. This may include homeowners, flood and earthquake policies. With these documents, keep a list of insurance agents or companies and copies of correspondence related to claims.

Purchase and House Data
Keep a copy of the original listing of your house, comparable market analysis, floor plans, blueprints, and historical information. If you own a newly built home, keep a list of contractors and material suppliers as well.

Property Taxes
Keep your tax bills and record of payment for as long as you own the home and possibly even longer. You may need these items if your tax returns are ever audited.

Home Maintenance and Improvements
Records in this category include receipts for repairs or replacement expenses, names of contractors, contracts, and a log of maintenance tasks.

Warranties, Manuals and Receipts
These documents provide you with a proof of purchase date and determine service and parts guaranteed. The manuals usually provide care information so you can help ensure your household appliances are being properly maintained. Keep your warranties, manuals and receipts for these items for as long as you own the appliances.

Home Inventory
If you were ever to lose any of your possessions due to fire, burglary, or vandalism, having a home inventory can help you avoid a lot of heartache and make it easier when filing an insurance claim.
List every item. Don’t forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and a general description. You can also use a computer software system so that you have an electronic copy.
Besides a written inventory, take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Keep a copy in your home files and the originals in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.

8 Tips to Getting Your Loan Modification Application Reviewed

2010-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

RISMEDIA, July 28, 2010--Many homeowners seeking a loan modification to lower their monthly mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure continue to find the application process a complex web, often causing them to give up before their application is ever reviewed by their mortgage company.

Certified housing counselors for CredAbility, a national nonprofit credit counseling and education agency, speak daily with hundreds of homeowners seeking a loan modification or other solutions to keep their homes. The organization has several tips for people that will help them increase the chances that their application is reviewed as quickly as possible.

"A homeowner needs to collect and send several documents that tell the mortgage company why you need a modification, and it needs to be done in a timely, organized manner," said Michelle Jones, senior vice president of counseling for CredAbility. "Once a homeowner has submitted these documents, they need to stay in regular contact with the company. With hundreds of thousands of applications under consideration, homeowners must take matters into their own hands to make sure their application gets to the right person at the company."

Here are CredAbility's recommendations for homeowners seeking a loan modification:

Speak With a Nonprofit Housing Counselor to Understand Investor Rules for Your Loan. Every homeowner's mortgage loan is different, so don't rely on information you may have heard from your neighbor or your sister-in-law, even if they received a loan modification. For example, if your 30-year, fixed interest rate loan is owned by one investor, and your neighbor's is owned by another investor, the rules governing a loan modification may be quite different. A certified counselor at a nonprofit credit counseling agency can help you find the investor who owns your mortgage and determine your options.

Submit All Documents That Prove Your Current Income. Income verification is critical, but homeowners sometimes don't provide their mortgage company with recent documents. If you lost a job in June, don't provide pay stubs from March. In addition to recent pay stubs and other traditional income sources, homeowners should also provide a document called a "contribution letter." This letter explains the source of any household income that is not easily verified. For example, a servicer will want to know the total household income of a married couple, even if only one person's name is on the loan. The letter could also include income verifying that you have a roommate that pays rent.

Submit Current Bank Statements. Recent bank statements allow your mortgage company to verify your income and expenses. This information enables the mortgage company to see your monthly expenses for food, utilities and other expenses and determine whether you will have enough money to make your mortgage payment.

Mail Your Documents to the Mortgage Company. Many people prefer to send all of their documents by fax or scan their documents and send them via email. However, postal mail is usually more reliable, especially if it's addressed to the person you spoke with at the mortgage company. Faxes often get lost.

Label Each Page With Your Name and Loan Number. One of the most common complaints among homeowners is that the mortgage company loses their documents. You can help your own cause by writing your name and loan number on each page of every document.

Fully Explain Any Recent or Unique Income Changes. For example, a bank deposit may show various one-time transactions, such as an asset sale, cash gifts from family members or a bonus. Unless you explain this one-time increase in income, the servicer may not understand it and use this information to deny your loan modification.

Include a Timeline in Your Hardship Letter. Every application for a loan modification must include a "hardship letter" that explains the reasons for your request. But the letter must have specific dates explaining when an income loss has occurred. If your spouse lost her job on July 15 and your family income will decrease by $3,000 beginning in August, your letter needs to provide these details.

Call Your Mortgage Company Every Week. Many homeowners work extremely hard to submit all of their paperwork to the servicer - and then wait for weeks before picking up the telephone to call them about the status of their application. This is a mistake for several reasons: the person handling your application may quit; the application may be transferred to another person; the company may need more information. You get the picture.

Kitchen Remodels on the Comeback Trail!

2010-07-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

RISMEDIA, July 12, 2010--(MCT)--The explosion of remodeling shows on TV and makeover spreads in magazines has whetted America's appetite for glamorous rooms brimming with the latest furnishings, appliances and color schemes.

Kitchen remodels are among the most popular, according to a report in the just-published August issue of Consumer Reports and online at consumerreports.org. And the economic slowdown means there are outstanding deals on everything from cooktops to countertops. It also means kitchen designers and building contractors are eager for work and willing to negotiate.

But bargain prices and good looks aren't everything, said Celia Kupersmzid Lehrman, Consumer Reports' deputy home editor.

"When remodeling a kitchen, functionality is every bit as important as style. Fortunately there are many products that look good and work well," she said.

The design of your kitchen is every bit as important as what goes into it, said Jim Spence of Spence & Vaughn Fine Kitchen and Bath in Maitland, Fla.

The most functional design is based on the "work triangle" — the relationship between the prep area, the cooking area and the sink, he said. Ideally, the distance between them should never be less than four feet or more than nine feet. Of the three areas, the most-used is the sink.

When planning a remodel, determining your budget is one of the first steps. The National Kitchen & Bath Association calculates the average kitchen remodel costs between 10 percent and 20 percent of the home's value. But obviously, the extent of the makeover determines its cost. In its latest issue, Consumer Reports takes top-performing products and creates three design schemes: a do-it-yourself makeover for $5,000; a plan that costs $15,000 (the average spent on a kitchen remodel); and a full-scale renovation for $50,000.

Determining your priorities is another key step, said Phil Johnson, a partner at Spence & Vaughn and a certified kitchen designer.

"Do you love to cook? If so, now might be the time to consider professional-style appliances," he said. "Do you have a large family? Consider how best to accommodate them in your new space. Think about the things you love in your old kitchen — and the things you dislike."

In addition, Johnson recommends the following steps for a successful remodel:

—Do your homework. Watch TV remodeling programs, clip appealing pictures and articles from magazines, attend remodeling seminars, visit home shows and parades of homes. Consult with a kitchen designer who is a member of the NKBA, who has the training and experience to avoid many of the things that can go wrong with a remodeling project.

—Visit a showroom. Examine the options in cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing and lighting. Decide what you want — and can afford.

—Schedule a home visit. The designer/installer need to measure the kitchen and adjacent rooms, and make a note of existing walls, doors and windows, electrical supplies, ceiling height, attic access, type of wall construction, plumbing details, etc.

—Finalize the project. The design is refined, construction plans are completed, appliances and supplies are ordered — and the initial deposit is paid.

—Survive the dust, noise and workers. With proper supervision, the disruption can be kept to a minimum. Make sure materials are ordered and on the way before beginning the tear-out. Clear a space in the garage for workers' tools and supplies and items removed from the old kitchen. And communicate regularly with the designer/installer.

The August issue of Consumer Reports identifies these four rules for a successful kitchen remodel:

Don't rush. There are many kitchen products that combine value, performance and good looks. Take time to meet with professionals, browse the Internet and visit showrooms and home centers. Haste can be costly. Changing your mind after the project is started typically adds about $1,500 to the cost of a kitchen project.

Size matters. In addition to being expensive, oversized kitchens can be exhausting to work in and keep tidy. A more compact kitchen often functions better. The National Kitchen & Bath Association website, nkba.org, provides guidelines for optimal space between appliances, cabinets and islands.

Beware of budget busters. Leave a 10 percent to 15 percent cushion for surprises, such as unexpected structural repairs. Avoid settling for a cheap option, thinking someday you will replace it with something you really want. Chances are that will never happen.

Get it in writing. When using a professional for a remodel, the written contract should list each phase of the project; every product, including the model number; and copies of each contractor's license, and workers compensation and liability insurance to confirm they are current. Call references and, if possible, visit them.

FHA Loans: 7 Things All Borrowers Should Know

2010-07-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

FHA Pros, LLC, a national FHA condo approval service, has developed a list of facts speaking to the top misconceptions associated with FHA loans in order to help home buyers better navigate an already confusing market. FHA loans are mortgages issued by qualified lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

“We have seen home buyer interest in FHA loans go from practically zero three years ago to upwards of 87 percent today,” said Christopher Gardner, founder and president of FHA Pros, LLC. “Despite this rapid rise in popularity, many buyers still do not fully understand the benefits of these loans, and we believe it’s time to change that.”

1. FHA Loans Are Not Only For Lower-Income Borrowers. FHA loans are available to everyone. In fact, even Bill Gates can get one. There is no maximum income restriction associated with FHA loans. Borrowers do need to substantiate income and assets by submitting proper documentation. This requirement ensures that borrowers are well-vetted and truly able to afford their future homes.

2. FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers. Many people believe FHA loans are available only to first-time homebuyers. This is not the case. Whether borrowers are making their first home purchase or their fifth, they can look to FHA loans as a home financing option.

3. FHA Loans Are Not Just Small Loans; In Fact, Loan Amounts Can Be As High As Almost $800,000. The government recently raised the maximum loan amount from its original cap of $362,790 to $793,750 as a way to help stabilize the housing market. The amount a buyer can borrow varies from county to county. Later this summer, condo buyers interested in FHA loans can visit www.checkfhaapproval.com to instantly identify FHA-approved condo associations and review maximum loan amounts for a given location.

4. FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program. While both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA loans have nothing to do with low-income subsidized housing. FHA loans are simply mortgages insured by FHA. This insurance provided by the federal government allows lenders to lend more freely by assuring them that they will be repaid in the event of default. Most traditional lenders, including Wells Fargo & Co., JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup are able to provide FHA loans to their customers.

5. FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. While FHA loans typically offer the same interest rates as other loans, borrowers benefit from a much lower down payment of as low as 3.5 percent.

6. FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. With 87 percent of home buyers indicating that they plan to use FHA loans, condo associations that are not FHA approved are missing out on a significant pool of prospective buyers. Under rules in place since February 2010, an entire condominium development must now apply to HUD and be granted FHA approval before a buyer can purchase a unit in an association with an FHA loan or before an existing unit owner can refinance into an FHA loan.

Due to the general unwillingness of today’s lenders to extend credit with respect to conventional loans, many borrowers find that FHA is their best bet. Lenders don’t mind lending when the federal government (FHA) assures them of repayment.

Homeowners associations (HOAs) should note that although FHA-insured mortgages might be easier to obtain, they are not “risky” loans, due in large part to the strict “full documentation” requirements placed on borrowers.

Individual buyers or sellers can initiate the approval process or current owners can encourage their HOA to apply. More information about the FHA- approval process is available at www.getfhaapproval.com.

7. FHA Loans Are Assumable. In addition to lower down-payment and credit-qualifying requirements as compared to conventional loans, FHA loans are assumable. This means that when a seller with an FHA loan sells his or her property, the loan and its financing terms (interest rate) can be transferred to the new buyer. This unique feature will certainly make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates.

“Now, more than ever, buyers and sellers need to understand the options available to them when it comes time to buy a home,” continued Gardner. “At FHA Pros we have worked with countless HOAs, attorneys and individuals to easily and efficiently navigate the historically tricky FHA-approval process.”

Home buyers win more time to claim tax credit

2010-07-04T00:33:00.000-07:00

By Ruth Mantell, MarketWatch

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- President Barack Obama signed Friday morning a three-month extension on the deadline for home buyers to obtain a federal home-buyer tax credit of up to $8,000.

Buyers now have until Sept. 30 to close on a home sale to be eligible for the credit. The closing deadline was originally June 30. To be eligible, buyers need a contract that was in place by April 30.

The National Association of Realtors has estimated that about 180,000 otherwise eligible buyers were likely to miss out on the credit if the original deadline was upheld. It's been difficult for some buyers to get their mortgages approved on time, as lenders work through a clogged pipeline of applications.

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco

2010-07-03T01:32:00.000-07:00

Locating the city’s best neighborhood all depends on your priorities. We’ve pored over the numbers and done the homework for you, whether you’re a foodie or a family person, looking for a real-estate deal or just a piece of the sun. Now all you’ve got to do is decide which San Francisco you want most.

Best For Families: OUTER SUNSET
The farther south and west you go, the more kids the city has. But when you look at the percentage of homes with kids combined with proximity to good schools, the Outer Sunset wins, hands down. Thirty percent of its households have children, and of 20 schools with a “9” or “10” rating on greatschools.org (which rates both public and private schools), fully half of them are in the Outer Sunset (with two more nearby in the Inner Sunset). The Outer Sunset’s also got its fair share of playgrounds, parks and, of course, the ocean and the zoo.
Runner-Up: OUTER RICHMOND: 24 percent of households have kids; 3 top rated schools.

Best Transit: DOWNTOWN/SOMA
This is a no-brainer. If you’re a commuter, and you don’t want to drive or hop a bus, then live within walking distance of Market Street, where you can catch BART or one of six Muni underground lines from either the Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street or Civic Center stations—or Muni from the Van Ness station as well. Let’s say you lived at Fourth and Harrison streets; you could walk four blocks north (to the Powell BART) or south (to the Caltrain station) and be virtually anywhere, except Marin, quicker than you could drive. You’d never need to own a car—or ride a bus—again.
Runner-Up: CASTRO: 2 Muni stations, 5 Muni rail lines, and within walking distance to 16th Street BART stations

Best Restaurant Scene: MISSION (84 Zagat-rated restaurants)
Admittedly, this category demands subjectivity. Yelp lists the number of restaurants and their user ratings, while Zagat shows a more curated sampling of those that get the most buzz. And, of course, we here at 7x7 have been covering this scene for a decade. Turns out the numbers don’t lie: When you take Downtown (which necessarily has a large number of restaurants, not all of which are built to serve locals) out of the equation, the neighborhoods with the most Zagat-rated restaurants are the same three our food editors picked, in the same order. Your takeaway? From top-notch Italian to kill-me-now tortas, Michelin-rated California cuisine to the city’s best ice cream, the Mission is foodie ground zero.
Runners-up: SOMA: 65 zagat-rated restaurants; MARINA/COW HOLLOW: 48 zagat-rated restaurants

Most House for Your Money: NOPA ($243 per square foot, $635,000 median selling price)
We all want to know where to buy. And SF’s newest neighborhood, replete with everything an urban dweller needs (Panhandle for grass and trees, Falletti Foods for groceries, Little Star Pizza and Nopa for restaurants, The Independent for music, Flybar and Madrone for drinks) shakes out at only $243 per square foot. Compare that to $712 in Pac Heights and $899 in Noe Valley. It’s not surprising that nearby Western Addition, with its gritty image, closely trails Nopa at $322 per square foot, but it is surprising that chichi Nob Hill comes in at only $346. (That $346 probably won’t get you parking or green space, but hey, you can’t have everything.)
Runner-Up: NOB HILL: $346 per square foot

Safest: PRESIDIO (19 crimes per half-mile radius)
Since the Presidio is, after all, a national park, it makes sense that it’s less crime-ridden than anywhere else in SF, along with its neighbor, tony Presidio Heights (29 crimes, including everything down to noise disruptions). But safety in Presidio Heights costs about $1.65 million, whereas two-bedroom rentals in the Presidio start at less than $2,000 a month. If you want to buy in a neighborhood that’s safe and affordable, look to the Inner Sunset, where houses go for $759,000 and there were only 75 crimes. (Compare that to the Mission, with more than 800 crimes during the same period, or the Marina, with 453.)
Runners-Up: RUSSIAN HILL: 61 crimes; INNER SUNSET: 75 crimes

Most Walkable: LOWER PACIFIC HEIGHTS (Fillmore Street)
Most SF neighborhoods score in the 90s on Walkscore.com, but for our money, the strip of Fillmore from Sacramento to Eddy has everything you could need within a few blocks. Eat at Pizzeria Delfina or SPQR. Buy groceries at the Japantown Safeway or high-end Mollie Stone’s. Hear music at the Fillmore, Yoshi’s or the Boom Boom Room. Shop for everything from midcentury furniture to designer labels to hand-me-downs. There are cinemas, coffee shops, bakeries, salons, bookstores, a drugstore, a gym, two nearby parks (Alta Plaza and Lafayette Square) and even a good hospital (CPMC) should you exhaust yourself, which is very possible.
Runners-Up: RUSSIAN HILL/NOB HILL (Polk Street); MARINA (Chestnut Street)

Most Luxurious: SEA CLIFF (Median Selling Price: $2.4 million)
While Pac Heights may have the widespread reputation of being the city’s most luxurious neighborhood, it’s definitely Sea Cliff, the tiny patch of land tucked between the Presidio, Lincoln Park and the ocean, that ranks as SF’s most exclusive, outlandish real estate. Pac Heights’ list prices average out to around $2.8 million just like Sea Cliff’s, but its actual selling prices can’t touch the astronomical amounts the wealthy plunk down for SC’s sprawling Mediterranean-style villas perched above the Pacific, and the chance to be neighbors with Robin Williams and (it’s rumored) Tom Cruise.
Runner-Up: ST. FRANCIS WOOD: $1.63 million median

More Neighborhoods by the Numbers

Best Rental Deals: Outer Sunset ($1,946 average for a two-bedroom)
Most Access to Nature: Richmond (bounded by two national parks and an ocean)
Priciest per Square Foot: Financial District ($1,018/square foot)
Youngest: Mission (average age 34)
Oldest: Chinatown (average age 48)
Most Singles: Castro (66 percent single), followed by Marina (62 percent single)
Most Diverse: Bernal Heights, Downtown, Richmond, SoMa, Western Addition
Most White Folks: Marina (85 percent white)
Most Foreclosures: Bernal Heights and Mission Bay (at press time, both had 61 foreclosures listed on Trulia)
Biggest Price Dip: Diamond Heights (median down 41 percent from last year)
Biggest Price Spike: Tenderloin (median up 57 percent from last year)
Sunniest Spot: According to meteorologist Jan Null of Golden Gate Weather Services—who’s been tracking SF weather patterns for decades—the warmest, sunniest patch of SF theoretically lies in the southern Mission, away from water, hills and wind patterns. “Right around Garfield Square,” he says. Debate over.

*NOTE: Information gathered from 511.org, Craigslist, City and County of San Francisco, Crime Mapping, Golden Gate Mothers Group, Great Schools, Trulia, Yelp, the US Census Bureau, Zagat and Zillow.

By 7x7 editors

Trinity Place - NEW BMR Rental Opportunities!

2010-03-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

Trinity Place

Trinity Place is a brand new apartment community project of three towers consisting of 1,900 residential units by Civic Center Plaza. What's special about this project is that a large portion will be rent controlled or designated affordable. See more information here: www.trinityplace.com

Right now, the city of San Francisco is taking applications for 10 one bedroom units and two studio units, rented at $979 and $867, respectively. Income limits apply and can not exceed more than 60%AMI.

Civic Center: 1188 Market Street, “Trinity Place” (Phase I), San Francisco, CA 94103 (click here) – 10 one-bedroom units ($979 rent) and 2 studio units ($867 rent) available to households at 60% of median income. Applications due 3/29/10; Lottery 4/6/10

For more information on the selection process, please click HERE.

Is this REALLY Supposed to be Below Market Rate?!

2010-02-23T14:49:00.001-08:00

Okay, so we all know that affordable housing in San Francisco is quite a Catch22. I'll get into that mess in a later blogpost, but what sparked today's post was something that I found a bit odd. I received notification today that a new Below Market Rate homeownership listing came on the market. Here are the specifics:

83 McAllister Street #304 (Tenderloin District)
Must not exceed 100% AMI (Area Median Income) Currently: $60,500 for one person
Studio Unit
Asking price: $220,873 with HOA of $288.26
**Here's where it gets funny**
It is a whopping 262 sq.ft. WTH?!!?

First of all, you can probably fit a bed and a table in there. I wonder where the kitchen and bathroom are. Perhaps they're combined?

Secondly, that's almost $1000/sq.ft!!! Even at the height of the market, it was hard to swallow a regular sale home at that rate!

At least it's in an "up and coming" or "transitional" neighborhood!

...and this is supposed to be Affordable Housing?!!?

Feng Shui - In the Year of the Tiger

2010-02-23T14:05:00.001-08:00

When you're thinking of using the principles of Feng Shui in interior design, it's tempting to think it's all just about choosing a color that makes you feel good, clearing out the clutter, and making sure your bed doesn't face the bathroom.

But this ancient art of placement has many layers to it, and understanding Feng Shui deeply can take years of study and practice.

One element of Feng Shui that isn't talked about often is appropriate for the new year. The Chinese new year begins this year on February 14, and this year we'll be ushering in the Year of the Tiger.

You may know that each of the twelve years in the Chinese calendar is believed to carry with it certain traits, so that if you're born in, say, the year of the tiger, you're believed to be brave, competitive, and unpredictable (kind of like a tiger).

According to Jennifer Ellen Frank, Sheffield School's Feng Shui Course Student Advisor, it's helpful to think of the qualities of a person who's born under the metal tiger sign in order to understand more about this coming year.

"When Metal is combined with lunar sign, it could produce a Tiger who is sudden, unorthodox and drastic in his actions. He is a person who is faithful only to himself & his desires, and doesn't mind stepping on a few toes along the way. Easily stirred by both good and bad influences, the metal tiger will tend to act independently as he hates having to get permission for anything or having his freedom curtailed in any way," Frank said.

The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese zodiac, which is made up of twelve animal signs, and symbolizes courage.

"It plays a pivotal role in keeping away the three prime disturbances of a household which include fire, thieves and ghosts," Frank said. "At the same time, this year being at the Year of the Metal Tiger, it is being predicted that the Tiger would add the element of courage and the metal part would provide the necessary determination and resolve to achieve the goal that are set for the year. Moreover, the Chinese astrology has described the Year of the Tiger as 'tumultuous, hard working and vigorous year.'"

What may come as a surprise is that the year in the Chinese calendar can also help you to effectively design your home. As you may know, one of the things considered in Feng Shui are the five elements — wood, metal, fire, water, and air. This Year of the Tiger we're now entering is a "metal tiger" year, which predicts moods swinging and lots of vigorous hard work.

Since it's a "metal tiger" year, let's take a look at how metal works in Feng Shui. Perhaps the timing is perfect, as metal is a symbol of wealth, something we're all struggling with right now. It's also a symbol of protection —think swords.

When incorporating metal into your home décor, you don't have to paint your front door with gold leaf. You can use stainless steel, aluminum, iron, or any other metal — just make sure you're careful not to introduce sharp edges.

You also need to be careful not to over-use metal, but to use it in balance with the other elements. Think of how a sword can be either protective or dangerous — it's the same with using the metal element. The earth element supports, or balances, metal, and so to support a hard, cutting metal year, you may want to add earth elements to your home, by incorporating ceramics and earth colors.

One excellent way of incorporating metal is with the use of wind chimes, which not only bring in the element but also provide soothing musicality.

If you don't want to, or can't, bring in the element itself, you can bring its color into the room by using white and all metallic shades, such as gold, silver, and grey.

As with anything in home design, the metal you introduce must fit in nicely with the room's décor; you can't just put a metal box in the kitchen, or leave your weight-lifting plates on the sofa. Rather, you may need to do some research to find just the right accessory that will bring in the metal element without adversely affecting the balance of the elements in the room.

One source of metal often over-looked by today's designers is the ubiquitous electronic equipment that has a way of taking over our rooms. It's important to consider absolutely everything in a given room when looking for elements, including the computer, the television, the radio and the kitchen appliances. You may already have too much metal in a room such as the kitchen or study, without even knowing it.

The elements also each have their own shape. For metal, the shape is round, like the shape of a coin. So a coffee table that is made of steel and is round is doubly metal, whereas a square steel table will bring in the earth metal as well as the metal element.

Whether you were born in a previous Year of the Tiger or not, this is a good time to re-evaluate your home's Feng Shui, considering all the elements, but especially metal — this year's element.

— Sarah Van Arsdale

Celebrity Homes

2010-02-17T12:37:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside a celebrity home? Who owns what? How much did they pay for that?

There's this funny blog called The Real Estalker and it mentions celebrity home purchases and sales. It's amazing to see that there is no shortage of people, even celebrities, selling their homes--even at a loss! Sometimes it's just fun to see how they decorated their interiors too!

Fun read...

Coming Soon! Gorgeous Home in Inner Mission

2010-01-26T02:22:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon! 1037 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA | Powered by Postlets

Arterra SF

2010-01-12T10:39:00.001-08:00

I visited Arterra in Mission Bay the other day and they are almost sold out! Considering they are San Francisco's first LEED Silver certified highrise community, I'm not too surprised. The building embodied a lot of what San Francisco is: hip, urban and environmentally conscious. All the green and sustainable materials and methods the building uses led to VERY LOW Homeowner's Association Dues (HOAs) running from the mid $200-300 range. That is pretty low compared to the $500-$800+ that other highrises in San Francisco are asking for.

I was most impressed by the view from the higher units and rooftop deck. I mean, you can literally see the whole city from there! I loved it!

Happy Holidays!

2010-01-02T23:38:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and I drove by City Hall and saw this. It was incredible but of course we didn't have our camera. Good thing google images exist!

"Cozy" Room!

2009-12-05T23:51:00.001-08:00

I was searching through the Multiple Listing Service and came across a home where THIS was advertised as one of the two bedrooms:

...no I'm serious. This photo was part of a real listing.

Wanna Walk the Golden Gate Bridge Catwalk?

2009-11-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

Maybe you can.

Last month, the Golden Gate Bridge District revealed the possibility of starting an experimental program, in which people can walk the catwalks under the bridge or hang out with bridge workers.

Similar programs are currently in use at the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia and the Eiffel Tower in France. It is proposed that all revenue from these informational tours will go towards their budget deficit.

The Cliff House Restaurant - Celebrating 100 Years!

2009-10-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is the view of what remains of the Sutro Baths.
Sutro Baths opened March 14, 1896 with a $1 million pricetag — an extravagant public bathhouse envisioned and developed by the eccentric one-time mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro. After working its way through its many lives (Playland, 1960s ice rink, etc..)— burned down while being demolished on June 26, 1966. In 1980 the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) bought the land for $5,500,000. (courtesy of www.sutrobaths.com)

The Cliff House is one of my and Jennifer's favorite places in San Francisco. It has the Bistro Restaurant and the Sutro Restaurants inside, as well as memorabilia of its history and amazing views. We visited a couple of weeks ago because the Cliff House is actually celebrating their 100 Year Anniersary! To commemorate the milestone, the Cliff House is offering a lunch special prixe fixe menue at The Sutro Restaurant on Tuesday afternoons for $20.09. On Wednesday nights, The Bistro restuarant offers a three course prixe fixe menu for only $19.09! The menu for both changes weekly, so visit www.cliffhouse.com for current offerings.

First course: Pear and Endive Salad

Second Course: Clam Linguine

Third Course: Strawberries with Amaretto Sauce

The decor inside.

I highly recommend this restaurant, especially during a clear day so you can enjoy the views! Take advantage of the great lunch/dinner specials and come celebrate the anniversary of a San Francisco icon!

Today is PARK(ing) Day in San Francisco!!!

2009-09-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

This sounds SO FUN! If you've got a camera, or have some time to spare today...try to catch a flick of one of the many temporary public parks that are taking up metered parking spots throughout the City today!

"Originally created by Rebar, San Francisco art and design collective, PARK(ing) Day is an annual, one-day, global event where artists, activists, and citizens independently but simultaneously temporarily transform metered parking spots into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public parks.

Anyone can participate in PARK(ing) Day, though it is strictly a non-commercial project, intended to promote creativity, civic engagement, critical thinking, unscripted social interactions, generosity and play." (courtesy of www.parkingday.org)

Check out the pictures from last year on the website!!!

UPDATE: Wells Fargo Exec Gets Fired for Using a House They Foreclosed On!!!

2009-09-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!!!

Remeber a few days ago, we mentioned a Wells Fargo Vice President who foreclosed a $12 Million Malibu beachfront home, and then threw personal parties and moved in there?

Well, she just got fired by Wells Fargo & Co. Bank spokeswoman Jennifer Langan confirmed that Cheronda Guyton, a senior vice president, was the only employee involved in the alleged violation of company policy.

"We deeply regret the activities that have taken place as they do not reflect the conduct we expect of our team members," the bank said in a statement.

Check out photos of the $12 million Malibu Colony home HERE.

Rates on 30-Year Mortgage Still Low

2009-09-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

For the second week in a row, rates on 30-year mortgages came down to about 5.07%. The rates are still very attractive, as it is still close to the all-time low hit this past Spring at 4.78%.

Because of the low rates, refinance and new home purchase loan applications have surged in the week ending September 4. Refinancing applications went up 22.5%, while new home loan applications went up 9.5% (according to The Mortgage Banker's Assocation.)

Rates should stay low for another month or two as government efforts to keep them low remain effective, predicts Michael Larson, an interest rate and real estate analyst with Weiss Research.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/13/RE0M19L70B.DTL&feed=rss.realestate#ixzz0RNqozJVu

San Francisco Ranks in Top 3 for Young and Wealthiest

2009-09-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

A new study by Nielsen Claritas reveals where the highest concentration of the young and wealthy live. The study was based on residents between the ages of 24-35, who make over $100,000 a year.

Top 10 Counties: Households Age 25-34, Income $100K+
RANK

1 Loudoun County, DC
2 Arlington County, DC
3 San Francisco County, CA
4 New York County, NY
5 Douglas County, CO
6 Forsyth County, GA
7 Alexandria City, DC
8 Delaware County, OH
9 Scott County, MN
10 Broomfield County, CO

Source: The Nielsen Company

DC had the highest ranking, and our very own San Francisco, CA ranked #3!

San Francisco Raffle House

2009-09-13T00:19:00.001-07:00

Remember that San Francisco Edwardian style home that was raffled off earlier this year, to raise money for the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts? Well, that lucky winner decided to take the $1.8 million in cash and walk away! So what to do with a brand new house?!!? It's currently on the market for a cool $2.1 million!!! During the raffle, it was valued at $2.4 million.

Anyone interested? Give me a call!
1240 5th Avenue
San Francisco, CA
$2.1 Million

Wells Fargo Executive Squats in $12M Foreclosed Home

2009-09-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

According to the Associated Press, the Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo, in charge of foreclosed properties, had been taking advantage of a foreclosed property shortly after it was handed to the bank. Cheronda Guyton, was said to have been throwing parties at the $12 million dollar beach house in the coveted and celebrity favored Malibu Colony. Neighbors have alleged that Cheronda even moved her entire family in.

The original owners of the home were victims of Bernie Madoff's fraudulent scheme and recently gave their home up to Wells Fargo to pay for their debts. Wells Fargo had no comment, other than they will be conducting an investigation.

Sounds like a major scandal to me!

Now That's What I Call...

2009-08-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

"junk in the trunk"

Skinny House

2009-08-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Located at 75 1/2 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village lies the skinniest house in New York City! The 9-1/2-feet-wide townhouse was put up for sale this week for an asking price of $2.75 million, or a whopping $2,777 a square foot. The interior is no wider than 8 feet and boasts large windows in the front and back of the house, as well as a skylight.

With a space this small, you need all the light you can get!

Woman's House Mistakenly Sold at Auction

2009-08-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

It's bad enough that there's thousands of homes going into foreclosure, and now banks are auctioning off houses that aren't even in default?

That was the story for Anna Ramirez, a resident of Homestead in Miami, FL. Her house was auctioned off to the highest bidder at $87,000. Anna found all her belongings on her front lawn and a man demanding she leave her home because he bought it. Of course, Anna was confused as she received no letters regarding a foreclosure and no sign on her property saying it was for sale.

Miami police gave Anna and her family three hours to vacate the home. Their belongings were thrown on the lawn and they had nowhere to go. Anna went to the bank to discuss the matter and that's when they tracked down a clerical error that led to the mistake. The purchase was reversed by a Miami judge and Anna now plans on suing for the damage to her property and belongings.

Go on girl! I would sue for emotional distress too!

Pending Home Sales Index Rises Again in June

2009-08-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Associated Press
(08-04) 08:01 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

Pending U.S. home sales rose in June for the fifth straight month, another encouraging sign of life for the embattled U.S. housing market, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday.

For June, the Realtors group said its pending home sales index rose 3.6 percent to 94.6, from an upwardly revised reading of 91.3 in May. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was July 2003.

The results were far better than analysts expected. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected the index to come in at 91.2.

The report tracks signed contracts to purchase previously owned homes and is considered a barometer for future home sales. Typically there is a one- to two- month lag between a sales contract and a completed deal.

The jump in pending home sales coincides with other positive trends in the residential real estate market.

"The housing market is healing and the patient is getting healthier at an accelerating pace," said economist Joel L. Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors Inc.

For the first time in five years, home resales have risen for three months in a row, increasing almost 4 percent in June. Low prices, attractive mortgage rates and a first-time homebuyers tax credit of up to $8,000 have kick-started sales.

"Because housing is so affordable in today's market, job security and the first-time buyer tax credit are bigger factors in influencing home sales," said Lawrence Yun, the Realtors group's chief economist, in a statement.

Also Tuesday, homebuilder D.R. Horton Inc. said its fiscal third-quarter losses shrank from the year-ago period, as it took smaller charges against the falling values of its land and unsold homes.

D.R. Horton's results followed similar numbers from Pulte Homes Inc. and Centex Corp., which reported quarterly earnings Monday that showed new-home orders picked up during the first half of the year.

Yun said he expects existing home sales to gradually rise over the balance of the year, with conditions varying around the country.

"It appears home sales are on a sounder footing and inventory is gradually being absorbed," he said.

Regionally, the pending home sales index jumped 7.1 percent to 100.7 in the South and 2.9 percent to 100.4 in the West. The index inched up 0.4 percent to 81.2 in the Northeast, and up 0.8 percent to 89.9 in the Midwest.

$29,500 House -- Really?!

2009-08-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

This little cottage, located in Rohnert Park, was being sold by its owners on Craigslist a couple months ago. It's actually on wheels, so you can transport it anywhere to your liking, like your parent's backyard!

It is 7'x18' in size, includes a loft style sleeping alcove, a toilet plumbed for an RV connection and features a fireplace! Who can resist?!

72nd Annual Stern Grove Festival

2009-07-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

One of the best things that San Francisco does every summer is the Annual Stern Grove Festival, where music, culture and nature come together...plus it's FREE!!! It happens every Sunday through August 23, starting at 2pm.

The remaining acts include:
July 26: The Lyrics Born Re-View, The Mighty Underdogs, others
August 2: Kailash Kher's Kailasa, Delhi 2 Dublin
August 9: Toto La Momposina, Nation Beat
August 16: San Francisco Ballet
August 23: San Francisco Opera

Bring a blanket, some snacks and enjoy a great day and free music in a natural amphitheatre setting!

Stern Grove is located on 19th Avenue and Sloat Blvd.

Thank you, Michael Jackson.

2009-07-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just like many of you, I have many memories prompted by Michael Jackson's music. For all my memories and for all you've done to make this world a better place...Thank you, Michael Jackson.

San Francisco Pride Weekend

2009-07-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

I was driving down Van Ness on Thursday night when I saw a bright, rainbow light from afar. Right after Jennifer snapped the photo as we drove by, we realized it was San Francisco Pride Weekend! They lit this whole place up green when Wicked came back into town.

Nightlife

2009-06-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and I finally got to visit Nightlife at the Academy of Sciences this past Thursday. Actually, this is the first time we've been able to visit the Academy of Sciences since it reopened, so it was exciting! For those that don't already know, Nightlife happens every Thursday night from 6pm-10pm at the Academy of Sciences. The place becomes a lively venue complete with dj, drinks, people and the whole place open for your exploration!

If you want to take advantage of some of their shows (like the Planetarium), you have to get there early to get passes to get in. Usually passes are all gone by 630pm! The venue was big and as the night went on, more and more people came until it felt way too crowded to appreciate the exhibits. Nonetheless, it's a great date place, singles spot or mingling with friends! Only $10 to get in, but tickets sometimes sell out so purchase them online! http://www.calacademy.org/events/nightlife/

Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

RIP Michael Jackson. Truly a legend that transcends generations.

I Don't Get It...

2009-06-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

...when people list homes for sale online, but fail to provide any pictures with the listing?!!?

FREE Stainless Steel Upgrade!

2009-06-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

GE is offering a great opportunity for anyone looking to purchase a new appliance or upgrade!!! Between April 30 (I know, I'm a little late!) through July 6, 2009, select GE appliances will be available in stainless steel for the same price as traditional finishes. Check out the website for more details: www.geappliances.com. And while you're there, enter their sweepstakes for a free trip! It won't hurt to try!

Vue46 - Emeryville, CA

2009-06-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Vue46 is located in Emeryville, CA. Jennifer and I recently visited a couple developments in Emeryville last week: Adeline Place and Oakwalk (more on those in later posts). After seeing those two developments, we came to realize the quality of work, craftsmanship and design at Vue46.
Although I wasn't crazy about the location at first, you can't help but notice that there are loft buildings and conversions everywhere you turn in that area. The positive thing is that once you walk into Vue46, you just forget the outside, because the inside is so beautiful!

The building was previously home to the Aluminum Cooking Utensils of America, who made the Wear-Ever brand of aluminum products. Today, there are 79 new condominium style lofts, all with high ceilings from 10-18 feet! They truly make the space feel much larger. There are 1,2 and 3 bedroom floorplans available in flat, loft and townhome styles. Floors 3 and above feature great views with every home!

Contact me if you have any questions about this or any other Emeryville development!
leojpeak@gmail.com :: 415.816.1469

When Should I Replace That?

2009-05-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Household appliances and materials eventually need to be replaced, and the National Association of Home Builders just did a study that indicates the average useful life of more than 100 household appliances and building materials. Here are a few common ones:

100 Years or More

Brick siding: lifetime of home

All wooden floors: Lifetime of home

Cellulose insulation material: 100-plus years

50-100 Years

Slate, copper, clay and concrete roofs: 50+ years

Copper gutters: 50+ years

Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years

Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years

Vinyl floors: 50 years

30-50 Years

Thermostat: 35 years

Wooden Windows: 30 years

Woode shake roofs: 30 years

French interior doors: 30-50 years

10-20 Years

Built in audio system: 20 years

Aluminum windows: 15-20 years

Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years

Gas ranges: 15 years

Cultured marble countertops: 20 years

Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years

Air conditioning units: 10-15 years

Lighting controls: 10+ years

Interior and exterior paints: 15+ years

Electric or gas water heaters: 10 years

Air conditioners: 10-15 years

Furnaces: 15-20 years

5-10 Years

Security systems: 5-10 years

Heat and smoke detectors: 5-10 years

Dishwashers: 9 years

Microwave ovens: 9 years

Carpet: 8-10 years

Of course the true longevity of household materials and appliances depend on the actual usage, maintenance, quality, etc, you can find the average lifespan of these building materials and appliances on the complete list at www.realtor.org/reltormag in the Home and Design Section.

REALTOR Magazine 30 Under 30

2009-05-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since Jennifer and I started in the real estate business, we made it one of our goals to make it onto REALTOR Magazine's 30 Under 30. Every year, REALTOR Magazine features 30 young rising stars in the industry. This is one of our goals and we are determined to reach it!

Best Time to Buy a New Home?

2009-05-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

US HOMEBUILDER SENTIMENT VAULTS TO 8 MONTH HIGH

WASHINGTON — U.S. homebuilder sentiment jumped to its highest level in eight months in May, a private survey showed on Monday, supporting views that the three-year housing slump might be close to an end.
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 16 from 14 in April, in line with market expectations. The NAHB also said its measure of housing affordability surged 10 points to a record 72.5 in the first quarter of this year.

The NAHB attributed the second straight monthly increase in the housing market gauge -- which measures builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes -- to "the best home-buying conditions of a lifetime."

The group's chief executive officer, Jerry Howard, told Reuters that the two consecutive months of gains in the index were encouraging signs.

"It is a very important indicator that we are approaching the bottom and market stability could be just around the corner, that is what we are hoping for," said Howard.

"We are looking to reach bottom during the course of this summer and probably bounce along the bottom until early fall before things really start to get back to normal. We don't expect market equilibrium until 2012."
The Dow Jones home construction index <.DJUSHB> surged 6.65 percent, also buoyed by Citigroup's upgrading of its rating on the second largest U.S. homebuilder, Lennar Corp , to "buy."
The Federal Reserve's aggressive cuts in interest rates to almost zero percent and buying of mortgage-backed securities have lowered the cost of home loans.

BOTTOM NOT TOO FAR AWAY
That, together with an $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers, is helping to lend some stability to the distressed housing market. Other housing indicators have recently shown a sharp slowing in the pace of the market's decline, raising optimism that a bottom is not too far away.
Howard said he was also encouraged by a gradual reduction in the stock of unsold existing houses, currently at around an 11-month supply. He said the ideal level for inventories of existing home sales was a supply of six months.

The collapse of domestic house prices and the subsequent global credit crisis were the main catalysts for the U.S. recession, now in its 17th month, and restoring stability to the housing market is a key element to a recovery in the economy.

Housing starts and building permits data due out on Tuesday could bolster the argument of a gradual market recovery. A Reuters survey forecast housing starts to have picked up modestly in April to an annual rate of 520,000 units after falling to 510,000 the previous month.

"The good news is that we likely have the worst of the housing crisis behind us. The bad news is that the housing market is only improving with turtle speed," said Torsten Slok, a senior economist at Deutsche Bank in New York.

NAHB chief economist David Crowe told reporters that while affordability was the best in years -- thanks to mortgage rates at historic lows and house prices at levels last seen in 2003 -- access to credit posed a major headwind to recovery.

"Our greatest concern is the access to credit for both the borrower and the builder. Underwriting standards have been tightened. Buyers are sometimes asked to put larger payments down and builders are finding it difficult to get credit to build those homes," said Crowe.

The NAHB report also showed two out of three subindexes of the Housing Market Index rising in May.
The current sales conditions gauge climbed two points to 14, while the sales expectations measure for the next six months rose three points to 27. The traffic of prospective buyers index was unchanged at 13 in May.
"While we are not ready to pop the champagne, there is light at the end of the tunnel here," said Howard.
(Additional reporting by Julie Haviv in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler)

Be at the Heart of the City!

2009-05-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing 77 Van Ness!

Located at 77 Van Ness Avenue, you will find studios, one and two bedroom condominiums, centrally located at Van Ness and Fell. The building consists of 55 residences, as well as office and retail space below. Fitted with hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and (gasp!) parking, you won't want to miss this great value, close to everything! The sales office and models will be opening VERY SOON!

For more information, contact me at leojpeak@gmail.com.

Streets of San Francisco

2009-05-14T23:56:00.001-07:00

I've lived in San Francisco all my life and just realized we have a "Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd." Makes me wonder what other quirky street names there are in the city! I'll try to take a photograph and post any new fun street names I come across.

The Squirrels Got Cable

2009-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Jennifer and I toured homes during San Francisco's Broker Tour. Sometimes you see a lot of funky, outdated houses and sometimes you see some gorgeous abodes as well. But yesterday, we came across a house with a tree in the backyard. Pretty normal so far, right? It had a satellite dish attached to it. That one confused me...a lot.

*this photo not of the actual tree we saw.

Attention: First-Time Homebuyers!

2009-04-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Are you a first-time homebuyer? If so, there is no better time than now to get into your first home, because you can be eligible for up to $18,000 in tax credits!!!

A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. For more information, please visit: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

For those purchasing in California, you may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $10,000, if you purchase a new construction home. For the period from March 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010, inclusive, a taxpayer who purchases a qualified principal residence that has never been occupied may receive a tax credit of 5% of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less.

Please contact me: leopeak@kw.com if you have any questions!

RENTERS! Read this Great Article

2009-03-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

By Julie Haviv

NEW YORK (Reuters) - After six years of renting in San Francisco, Kate Wilusz jumped at the chance to swap her tiny apartment for a roomy four-bedroom Victorian home. But she is paying a mortgage instead of rent -- and coming out even.

"I could not be more thrilled," said Wilusz, a financial planner who recently closed on the dream house with her husband, Charley.
In some U.S. markets, prices appear to have fallen enough to make buying cheaper than renting. Mix that with mortgage rates that are near record lows and renters who want to become buyers are rejoicing.

"The U.S. government is helping bail out those who bought at the top, but I got my own personal stimulus package through falling home prices and low interest rates on mortgages," said Wilusz, who works at Ameriprise Financial.
Wilusz said instinct told her it was time to buy, and her new home costs her as much to own as it would have to rent.

"Everyone was saying home prices in San Francisco would never go down, but any time someone says something will never happen, it usually happens and it is time to be a contrarian," she said.
San Francisco, one of the metropolitan areas covered in the widely watched Standard & Poor's S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, has shown significant home price depreciation. Home prices fell 3.8 percent in December from November.

San Francisco was also one of the worst-performing cities in terms of year-over-year declines in December, with home prices dropping an average 31.2 percent.
The silver lining in these clouds over California's housing market is clear: Lower prices are luring buyers.

Home sales in California rose 42.5 percent in February from a year earlier as the median home price slid 39.9 percent, driven by sales of foreclosed properties, according to a MDA DataQuick report last week.

The report said 29,225 new and resale houses and condominiums were sold in California last month, down 0.8 percent from January. The median price for a home in the most populous U.S. state was unchanged from January at $373,000.

OWNING COSTS LESS
"You can now own a home in so many areas of the country for less than it costs to rent," said Mollie Carmichael, senior vice president at John Burns Real Estate Consulting in Irvine, California.

Out of the 76 metropolitan area markets across the United States tracked by the company, a whopping 50 percent show that a person can buy a house for less than renting when considering the after-tax cost of homeownership, she said.

Prices have dropped so much in some areas of California that monthly mortgage payments on single-family detached homes are significantly lower than apartment rents.

Carmichael said that in California's foreclosure-plagued Inland Empire, Riverside and San Bernardino counties east of Los Angeles, the average monthly rent for an apartment is $1,157 and the average after-tax monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced single-family detached home is $971 - and is projected to decline to $872 by mid-year.

"It is one of the best times to buy a home," she said.

The U.S. housing market is in the worst downturn since the Great Depression and its impact has rippled through the recession-hit economy, as well as the rest of the world. Economists contend that the economy might not emerge from its slump unless the housing market stabilizes.
Affordability, at least by some measures, is at a record high right now.

The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index surged 13.6 percentage points in January to 166.8, the highest since tracking began in 1970.

"A family earning the median income could afford to purchase a home that cost 59 percent more than the median priced home," said Celia Chen, a director of housing economics at Moody's Economy.com in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

"Low mortgage rates and rapidly falling house prices are causing the surge in affordability, even though income growth has slowed," she said.

Home prices should fall even further from a weak economy, rising unemployment, significantly tighter lending standards and foreclosures continuing to flood the market, she said.

Interest rates on U.S. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.98 percent for the week ending March 19, according to Freddie Mac. Nine weeks earlier, mortgage rates were 4.96 percent, the lowest since Freddie Mac began surveying them in 1971.

Wellie Chao, an entrepreneur and founder of Micro Office Solutions in New York, plans to buy a Manhattan apartment.

"I am a pragmatic person and prices are starting to come down to where owning really makes more sense and it is always best to buy on the downswing," he said.

A person can rent a one-bedroom apartment in a doorman building in Manhattan for around $2,700 per month, but that person can buy a similar place for $600,000, according to Ray Schmitz of Coldwell Banker Previews International in New York.

Schmitz said with the downpayment and a 740 credit score they can borrow 80 percent and lock in a low 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, lowering their payment to $2,600 per month. The taxes and maintenance fee are usually more than made up for with tax deductions of homeowners, he said.

"The numbers speak for themselves," he said.

Homebuyer Tax Credit

2009-03-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Homebuyer Tax Credit, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvstment Act of 2009, allows for an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, who purchased their home between January 1, 2009 through December 1, 2009. This credit does not require repayment and will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's tax liability. Any unused credit amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

For some Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to: Frequently Asked Questions.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

2009-03-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

As we all know, President Obama signed an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law on February 17, 2009. This is a $780 billion dollar package that designates roughly 35% to tax cuts, mainly in 2009, and the rest in spending for 2009 and 2010. This bill includes the following key provisions:

1. Homebuyer Tax Credit

2. FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits

3. Neighborhood Stabilization

4. Commercial Real Estate

5. Rural Housing Service

6. Low-Income Housing Grants

7. Tax-exempt Housing Bonds

8. Energy Efficient Tax Credits & Grants

9. Transportation Investments

10. Broadband Deployment

The Dune House

2009-03-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

This unique little duplex was recently put on the market for $1.85 million. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, this house in a hill was designed by architect William Morgan and has a beautiful ocean view.

PROJECT: San Francisco

2009-03-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Because of our commitment to service to our clients, Leo and I are almost always on the go. It never ceases to amaze me where one part of the city leads to another completely different part, and Leo NEVER gets lost. He's like a live GPS system!

So I came up with this idea to take snapshots of the various neighborhoods we happen to come across, so that we can share with you all the reasons we love San Francisco.

PROJECT: San Francisco begins tomorrow!

Got $150? Win a Luxury San Francisco Home!

2009-03-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

For a mere $150 per ticket, you can enter a raffle for a luxury San Francisco home in the Inner Sunset. The home boasts a main house with over 4,000 square feet, four bedrooms and 4.5 baths, plus a two bedroom guest house! Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

The winner will have a choice between the house or $1.8 million in cash.

Check it out: http://www.sfraffle.com/

Revamping the Metreon

2009-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

It looks like come 2010, San Francisco will have even more places to dine and wine. The Metreon on 4th and Mission Street, which currently houses the cinemaplex, will undergo a transformation, taking out the Sony Playstation center, and bringing in the New York's famous Tavern on the Green, *excitement* , as well as a number of shops and restaurants on the ground floor. The main entrance will also be moved from the corner of 4th and Mission to the middle of 4th Street. This will be an interesting project to see come into fruition...

Top 25 Decorating Mistakes

2009-03-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

My Mom just got a new house and we thought it would be the PERFECT time for her to get rid of all her knick-knacks and start fresh with a clean slate. This will be AWESOME.

We all tried to give my Mom our decorating advice, but the months preceeding and proceeding the move, we were unsuccessful. Mom would NOT dare throw away any of those little statues and party favors, let alone the corner curio cabinet that showcased them all!

Lo and behold, we come across a special on HGTV about the Top 25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes. We took notes and compared it to Mom’s house–-check, check and check--if these were crimes, she’d be doing life in prison! Here’s the complete list, to see if you’ve made any decorating faux pas, or better yet, to help guide you this New Year with a happier, more harmonious home.

25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes (via HGTV):
25. Toilet Rugs (especially when you have that matching toilet seat cover)

24. Too Many Photos
23. Ignoring the Foyer
22. Undressed Cables
21. Out of Place Themes
20. Outdated Accessories
19. Lopsided Furniture
18. Keeping Something You Hate
17. Too Formal
16. Uncomfortable Dining Chairs
15. Lack of Traffic Pattern
14. Everything Matches
13. Following Fads (think Lava Lamps)
12. Furniture that Doesn’t Fit
11. Too Many Color Patterns
10. Floating Rugs
9. Improper Lighting
8. Frames Hung Too
7. Tacky Couch Covers
6. Pushed Back Furniture
5. Ignoring Windows
4. Fear of Colors
3. Knick Knack Overload
2. Too Many Pillows
1. Fake Flowers
…and there you have it ladies and gentleman! For examples and more details, please visit: 25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes