Sitting on the Dock of the Bay…..
October 31, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is a two bedrooms and one bathroom, 936 square feet cooperative in the lovely and always sunny city of Sausalito. For those of you who don’t know what a cooperative is, a cooperative is a corporation, that grants each shareholder(property owner) a right to occupy a unit subject to a signed occupancy agreement. Priced at $299,000, this property is cheaper than a condo of similar size and area. Don’t you think this is a small price to pay for such an incredible view?
Built into the mountain side across from San Francisco;Sausalito is a beautiful city. It’s a place I bring out of town guests to explore and visit because of its great shops and restaurants. My father used to make me listen to a song by Otis Redding when I was growing up, it was titled, “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,”. Apparently Mr. Redding wrote that song in 1967 while renting a house boat along the dock of Sausalito. Whenever I visit I always hum that song in the back of my head. All in all, when you visit San Francisco, you must make Sausalito a ‘must go’ destination. You will love every minute of it!
Lost in Seclusion; A Berkeley Refuge
October 27, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 2983 Dwight Way in Berkeley. This private yet serene hideaway is selling for $829,000 and features a three bedrooms and two bathrooms floorplan situated in 1,628 square feet of living space. The sellers have invested at least $60,000 in renovations since they bought the home three years ago. According to the listing agent they have redone the plumbing, most of the electrical, and the windows. The only drawback I see is the dated kitchen. Despite all the renovations the seller neglected to redo the kitchen. Take a look at the photos! Do you feel the seller did a good job?
The agent also told me about some wonderful views from the house. From the deck there are views of the bay as well as Mt. Tamalpais. According to the Zillow estimate, the price of this home should start at around $833,000. Obiviously, the sellers have done their homework and they hope to have a strong response from the market. They will be having their first open house this weekend. I wish them luck.
I Wish I Bought Here After the Earthquake of 1989
October 26, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 1955 Beach Street #1955 A in the Marina district of San Francisco. This two-room studio unit is small at 445 square feet. However, what it lacks in size the property more than compensates in location. Ideally, that is precisely what the sellers are hoping for and pray that the location will be the deciding factor in purchasing this property for $ 429,000.
Right after the Earthquake of 1989, sellers could not give their properties away let alone sell them for a profit. But these days properties in the Marina are a hot commodity. Some of the neighborhood’s past home owners have included Joe Dimagio, Anna Nicole Smith, and even San Francisco’s current mayor Gavin Newsom. Truly the Marina is a great place to run, people watch or fly kites but to me the Marina will always be home to my favorite spot to view the Golden Gate Bridge. If you ever have some time to watch the sun go down along the dock, you will not be disappointed.
Now Serving! Savory Crepes in Glen Park
October 24, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 446 Chenery St. in Glen Park of San Francisco. This is a two bedrooms and 1 bathroom home that is zoned RH-2(lot size: 25×100 square feet). This is a great home to start with and expand from because it is steps away from the BART station and only minutes from the bus lines. The sellers listed this property at $699,000 and it has been sitting on the inventory shelf for more than 125 days. Arguably, one could think that after a few months, the seller would see the writing on the wall and have the thought to lower the price.
Glen Park is another neighborhood that I consider one of San Francisco’s best kept secrets. There is a crepe place on Chenery that I frequent with my fiance’. The place is called Higher Grounds, which is an awesome place to hang out and meet the locals. Say hello to Manhal; he owns the place and don’t forget to try the strawberry and banana crepes. In my opinion, these purveyors of crepes do it right. The crepes are light and crisp like the ones you find along the beaches of France. Another favorite place of mine is Cafe Bello, on one occasion I was 75 cents short for a latte and rather than them send me searching for an ATM they said, ” pay us next time “. Thanks guys! I always revel at the wonders of human generosity or just freebies in general!
So Fresh and So Clean! Two Reasons to Live in Berkeley!
October 19, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
The owners of today’s most-clicked property is a vibrant Victorian duplex built circa 1900. The main unit features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and the second unit highlights a 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom in-law. This would be a perfect spot for a large family or an investor who wants to live in one unit and rent the other. Both units are vacant which should add some incentive to purchase this duplex. Zillow estimates this property to be priced at $ 693,147 and is relatively close to what the property is actually listed for at $ 699,000.
Victorian homes have always been high demand with classy home buyers. Please notice how nicely this home has been updated with new windows and hardwood floors. Can you imagine having breakfast overlooking your garden in your bright and airy breakfast nook? This home is wonderfully staged and exhibits how beautiful the minimalistic approach is in home decor. Take a look at the tile work in the kitchen and bathroom.
In case you missed it, we just changed our policies and your first home tour is now free! This would be a great opportunity for you to see the properties that you really wanted to see but you just didn’t want to put up the cash. There are so many great properties on the market right now, this would be a great time to see a couple. If you are interested in seeing this duplex or any other house on the market, just email us at tours@redfin.com.
Wood Work Only Found at the Turn of the 19th Century.
October 16, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 2245 Fulton Street. This Edwardian flat is conveniently located in the prestigious Lone Mountain area of San Francisco. A flat (or apartment) as it is most commonly called in Britain is generally long, but not wide in dimension. However, for a flat this home is relatively large at 1,990 square feet and even has a backyard. Awesome! Hence, this three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, decorative flat reflects the master carpentry skills no longer practiced in modern construction. It is really rare to find a property built during this period in such excellent condition at a price of $799,000. Check it out!
In case you missed it, we just changed our policies and your first home tour is now free! This would be a great opportunity for you to see the properties that you really wanted to see but you just didn’t want to put up the cash. There are so many great properties on the market right now, this would be a great time to see a couple. If you are interested in seeing this flat or any other house on the market, just email us at support@redfin.com.
Before I finish, I wanted to comment on how close this home is to the University of San Francisco (my alma mater). The USF Dons will be opening their 2006-07 basketball season in a few weeks, if you enjoy college hoops give me a shout at max.diez@redfin.com. I always have extra tickets! I wouldn’t mind sharing a bag of popcorn with some supporters of Redfin.
This is a Perfect Time to be a Cal Bear!
October 13, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 2632 Warrier St. #6 in the charming city of Berkeley. This 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom condo is a great space for a first time home buyer. However, this home feels larger than its actual size of 823 square feet of living space. I especially enjoy the amount of light that those bay windows provide in the living room.
Obiviously, I could not talk about this property without talking about the California Golden Bears since this home is only 1/2 a mile away from the UC campus. Whether you’re a basketball or football fan you will not be disappointed at Cal’s sports teams this year. Maybe after you attend a Cal (victory) home game you could possibly have dinner at one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants. Cha-Ya professes that good food doesn’t have to include meat. Even though, I enjoy a slab of steak on occasion eating vegetarian makes me feel like I am doing my body a favor. They have a great assortment of salads and noodles. You have to try the ‘dengaku‘ if you like tofu you’ll love this dish!
Huey Lewis meets the Redfin!
October 12, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 413 Donner Way in San Ramon. This four bathrooms and two and half bathrooms home sits comfortably close to a lake and a golf course. This home is selling for $869,000 and is approximately 2600 square feet. According to the agent’s remarks the family room comes equipped with a plasma television and surround sound. Nice! I wonder if these items could be included in the selling price.
This is a great snap shot of how this home is so private and relaxing. Personally, I feel living next to a golf course is just an excuse not to go to work. More importantly, the sellers are really motivated to sell this home. I would suggest that you take a look at the kitchen and the views.
I am writing this while sitting in Reno’s International Airport. I am excited to be on my way to Seattle. Unfortunately due to traffic I was unable to make my original flight. On a positive note, I did meet Huey Lewis while here in Reno. I really didn’t want to bother him for a photo but I realized no one would believe me. So I snuck a photo of him before I asked for his copy of today’s San Francisco Chronicle. For those of you who don’t know who Huey Lewis is, he wrote the theme song to the movie, “Back to the Future“, starring Michael J. Fox . I have to say, “My days have become more exciting since I joined the Redfin”.
Stylishly Retro or Abusively Antiquated?
October 10, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 864 Apricot Ave. # E in Campbell. This quaint two bedrooms and two bathrooms condominium desperately needs a makeover. Everything in this home is in its original form. The kitchen needs a total overhaul! Although the home is 1,065 square feet, which is a decent size for the area, the seller could afford to spend a little money to give this property some allure. In my opinion, installing new countertops and new maple cabinets would give a hard working buyer something to brag about to his or her co-workers. A modern kitchen could be the difference between a property selling within a month or sitting on the real estate shelf for a few months.
Builders and developers know that most people who live in condos appreciate the proximity to shopping and restaurants. Likewise, the property is close to Campbell’s famous downtown farmers’ market. Farmers’ markets are great places to buy fresh vegetables and home made breads. You can’t go wrong! You get a chance to support your local growers and you get great deals! Before this property sells the seller may need to reduce the price. Let’s wait and see.
Alameda, the Sunny Cousin of San Francisco.
October 5, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog October 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 2205 San Antonio Avenue #C in Alameda. This two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms townhouse is 962 square feet of sunny East Bay living and has been on the market for more than 50 days. Selling at $399,500, this price is average for its area and age. This townhouse has nice touches, but doesn’t have the appeal as compared to its current competition in the townhouse market.
The sellers recently replaced the flooring with laminate inlays, which is very easy to clean. Although laminate flooring will never be a replacement to real hard wood, I suppose it’s an awesome replacement to linoleum! This home is close to shopping, parks, and schools. First time buyers would be a perfect fit for this home. Take a look!
