Meet the Innovator: Julia Morgan
January 30, 2007
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog January 2007.
Today’s most clicked-on property is 3630 Jackson Street in San Francisco. Originally built in 1917, this Presidio Heights home is spectacular at all corners. Featuring a floor plan that accomodates 8 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms this is just what the established CEO / President dreams to possess in a sweet dig. Designed by the famous Cal graduate Julia Morgan, this remodeled 10,000 square foot home has been on the market for only 4 days. Her career blazed after the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 while many of the city dwellers of the time decided to move outside of the city. Fortunately for us, she designed this beautiful masterpiece in San Francisco’s back yard.
Here is Julia Morgan pictured with William Randolph Hearst during the construction of Hearst Castle in 1919.
I must admit that they performed a good job maintaining the overall feel and look of the home. The pictures accentuate the delicate wood carpentry that was prevalent at the turn of the century. Of course, this home is by appointment only and won’t be open for next Tuesday’s Broker’s tour, nonetheless, save your lunch money because all this can be yours for a mere $18,000,000.
Just Demolish the Building!
January 25, 2007
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog January 2007.
Today’s most popular property is 2231 Pinole Avenue in Rodeo. This 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom bungalow is selling for a cool $399,950. For those of you who don’t know where Rodeo is, Rodeo is a city you pass before you cross the Carquinez Bridge when going north on Interstate 80. In my opinion, there is not much going on in the city of Rodeo. However, I would argue that there is still some value in this city. Afterall, it is still closer to San Francisco than say a city like Vallejo or Napa.
The photos in the MLS listing only makes my impression of this home worsen. The home is cluttered with all kinds of junk and refuse. Moreover, the yard yearns for a cleaning. About the only positive comment I could make about this property is the fact that this home sits on a large lot. Which brings me back to my original thought that this home deserves to be demolished. Considering the condition and size of the home that sits on the lot now, I think a prudent person looking to make some money would demolish and build. What would you do?
Starry Night….SF Style
January 16, 2007
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog January 2007.
Today’s most popular property is 1518 25th Street Unit #1 in San Francisco. This home features fantastic views of the city and the bay. Potrero Hill has always been a great alternative to living in downtown San Francisco. Purchasing a condo here will get you more square footage per dollar spent and usually lower homeowner’s association dues. A condo featuring these types of views and amenities would be closer to a million dollars in downtown San Francisco. Selling at $679,950.00, this newly constructed mid-rise 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms home is perfect for those lush wine parties.
While at a study group during my undergrad, a friend and I went to coffee shop on Texas Street, this is only a few blocks away from the property on 25th. To my surprise who do I see but Keanu Reeves having coffee with some woman? Later I would find out that they were in the process of shooting Sweet November with Charlize Theron (and of course Keanu), despite my disinterest my friend insisted we ask for his autograph. This area has all the features of a romantic backdrop to a Hollywood story including starry nights and cozy coffee shops.
Impulsive Purchases for Just Under a Million!
January 4, 2007
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog January 2007.
Today’s most popular property is 1959 Hollyview Drive in San Ramon. The city of San Ramon headquarters such companies as AT&T and Chevron Corporation. It is also the city where Scott Adams created the Dilbert comic strip. Selling at $965,000, the floor plan boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms on 2,631 square feet of living space. Take a look!
Located only 36 miles from the city of San Francisco, many commuting professionals enjoy the convenience of this area because of the great weather and diverse schools available to them. (There is even an elementary school named after Walt Disney.) Built in 2003, this home is great for an established family looking to upgrade or an executive wanting to make a statement. If you enjoy hosting barbecues or just like “chilling” outdoors there is a huge backyard facing a picturesque back drop of rolling hills in the distance. Not bad for under a million!
Only Three Days Left……
December 28, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog December 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 4010 Villa Vera in Palo Alto. This 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Silicon Valley townhouse features all the ingredients of a Miami South Beach hotel (pools, spas and high-net worth neighbors). Selling at $899,000, this property may be the answer to those late night urges to jump into the pool.
I must admit that I am happily surprised at the activity over the Christmas Holiday. In years past I have found that most buyers stayed away from year end purchases. However, this Christmas l received five wonderful gifts disguised as, “Ask about a listing”, emails. I responded to each of the them with a child like energy between cups of hot apple cider and slices of roast beef. Never mind the last minute shopping and the traffic delays it seems that at least some people think that the “greatest gift” that one can receive this year is the “pride of ownership”.
Time for a Dip in the Hot Tub.
December 19, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog December 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 4150 Malvini Drive in San Jose. Sporting a 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms single story floor plan, this home is well priced but lacks the renovations that today’s picky buyers demand. About the only thing that struck me about this home is the patio and hot tub that is in the backyard. The kitchen and bathrooms date back to the 70s and the plush carpet desperately needs to be taken out.
Despite the lack of amenities this home will likely sell for more than the list price. Properties in family based locations tend to sell quickly, but the sellers will probably have to wait until the new year in order to get any real interest. I don’t know too may families that have moved during the winter…too many holiday parties and Christmas gifts to worry about. Don’t you agree?
Are Gated Communities Overrated?
December 8, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog December 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 10137 Lamplighter Square in Cupertino. This 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms home has the perfect address to brighten up a cold and wet December Friday. This home features views of the hills, a remodeled kitchen, sparkling clean bathrooms, real hard wood floors and a favorite of mine cathedral ceilings. Aside from the fact, that this home is in a cul-de-sac it’s also located in a gated community. Are gated communities worth paying a premium for or are they a waste of money?
Growing up my father told me that location is the best determinant of value. Today’s most popular property represents examples of “the best” locations to live in a residential neighborhood. What monetary value can both a cul-de-sac and a gated community really provide?
In my understanding, a gated community really provides safety and exclusivity. These home are more safe because of the limitations on in and out privileges. Therefore, these limitations provide a sense of control which home owners appreciate as safer neighborhoods. Additionally, more expensive homes are located in these gated communities in order to attract buyers who would pay more money for that quality. Accordingly, these homes become more exclusive not necessarily because of higher demand, but as a result of higher price points which keeps certain buyers out. In my opinion, when you have the chance to live in these safer and more exclusive homes please do. There really isn’t a price tag you can place on these qualities. However, when it comes time to sell those qualities will be easy selling points for buyers to understand. In turn, it means more money for you!
A Taste of the Mediterranean in the Avenues…
December 5, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog December 2006.
Today’s most popular property is 2246 32nd Avenue in San Francisco. Of all the types of homes in San Francisco, this home is most dear to my heart. Maybe it’s because I spent most of my childhood in a house that was similar to this or maybe it’s because 50% of the homes in San Francisco look just like today’s most clicked-on property. Built well after World War I, these homes are built to last. New windows and well-maintained hardwood floors make this two bedrooms and two bathrooms home a quick sell at $775,000. Check the Zestimate
The Parkside area of San Francisco allows residents to be close to Golden Gate Park and the ocean within a matter of minutes. An all time favorite of mine to wander off to after a long day of hard work is the ‘Beach Chalet’ this is a great place to unwind and guzzle down a few tall and frosty Chalet beers…For those romantics, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset while listening to some mushroom jazz in the background. Enjoy!
Selling your Home in December, include a boat!
November 30, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog November 2006.
Today’s most popular property is a four bedrooms and two and half bathrooms home in Santa Clara. Bought in 1989, 156 Rodovan Drive is 2,265 square foot ranch style home ideal for a large family. This home has been recently updated with dual pane windows, plantation shutters, laminate floors and new paint. This listing references all the necessities to get a buyer’s attention in today’s climate…
Arguably, sellers in the past have been rewarded with boat loads of profits by selling remodeled homes. While times have changed sellers need to be more creative to entice buyers to make offers on their home. What could the seller do to make this home more attractive? When stainless steel appliances and money are not enough, what items would entice you to buy a home? Car? Vacations? Furniture? Let us know. We would enjoy hearing your ideas.
What does ‘$27 Million’ Buy Nowadays?
November 27, 2006
Post was originally published on Redfin San Francisco Blog November 2006.
Today’s most expensive listing is a behemoth of a home in Los Altos, California. All this can be yours for a mere price of $27 million, built by RJ Dailey, 47 View Street, features five bedrooms and four bathrooms for the mega-mansion admirer in you. In addition, this house comes standard with a 60 foot entrance way, billiard room, theater, limestone terraces and of course a wine cave (everyone needs a wine cave).
The MLS listing shows this photo:
However on RJ Dailey’s site I found this:
This home while similar is obviously not the same home. However, this photo clearly illustrates RJ Dailey’s workmanship.
Today’s least expensive home is a condo at 1156 Running Springs Road Unit 3 in Walnut Creek. Priced modestly at $180,000, this two bedrooms and 1 bathroom can be a starter home, retirement destination or even an investment property. Looking over the agent’s remarks I saw that the association dues for the property are well over $600. Woa! I hope the association has equipped this condo community with a common wine cave. I doubt it.
