Health Issues: Adapt or Move
Sometimes life throws a curveball, making health a priority in deciding where and how you live. In a vibrant location like San Francisco, addressing health needs might prompt you to reassess your living situation. Whether it’s simplifying your home’s layout, moving closer to medical facilities, or seeking a more accommodating environment, let’s explore when it’s the right time to adapt or move.
Financial Changes: Riding the Roller Coaster (Part 2: Mo Problems)
When it comes to roller coasters, the drops can be exciting; in real estate, they can feel devastating. Unexpected drops in your financial situation can make your stomach lurch. When financial realities hit hard and fast, understanding your options becomes paramount. Let's get serious about loan modifications, short sales, and foreclosures—key tools that can help you stay on track when the financial ride gets rough.
Financial Changes: Riding the Roller Coaster (Part 1: Mo Money)
The financial roller coaster—sometimes it’s the climb that gets your heart racing. When you're on an upswing with a sudden influx of cash, the view from the top opens up a world of possibilities in San Francisco's real estate market. Whether it’s from a successful investment, a long-overdue promotion, or a windfall, "mo money" moments deserve a savvy response. Here's how to ride this wave of good fortune without losing your balance.
Job Relocation: Follow the Money
Congratulations! You've scored a new gig that's worth popping open some bubbly for. But hold up—along with the excitement (and maybe a little anxiety), you might find yourself facing the monumental task of selling your home in San Francisco. Relocating for work isn't just an adjustment in wardrobe (goodbye, casual Fridays); it's a whirlwind of decisions that can make even the most seasoned professional feel like a newbie on their first day.
Downsizing: Less Is More
Ah, the sweet sound of silence... or maybe it’s just the echo left by the kids as they bolt out the door into adulthood. After years of rocking the role of head juggler in the family circus, it’s time to trade that roomy house with its never-ending list of chores for something, dare I say, simpler. Let's talk about how to embrace downsizing in San Francisco and why it’s not just about having less stuff—it’s about living more life.
Flashback Friday: Islais Creek – The Sh*t Creek of San Francisco’s Butchertown
Happy Friday, friends! I’m so excited to bring back Flashback Friday, a series where I share some of my favorite weird, wonderful, and occasionally smelly stories from San Francisco’s past. As a total history nerd and a lover of The City, this has always been one of my favorite ways to connect with you—and what better day to revive it than on a rainy Friday?
Speaking of rain, let’s kick things off with a story that’s all about water—specifically, the (not-so-clean) kind that ran through Butchertown back in the day. Today, we’re talking about Islais Creek, affectionately (and accurately) nicknamed “Sh*t Creek.” Yep, this is going to be a good one.
New Additions: Babies, Kids, and More (Part 2: Aging Parents)
Welcoming aging parents into your home can be both heartwarming and, let's face it, a bit chaotic. As family dynamics shift in unpredictable ways, the quest to find the right San Francisco home that keeps everyone happy and safe becomes your mission possible. So let’s break down what accommodating this kind of family expansion involves.
Knob and Tube: A Real Estate Classic That Keeps On Giving
Now, this wasn’t exactly a surprise for me. After all, the property’s age, the original switches, and the lack of any electrical upgrade on file pretty much screamed “knob-and-tube still lurking here!” I called it before we even got to the living room, but explaining how to easily spot it’s likely presence (property’s age, original switches, and the lack of any new electrical permits on file) was still a fun moment to share with my clients.
Buying Probate Property – 7 Things You Should Know
I often get calls from clients on a budget that start with something like, “Did you see that house for $400K (or fill in another absurd amount here)?” By the second or third call, I know it's time to bust out the trusty reminder: when a price sounds too good to be true in San Francisco, it always is. So, let’s unpack this a bit with the topic I’ve been meaning to write about—Probate Sales. Here we go…
Brace Yourself, San Francisco: A Big Storm Is Coming (And We’re Not Built for This)
San Francisco friends, we’re about to get weathered. Starting soon and stretching well past Thanksgiving, the forecast is calling for rain, more rain, and—you guessed it—even more rain. Oh, and the temps? A bone-chilling low in the mid-40s. I know, East Coasters are rolling their eyes right now, but as anyone who’s endured The City’s damp chill knows, it’s a whole different beast. So, let’s talk about getting your home ready for this soggy marathon.
New Additions: Babies, Kids, and More (part 1: Babies & kids)
Life in San Francisco has a funny way of surprising us, especially when your family starts growing faster than your favorite sourdough starter. Suddenly, that charming one-bedroom apartment with views of The City isn’t just cramped—it’s bursting at the seams. Let’s unpack how to navigate real estate when your family is expanding.
Divorce or Breakups: Splitting the Sheets
Sometimes, love stories come with unexpected plot twists. When couples in San Francisco decide it’s time to uncouple, there’s more than just hearts breaking—there's a heap of practical decisions to make, especially regarding the home you once shared and cherished.
Marriage & Partnerships: Moving In Together
Ah, love in San Francisco. When two become one in The City, it's not just hearts that merge—it's furniture, cooking habits, and Netflix accounts too. Before you start battling over whose vintage vinyl collection stays, let’s tackle the practical side of moving in together and why this often leads to selling your beloved home.
Why People Sell Their Homes: The Good, The Bad, and The Oh-So-Real
Let’s be real: selling a home isn’t just about dollar signs and square footage. It’s about life—messy, unpredictable, joyous, and sometimes heartbreaking life. From big wins to heavy losses, people sell their homes for all sorts of reasons. Here’s a rundown of the most common motivations, stripped of all the fluff:
Guess Who’s Back? Yep, It’s Me!
Hey there, San Francisco! It’s been a minute (or a few years, but who’s counting?). If you’ve been around since the early days, you might remember that from 2007 to 2012, I ran a pretty popular real estate blog right here in the City. We’re talking thousands of readers, mentions from the likes of Curbed SF, SocketSite, and more. It was a wild ride, and I’ve missed every moment of it.
Sip, Chill, or Gummy? SF’s New Fun Zones Could Be SO MUCH More Than Just Booze
Well, folks, it looks like San Francisco is about to crank up the fun with new public drinking zones. We’re talking outdoor sippin’ spots where you can grab a drink, listen to live music, and soak up that downtown energy. With places like Maiden Lane and Mid-Market on the map, it’s clear The City is trying to bring a little life (and a lot of booze) to some of our quieter areas.
Proposition 33: What It Could Mean for Rent Control in San Francisco and the Impact on Small Property Owners
Hey San Francisco, let’s dive into something that could have a big impact on our City—California Proposition 33. This upcoming proposition could tighten statewide rent control measures, and while it sounds like a win for tenants, the reality is more complex, especially for small mom-and-pop investors who rely on rental income for their retirement. Let’s break down what this means and compare it to the current rent control measures in place in San Francisco.
Pace Yourself: Walks in The Bay Area
As I sit here today, I can hear the wind howling outside my window. The fog has settled over the Inner Sunset, while the rest of the City—Noe Valley, Potrero Hill, and even the Outer Sunset—are all basking in blue skies. Yes, it’s yet another classic San Francisco summer! Honestly, that’s one of the many reasons I love living here. I’m not a fan of hot weather; it makes me feel like I’m going to melt, which keeps me indoors. But the cool coastal air here? It lets me enjoy everything the City has to offer without breaking a sweat.
San Francisco Real Estate – Spring Market Outlook from Zephyr Real Estate
In case you’re a regular reader here at the blog, you probably have noticed the ridiculous lack of steady posts over the last several weeks. Things in the SF real estate market have been anything but slow, and Zephyr has the scoop:
Could You Find Your Next San Francisco Home While Grocery Shopping?
The real estate technology market has been flooded in recent years with “location-based” applications to help buyers find properties in their area. With little variation, they all work in about the same way: