Luxury in San Francisco: How Architecture Defines the Art of High-End Living
Let’s face it—San Francisco’s luxury real estate market is unlike any other. Here, luxury isn’t just about marble countertops or heated floors (though we love those too). It’s about the soul of the space, the story it tells, and how its design fits into the fabric of The City. From the jaw-dropping Victorians in Pacific Heights to the sleek, glass-fronted wonders in Noe Valley, architecture is the defining ingredient that transforms a home from just expensive to undeniably luxurious.
Introducing Clinton Higginbotham: The LubaSF Team’s Part-Time Prodigy
When I decided to bring on an assistant to help with the many moving parts of real estate, it didn’t take long to think of the perfect person—Clinton Higginbotham. Clinton isn’t just any assistant; I’ve known him since he was in kindergarten. I’ve watched him grow into a driven, sharp, and curious young man, and now he’s a part-time member of the LubaSF team while finishing his senior year at Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Francisco.
11 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your San Francisco Home
Selling a home in San Francisco is exciting, but it’s also a high-stakes endeavor. Mistakes can cost you time, money, or even the perfect buyer. Here’s what to avoid—and how to get it right. Spoiler: It all starts and ends with choosing the right agent.
Introducing Felipe De Bedout: My “Son,” My Junior Partner, and the Perfect Addition to The LubaSF Team
If you’ve worked with me before, you know I take my work (and my clients) very seriously. But when it comes to choosing someone to join my team? Let’s just say I take it to another level. Real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trust, dedication, and sometimes putting your whole heart on the line for your clients. So, when I decided it was time to expand the LubaSF team, I knew I had to find someone exceptional.
Flashback Friday: Streetcars, Surf, and Carville’s Hidden Secrets
Welcome back to Flashback Friday - a series where I share some of my favorite weird, wonderful, and occasionally hidden, stories from San Francisco’s past. If there’s one person who loves San Francisco history more than I do (and trust me, that’s hard to beat), it’s Woody LaBounty. This guy lives and breathes SF’s past—and his storytelling skills are second to none. One of my absolute favorite topics he’s tackled is the story of Carville-by-the-Sea, a delightfully quirky neighborhood in the Outer Sunset that was literally made of repurposed streetcars.
Smarter Deals, Happier Clients: Let’s Talk Commission Strategies
Let’s clear something up right away: this isn’t about short-changing anyone or pulling a fast one on the system. It’s about structuring deals in a way that makes financial sense for everyone involved—buyer, seller, and yes, even the buyer’s agent. But let me tell you, explaining this to some buyer’s agents has been… an experience.
2024 - San Francisco Real Estate Year in Review
San Francisco's real estate market in 2024 reflected a mix of resilience and recovery amid broader economic challenges. High prices, limited inventory, and steady demand defined the landscape, with certain neighborhoods continuing to perform well despite a shifting economic backdrop.
Permits, Please! Why Skipping Them is a Costly Gamble
I went to visit a property today, and was disappointed to find yet another home where the owners had decided to do all of their remodeling without obtaining building permits. The kitchen was missing an airgap device for the dishwasher, there was PVC plumbing for the sink instead of copper, and these are just the things that my untrained eye noticed (I say “untrained” because I’m a Realtor, not a building inspector).
Ringing in 2025: 10 Absolutely Zany Predictions for San Francisco Real Estate Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! With 2024 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look ahead—and what better way to kick off 2025 than with some wild predictions for San Francisco real estate? Forget market trends and data-driven analysis—this is all about embracing the absurd. Will these happen? Probably not. But hey, anything’s possible in a city as unpredictable as ours!
SELLING STORIES: Loss of a Loved One – Honoring Memories Amid Complexity
As the year draws to a close, it’s a natural time to reflect on life’s most significant moments, including the bittersweet ones. The loss of a loved one is among life’s most difficult experiences, and for many, it also brings practical decisions—like what to do with their property. Selling a home tied to a loved one can be emotional and, at times, overwhelming. Beyond the memories, there are often complexities such as probate, trusts, wills, and managing relationships among heirs. It’s not an easy journey, but with the right support, it can be a meaningful step toward honoring their legacy and moving forward.
SELLING STORIES: Foreclosure or Short Sale – Tough Times
Sometimes, selling a home isn’t about new beginnings or strategic investments—it’s about facing a hard reality. Foreclosures and short sales represent some of the most challenging reasons to sell, often arising from financial struggles or life’s unexpected curveballs.
It’s not an easy road, but it’s also not the end of the story. These situations, while difficult, can be the first step toward rebuilding and moving forward. Let’s explore what foreclosure and short sales mean, the options available, and how to navigate these tough times.
SELLING STORIES: Investment Property – Cashing Out
For real estate investors, it’s all about the numbers. While most homeowners tie their property to memories and emotions, investors focus on ROI, cap rates, and long-term growth. When the numbers say it’s time to sell, they’re ready to cash out, reinvest, and move on to the next big opportunity.
SELLING STORIES: Neighborhood Changes – For Better or Worse
Neighborhood transformations can sometimes be thrilling. Think new coffee shops on every corner, trendy boutiques replacing that old strip mall, or an influx of young families revitalizing the community. For some, these changes increase property values and create a more dynamic living experience.
SELLING STORIES: Market Conditions – Timing It Right
Timing is everything—or so they say. When it comes to real estate, that sentiment rings especially true. Savvy homeowners know that the right market conditions can make all the difference between an okay sale and a “wow” one. Maybe you’re looking to lock in those hard-earned gains, or maybe you’re eyeing the market with a bit of caution, thinking, “Is now the time to cash out?”
SELLING STORIES: 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.
SELLING STORIES: 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.
SELLING STORIES: 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.
SELLING STORIES: 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.
SELLING STORIES: 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.