Getting Real – Truth in Advertising
I was going through some old notes, and I found the gem below and had a little chuckle. II remember how refreshing it was to see a little listing that put the “real” back in “realtor!” 🙂 I can’t seem to find where this advertising gem was listed - but I wish we saw more like this.
Real estate agents are known for some serious fluff in our marketing pieces. We use words like “cozy” when we mean “tiny”. Or we say it has “potential” when we mean “once you rip out the kitchen, the bathrooms, the wallpaper, and that hideous statue it’ll be exactly what you want.”
9 Home Improvement Projects That Add the Most Value in San Francisco
In San Francisco’s real estate market, upgrades are less about following trends and more about smart investments. The City’s buyers are savvy—they value functionality, design, and unique features that enhance their lifestyle. These 9 home improvement projects are proven to add value while appealing to San Francisco’s discerning buyers.
Introducing: Lauren Mirov - The LubaSF Team’s Secret Weapon (Well, Not So Secret Anymore!)
We’re beyond excited to introduce you to the newest (and honestly, most organized) member of the LubaSF team—Lauren Mirov, our rockstar Transaction Coordinator! 🎉
If you’ve ever wondered how we manage to keep every deal on track, every document in place, and every deadline met—well, that’s all thanks to Lauren. With her unparalleled attention to detail and an uncanny ability to create order out of chaos, Lauren is the glue that holds it all together behind the scenes.
Flashback Friday: Herb Caen’s Take on “Frisco” (But Never, Ever ‘San Fran’)
Caen famously granted “permission” for folks to call it Frisco—but don’t get it twisted. “San Fran” was an absolute no-go in his book. He once wrote, “I’m sorry, but you can’t call it San Fran. You just can’t.” His love-hate relationship with Frisco went from outright disapproval to begrudging acceptance, as long as it was used with a little reverence and understanding of the city’s rich history.
FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Which One’s Right for You? 🏡
So, which loan works best for you?
FHA Loans: A solid option if your credit isn’t perfect or your savings are limited.
Conventional Loans: A better fit if you have strong credit and can put more down upfront to avoid long-term costs.
Every homebuyer’s situation is different, and finding the right loan is key to achieving your dream home. Let’s figure it out together!
Buying a Home in San Francisco: Are You Ready for It?
So… you’re contemplating buying a home in San Francisco, huh? It’s a big step, and whether you’re 25 or 75, it feels like the ultimate adulting move. Your mom’s already dreaming of grandkids (because owning property obviously leads to that 🙄), your dad’s holding out for those mythical 2% interest rates, your accountant’s eyeing tax benefits, and your mortgage broker’s assuring you that current rates are “pretty average”—whatever that means. Meanwhile, your realtor keeps reminding you about that SoMa loft you liked 131 days ago, which, after five price drops, just went under contract yesterday. For less than the latest asking price. Typical. 😒
The Price of Prestige: Exploring SF's Most Exclusive Real Estate
It was a Tuesday morning, which for me means broker’s tour—one of my favorite things about my profession. There’s nothing quite like exploring properties all over San Francisco and discovering the unique gems this city has to offer. I stepped into 2121 Webster, and from the moment I entered, I was captivated
Flashback Friday: From Tombstones to Textbooks – The Fascinating History of Lone Mountain at USF
Let’s talk about Lone Mountain—the hill, the legend, and the quad that defined my legs during my time at USF. Running (fine, speed walking) from McLaren Hall to Lone Mountain in under ten minutes was like competing in an Olympic event. And those stairs? I still don’t know how many there are—I was always too out of breath to count by the time I reached the top.
But once you got there, Lone Mountain made it all worth it….
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.
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.