The San Francisco Real Estate Blog



San Francisco Real Estate Blog. It's every bit as interesting as Curbed, the New York Real Estate blog.
-- Max Black - Prairie Fire












« September 2009 | | December 2009 »

November 2009




November 16, 2009

After fighting with B of A for seven months to re-fi my mortgage, I can tell you the words, "Loan Ceiling Extended" are meaningless... But if you're into, or looking to re-fi your's the government has good news for you...

From the NY Times

BUYERS of homes in high-priced markets have some reason to cheer: the federal government recently extended through 2010 the maximum dollar amount for “conforming loans.” This will probably mean better options for borrowers who might otherwise have had to take out “jumbo” mortgages.

Conforming loans meet all the guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-controlled agencies that resell packages of loans to investors, and are therefore eligible for purchase by these agencies. Jumbo mortgages, issued in amounts above the government’s maximum, are nonconforming. Because lenders assume less risk in making conforming loans, the interest rates are usually lower.

click here for the complete New York Times story http://bit.ly/2f0cgp




The SF Daily Pundit Real Estate Blog is back by popular demand!

As always, we rely on our connections in the real estate world and of course tips from all of you, so....

KEEP SENDING YOUR TIPS!

Email them to: videofishbowl@gmail.com

Text them to: 415.465.0555

And yes, we do accept (and love) any mobile pics and video you happen to come across in the real estate jungle.

Glad to be back...




The VIP Event of the week is at the Millennium Tower this Wednesday evening - It's the 'Icons of Design' Designer Showcase hosted by EARN and Vanguard.

Anyone whose anyone in the SF real estate world will be there - You do need to be invited by a member of the EARN Real Estate Auxiliary in order to get in, but of course we have a special connection at EARN so let us know if you want to go and we'll hook you up! (email: videofishbowl@gmail.com)

Info below:
-------------------------------------------------------

EARN and Vanguard Properties Proudly Announce an Evening at Millennium Tower

Join the EARN Real Estate Auxiliary and Vanguard Properties this fall at the elegant and upscale Icons of Design designer showcase at the Millennium Tower. THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR 2009-2010 AUXILIARY MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS (UP TO 4 GUESTS PER MEMBER).

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine, and gorgeous views with your guests, while exploring the new high-rise's "extraordinary venue in the sky" on the 52nd floor. Over 25 of the Bay Area's most prestigious designers have contributed their eclectic visions to the luxurious 52nd-floor condos at the Tower, and will be present at the showcase for you to meet! They include:

Martin Richards Interiors, Alexandra Owen Interior Design, Ann Brown Interiors, Ann Getty & Associates, Applegate Tran Interiors, ArtHaus, Black Mountain, Chantal Lamberto Interior Design, Closets Van Go, Eden Wright Design, Geoffrey De Sousa and Sarah Puls, Henderson Design Group, Hendler Design, Hepworth & Howard, Jeff Ryan Interiors, Jurow Design Associates, Katherine Jacobus, Kensington & Associates, Martha Angus Inc., Martin-Richards Interiors, Michael Merrill Design Studio, Inc., Nancy Van Natta Associates, Orlando Diaz-Acuzy Design, Reba Jones, Scheiber Design Group, Shelby de Quesada Interior Design, Studio Becker, Sutro Architects, The Charles de Lisle Workshop, Willem Racké Studio, Inc and Wiseman & Gale.

Enjoy the autumn sunset with your guests and learn more above these innovative designers that have set new standards for the San Francisco design scene. Experience luxury in its finest form and RSVP today!

RSVP is required to attend. Valet parking is also complimentary for all guests. Admission is free, but space is limited. RSVP here.

EVENT:
EARN at Icons of Design - Millennium Tower
Passed hors d' oeuvres and wine

DATE:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 6-8 pm

LOCATION:
52nd Floor of Millennium Tower
301 Mission St. (at Fremont St.), San Francisco

PARKING:
Host valet parking - complimentary for all guests.




November 17, 2009

FHA Black logo.jpg

Apparently, Frank Howard Allen has become cool again - Three 'real' agents (agents who take their job seriously - not just mommies selling 1 house a year) have jumped to FHA in the past few weeks. Who you ask? Take a look...

- Jeff Sterley with Alain Pinel
- Bernard Link with Pacific Union
- Michelle Bell with Pacific Union

As of 2PM, we just got wind of another agent who has gone to FHA...

- Barry Crotty with Pacific Union (former manager for PU Strawberry)

Thoughts as to why agents would be going to FHA right now???




November 24, 2009

logo_original.jpg

Did you see the ad in Marin Magazine (and most likely other publications in SF and the Peninsula) for the 'Top Agent Network'?

Click here to see a PDF of the ad.

Now, I'm sure the 'Top Agent Network' is a great (albeit VERY expensive) resource, but was it really necessary for the members of this group to put an ad out that makes non 'Top Agent Network' agents look bad?

If an agent doesn't sell over 'X Amount' of real estate a year or aren't to the liking of the 'Top Agent Network' powers that be are they a bad agent? I sure don't think so.

I feel sorry for the hard working agents out there who don't meet the 'requirements' of the 'Top Agent Network' or don't want to spend hundreds of dollars every year to be in it who have to explain to their clients why they aren't on the 'Top Agent Network' list.

If we are really trying to promote comaraderie in the real estate community, ads like this sure aren't helping.