Diving into the California real estate market without a buyer’s agent might seem like a cost-saving measure, but beware— court cases and past litigation suggest that it is fraught with dangers that could lead to financial disaster. Given the changes brought about by the 2024 NAR Settlement, this post aims to explain what it means […]

  San Francisco’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community has left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. From the groundbreaking activism of the Castro to the ever changing energies of South of Market, each neighborhood tells a story of resilience, celebration, and the ongoing fight for equality. This blog delves into the rich history of these neighborhoods, […]

“San Francisco, I am broken, but you are the place I come to heal” From “I Am Harvey Milk” by Andrew Lippa and performed by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. San Francisco conjures up iconic images that ignite the imaginations and wanderlust. Beneath the Photoshop-perfect postcards lies a dense, complicated city with a unique […]

Hi there! You’ve read the NY Times article about assumable mortgages or something similar. You’ve read that they were last popular so long ago that most real estate agents don’t even know about them. And that there are vast pools of assumable loans out there, and that maybe you can make your next home more […]

What do recent headlines and news stories about NAR commission settlement mean for the sale of your home? Our NAR Commission Settlement White Paper is an easy to understand overview of what’s happened, what’s changing, and what isn’t.  Download it here.  Thinking of selling your San Francisco home? The market is almost always in your […]

What Just Happened? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has entered into a proposed settlement agreement about real estate commissions. The proposed settlement agreement has not been finalized, but if it is, it will be a settlement of commission-related lawsuits. There are nationwide implications to these class action lawsuits known by a variety of names. […]

San Francisco, nicknamed “The City by the Bay,” pulsates with a unique charm and dynamic culture unlike any other. Steep hills, iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, and a vibrant mix of Victorian-era architecture and modern skyscrapers create a visually stunning backdrop to your daily life. Beyond the postcard image lies a diverse tapestry […]

Recent headlines in San Francisco have painted a picture of a struggling city, with news of the Macy’s Union Square closure and the sale of the iconic 170 O’Farrell Street building adding fuel to the fire. While these closures are undeniably significant, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface and understand the complex factors influencing […]

Let’s face it. 2023 was just a weird year in residential real estate. The Fed raised interest rates 11 times over the last two years, making potential mortgages and payments much more expensive. There continues to be a severe shortage of new housing being built. And it is very difficult to find available housing for […]

More than almost any other city, San Francisco is truly a “City of Neighborhoods”. And no matter how you count or define them, the number of neighborhoods will vary depending on who you ask.  When living in or moving to San Francisco, choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will […]

If you are considering buying a home in San Francisco, budgeting for your monthly housing payment will include budgeting for property taxes. The primary determinant of your tax bill will be the purchase price of your property, which is taxed at about a rate of .0118%/year. A substantial addition to these bills for some homes […]

What do you do with your ADU? Until AB 1033 and AB976, you didn’t owner occupy them! Because they were already occupied by tenants or your in-laws, grandparents, or extended family or friends. Until now, accessory dwelling unit – aka efficiency flat, in-law unit, granny flat, or just plain ole ADU – occupancy has so […]