The importance of doing underground storage tank (UST’s)
inspections  for homes in San Mateo County
I had the “interesting” experience in 2005 (prior to my becoming a licensed agent) of learning first hand the process behind removing …

Here’s the latest update as provided by the City of Burlingame.  If you have concerns about this project or if you just want to stay in the loop, get involved by attending community meetings in …

Cheryl’s website says “I do more” and it is true.
I am humbled by how hard she worked on my behalf as I went through the process of buying my home.  She was detail …

West Portal, SF Market Trends as of July 23, 2010
If you have a West Portal home that you are thinking about selling now may be the perfect time.  There is solid buyer demand, the …

It’s taken some time but the San Francisco Association of Realtors is updating the S.F. district map!

Now, it won’t be all inclusive of the approximate 100+ names the locals have given (officially & unofficially) but it’s a start!

My wife and I counted our lucky stars when we had the privilege of meeting and working with Cheryl Bower from Zephyr Real Estate. She was recommended to us through a professional contact …

Great news! Recology will be the new service provider for garbage, recycling and compost pick up for San Mateo County residents. Under the current service, pick up of recyclables happens bi-monthly which means multiple bins fill up & sit at the side of our house. Residents also have to sort paper from metals/plastics and pick up of compostable food waste is not a provided service.

The Community Coalition on High Speed Rail (CC-HSR) will present an informational program on High Speed Rail and Eminent Domain. You’re invited! As many of you know, the California High Speed Rail Authority is proposing to build an elevated structure between San Jose and San Francisco along the present Caltrain corridor. If that proposal comes to pass (and it’s not a “done deal” yet, and CC-HSR and other groups are fighting it), the Authority will need to take property from private parties along portions of the corridor. Some takings will be permanent but others will be for construction purposes only. In either event, these takings will have a significant impact on Peninsula homes and businesses.

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

New Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule in Effect April 22, 2010
If you own a pre-1978 home, here is new legislation which may impact your next renovation project.

As provided by SFAR:
The Federal Lead-Based Paint …

Action Alert – Condo Bypass for TIC owners in S.F.

Here’s the scoop for S.F. homeowners as provided by Plan C:
We have good news to report regarding the proposed one time “condo bypass” for TIC owners, …

I found Cheryl online when I was looking for an agent to help me find and purchase a condo. Cheryl made the home buying experience positive from start to finish. I found her …

Cheryl was an absolute godsend in the house buying process. She was recommended as a professional recommendation and was perfect.  She’s kind, patient, and caring…even with our numerous questions.  We loved using Docusign; …

What a great eco-friendly, affordable idea!  ZippGo: Green, Plastic moving boxes

In my internet meandering this morning I came across this great eco-friendly, affordable moving resource:  ZippGo
Here’s their scoop:

Moving is complicated and wasteful – we …

I love, love, love my Mac!!!  Check out my first video created via iMovie & pics uploaded from iPhoto.  Super easy; still needs some tweaking.  What do you think?
I sense a pet video is next …

As provided by Leonard Spoto of Asset Exchange Company :
Many of our 1031 Exchange clients hold title to their investment property in a Trust.  To understand why, it may make sense to review the basic …

As provided by SFAR:
San Francisco homeowners have a new way of paying for solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and low-flow toilets.
A new city-run program, GreenFinanceSF, will give San Franciscans the money to pay for such projects …

Details as provided by SFAR:
Distressed homeowners no longer have to pay California state income tax on debt forgiven in a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification.
Enacted into law on Monday (April 12, 2010), Senate Bill …

WEEKLY HOT RATES for the week ending 5/18/2010 as provided by Guarantee Mortgage

30 Yr Fixed Conforming to $417K           4.625%
“1.000” POINTS APR = 4.820%
30 Yr Fixed Jumbo to $729,750 4.750%
“1.000” POINTS APR= 5.080%
30 Year …

Why hiring a mortgage broker vs. working with a direct lender makes sense in today’s market!

As provided by the fine folks at Guarantee Mortgage (my comments are in red):

1.  Mortgage Brokers are trained to …

On March 25, 2010 California approved a new $10,000 First-Time Homebuyer tax credit for purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010. (Cal. Rev. & Tax Code § 17059.1)
For full details …

CAR-Sponsored Bill to Protect Borrowers from Lenders—Call Your State Senator Today
As shared by SFAR:

The California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) is sponsoring SB 1178 (Corbett) to extend anti-deficiency protection to homeowners who had refinanced from “purchase …

Median Sales Price Continues Its Upward Trend
In San Francisco’s Housing Market

Here’s the scoop as provided by SFAR:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 17, 2010 – Healthy sales activity, driven by low mortgage rates, tax incentives, and attractive …

When I’m working with buyers or sellers, I run market trend reports for both the city/community and the specific neighborhood (if there is enough data) in addition to checking comps.  It’s important to keep in …

I’ve been pulled out from my temporary blogging hiatus by a post which has been brought on by the incredibly poor communication and service that buyers who are in contract on a property are encountering …

Below are the interest rates up to 2/29/11 for security deposits as per the S.F. Rent Board.
New Interest Rate for Deposits

Pursuant to Chapter 49 of the San Francisco Administrative Code

3/1/10 – 2/28/11 0.9%

3/1/09 …

Very exciting news came through this week from Docusign!
On April 8, 2010, e-signed third-party documents, including real estate contracts, are now being accepted by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) with the …

Today was an amazingly beautiful, sunny, clear day after Friday’s big storm cleared through.
These dog kids were certainly happy as was I showing fabulous San Francisco real estate with crystal clear views of Marin County …

Mortgage Interest Rates from Guarantee Mortgage for the week ending 3/12/2010

Wow!!!  Look at these rates.  No wonder why my buyers are dealing with multiple offers.  Super low interest rates and spring buying season are creating …

As provided by S.F. Association of Realtors:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued new guidelines and clarified documentation that taxpayers must submit to successfully obtain the federal tax credit for home buyers.
The federal tax …