by Gary Belk | Jan 12, 2016 | Uncategorized |
A very interesting article on growth. It is a complex issue. I think this article by Justin Fox explains the issue very well. “…a San Francisco that makes room for a few hundred thousand more tech workers will no longer be the same shabbily welcoming city “that’s been a magnet for free spirits and immigrants and working-class people for decades.. Then again, “free spirits and immigrants and working-class people” can’t afford to move to San Francisco now anyway — it’s only the ones who managed to get their hands on a rent-controlled apartment years ago who can afford to stay. Here’s Sonja Trauss, a former math teacher and economics graduate student who recently founded the pro-growth San Francisco Bay Area Renters Federation: The past is not an option. Going forward we can become either a big city, or else a highly exclusive gated community for the rich. For homeowners this is an academic question, because as owners, nothing can make them move. For renters and all new entrants (your children) this question is over whether we live in the Bay Area or not. There are 2x as many people who want to live here than do live here. The current “character” of SF isn’t very useful to people who can’t live here.” Link to entire...
by Gary Belk | Dec 4, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Looking back at the statistics from the past few years, we traditionally see a dramatic increase in price each January. For instance, last year the median price for a home in San Francisco that went into contract in December of 2014 sold for $925,000; in January, that dollar figure rose to $1,115,000! While this figure is skewed, as it is the median price for all home types, it does show an upward trend of “price-post-holiday-joy” if you are the seller and a perfect opportunity to buy now if you are a buyer…. If you’re thinking about selling your property, let’s talk now to be ready to take advantage for this trend. We will prepare your property and design a custom marketing plan, so as soon as 2016 rolls around, we’ll be poised to strike. And If You Are Buying, Now Is The Time To Strike…. Based on the above stats, as you can see, if you are shopping for a home, now is the time to secure a great deal. If the past is any predictor of the future, most people put their home buying on-hold due to the holidays – giving you two reasons to buy now… avoid the inevitable price increase and less competition! Urban Focus is REALLY Full-Service and no Realtor offers you more service whether you are a Seller, Buyer or Both With over two decades of experience in San Francisco real estate, we know it can be difficult to find the right property in San Francisco and then — on top of finding it —being the winning bidder! Buyers, now, you can rest comfortably for...
by Gary Belk | Oct 16, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Buyers Have Reason To Celebrate, For A Change! Now is the best time to buy in San Francisco I’ve seen in years. Historically, the autumn market is calmer with less competition. But, this year, for the first time in several years, the competition is less than usual, making this the perfect time to purchase. Looking back at the statistics from the past few years, we traditionally see a dramatic increase in price each January. For instance, last year the median price for a home in San Francisco that went into contract in December of 2014 sold for $925,000; in January the figure rose to $1,115,000! While this figure may be skewed, since it is the median price for all home types, it does show an upward trend on price that each new year adds. Bonus Benefit for Buyers. The frenzy has slowed as we enter the year end.. For example, instead of buyers being overwhelmed having to compete with 6 to 10 offers, we are now having to compete with an average of 3. As I write this, I know of several great properties that have been on the market for 30 days or more than can be purchased without competition — allowing you, the buyer, to make the right decision instead of a frantic decision. (That’s right! Call me now before these hidden gems sell, as buyers, can actually negotiate the price and terms of the offer!) We are not declare declaring that the seller’s market that has been surging for the past 4 to 5 years is over, but buyers are currently receiving a welcome respite for...
by Gary Belk | Jun 27, 2015 | Uncategorized |
It’s a daunting task to keep tabs on all the construction in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. Along all of the neighborhoods’ major thoroughfares – South Van Ness, Mission Street, Fremont and Market Street, to name a few – change is coming rapidly. Up until the recession, SoMa was a car-centric neighborhood; auto repair shops, gas stations and car washes were on every corner. These days, though, that is changing. SoMa is shedding its gritty, industrial past, and the neighborhood is evolving into a dense, high-tech, and, surprisingly, more residential corner of the city. Just look at the number of SoMa automotive businesses – one of the most common types of businesses here – that are set to be replaced with condos and office buildings. There are nearly a dozen or so projects like that in the works, including a transformation of the Chevron station at Howard and 9th. Plus, major redevelopment projects like the Transbay Terminal and Rincon Hill infill are completely changing car-friendly neighborhood. Compared to other areas in San Francisco, the scale and the pace of transformation in SoMa is unparalleled. Here, there are so many opportunities for infill and for higher density projects than anywhere in the city, and San Francisco’s Planning Department has noticed. The city has already streamlined massive redevelopments like the Transbay Terminal, and now, the planning department is in the process of rezoning the entire neighborhood, increasing height limits and rezoning for mixed-use and residential properties. In other words, we’re just at the tip of the iceberg of the SoMa development rush. By the end of the decade, the neighborhood...
by Gary Belk | Jun 3, 2015 | Uncategorized |
This 2 level, house-like condo located in a coveted, walkable location on Russian Hill is a perfect full-time residence or Pied-terre. Part of a small 4 unit association located in an elegantly designed 1920’s European style boutique buidling. The unit has been renovated with high-end finishes and attention was paid to preserve the architectural detail including rich hardwood floors, moldings and high ceilings. The kitchen is a work of art with Arclinea Cabinetry, gourmet appliances and has been featured in California Home and Design Magazine. The 2 bedrooms suites are located on separate levels, for privacy, and each have ensuite bathrooms with marble floor, large amounts of storage, and contemporary fixtures. The upper level features a large formal entry, guest bedroom and bath, living area, large formal dining and modern kitchen. The living area and guest bedroom have views of the private garden. The lower level has a media/family room, separate office, master suite and access to the private garden and a separate BBQ area. Offers reviewed as received. $2,795,000 Amenities Off-MLS Opportunity! Beautifully renovated house-like condo 2 levels, with bedrooms on separate levels 2 bedroom suites Den with accesss to private outdoor BBQ area Separate office Private deeded garden In-unit laundry 2 car parking Arclinea Gourmet Kitchen High-end appliances Stunning bathrooms Oversized open double master bathroom shower Perfect full-time residence or pied-terre 4 unit, well-run HOA – See more at:...
by Gary Belk | May 15, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Since its initial approval in 1998, the Mission Bay redevelopment has completely transformed what was once an underutilized corner of the city. Thousands of housing units – market-rate condos, rentals and affordable housing – have risen from the empty lots, and office, commercial spaces and a state-of-the-art hospital and research center now call the neighborhood home. In many ways, the redevelopment is indicative of San Francisco’s recent boom in construction, swift new condo sales, and rapid growth in housing prices. Here’s proof: The median sales price for homes in Mission Bay was nearly $1 million in the first quarter of 2015, up more than 20 percent compared to the same time last year read the full info here. That’s spectacular year-over-year growth, and it’s been noticed elsewhere in San Francisco. Plus, new developments are selling out faster than ever. Arden by Bosa a 267-unit project sold out in months when it hit the market in 2014, which followed on the heels of the record sales at Madrone, another neighborhood Bosa development. But now, the pace of transformation is slowing, and the largest projects are complete or nearing completion. It’s been nearly two decades, but Mission Bay is no longer a redevelopment area. It’s one of the hottest neighborhood’s in the city. A Look at Mission Bay’s New Skyline The maddening pace of development has made it a challenge to keep up with all the developments in the neighborhood. Which projects are complete? Are there any notable projects under construction? Today, the neighborhood looks nothing like it did just a few short years ago. Here’s a look at the most...
