The answer depends on what you're looking for financially.
If you're looking to minimize your monthly payments, then renting is marginally better in San Francisco since you won't have any large, unforeseen home ownership expenses.
If you're looking to increase your overall wealth, then buying is a much better idea today. Being the tip of a peninsula, the buildable land in the city is extremely limited. Today is one of the rare times when you can afford to buy for about the same price as rent in the city, if you have 20% downpayment saved up. With the Bay Area experiencing a rebound from the 2009 correction, you have a good chance to double your equity in 5 years.... more
My colleague Teri Cavanaugh at Zephyr has this amazing listing you should see if you’re looking in San Francisco! Feel free to contact me for me details! Mild mannered on the outside, this home has
Read more
I do not believe people will buy to take advantage of the races. Those who have views will probably have parties. But that is just a part of having the view. I do not know or have heard of anyone buying just to see America's Cup. In general, most people want a "great view." And that is the driving force behind where and what they will buy. The race is secondary in my opinion.
Best,
Sally... more
Your plan looks reasonable and fair. Based on the facts you present there is no written contract binding you to the broker.
You did not ask whether there is some other theory or set of facts creating contractual liability.
If you like this answer, please recommend me on my profile page.... more
Consider an ARM, 15 year, 20 year and other types of mortgages that might give you a big edge on your interest rate and monthly payment.
If you like this answer, please recommend me on my profile page.... more
We would love to compete for your business. We work with a lot of real estate agents and property managers. Give us a try, we will work hard to win your business.
There are both city and state programs in place to help you green your home but they still will take some money, at least initially. - Alternatively, go to a good hardware store, one that has knowleagable staff, explain to them what you're after and listen to their suggestions. You could also visit the Home Depot for that purpose. Implement those suggestions that make the most sense and fit within your budget.... more
I like Caroline's response, "It can mean nothing or it can mean a lot." Concrete takes approx. 100 years to completely cure. Generally speaking, it should not be built on for the first 30 days after a slab has been poored, but, this varies depending on what climate you live in. The first step would be to have a structural engineer take a look at the home to determine whether it is due to settlement or structural issues. In Houston we have "shifty" clay soil and deal with long droughts. I have an engineer willing to look at homes and provide a report for around $400. Contact a local real estate professional for a recommended residential structural engineer in your area. If he/she determine the crack due to a structural issue, have a minimum of three foundation companies provide estimates. Only choose companies that provide a trasferable warranty (Note: In most cases, the warranty is only good for the area of the home that was repaired). Foundation estimates are likely to vary quite a bit because the cost is mostly labor. If there is a large discrepancy in the recommended ways to repair, go back to your structural engineer or contact the Bay Area Building Industry Association for an independant consultant.... more
Hi Ricardo,
my website has a link to a local mortgage broker that can help you with your loan needs, give them a try. Make sure you get loan pre-approved not just pre-qualified, find out the difference on this blog post
http://americarealtyonline.com/RealtorWebPage?custompage_id=1547137122
contact me if I can assist you.
Good luck!
Buyer Cash Rebate 50%-60% / Seller Commission Discount 50%
Quality Full Service! Work directly with the Broker.
Flavio Tejada, Owner/Broker, Realtor, MBA-Finance
(415)305-2958... more
"Thanks Greg,
But I spoke with a mortgage broker who sits in my office and he can get a better rate from a lender with more down. Maybe this forum is not for bashing others opinions. I'm glad you have access to every lender."
----
Matthew, I am not bashing anyone, I am merely clarifying what are well published conforming guidelines. I don't need "every lender" to know and understand what is a well known Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac fact. If you have a lender that offers better rates @ 70% LTV than at 75% LTV it's NOT a conforming lender and thus will have higher rates anyway.
Thank you.... more
Rumors have going on for months about bringing the Golden State Warriors back to San Francisco, and the verdict is in. This NBA Franchise has indeed found a new home in San Francisco. The new arena will
Read more
Tania is right. In fact that also includes the type of brackets you use to hold the piping in place. I heard of a house in the bay area blowing up when the homeowner replaced the copper bracket with a galvanized one on the gas line in the subfloor. (They did probably save 50 cents because the copper ones do costs more though.) The electrolysis ate a pinhole in the copper pipe and the subfloor filled-up with gas; add a spark and kaboom!... more
In a world where the Internet makes marketing miracles possible and home data seems to flow free, every once in a while you’ll hear of someone attempting to buy or sell without an agent.While some stories
Read more
Your typical carrying costs are property taxes (they run about 1.18% annually), your mortgage, HOA dues (if any), insurance, and any funds you wish to set aside for maintenance and such.
If this is an income property, then you also need to figure an occupancy factor (usually 95%), rental ad costs and management fees (if any). I would also bump up the maintenance costs.
Oggi Kashi - 415.690.3792 direct
Broker Associate, Paragon Real Estate Group CA DRE 01844627
All data from sources deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions, and not warranted.... more
The Social Study on Geary at Fillmore is pretty cool, and Yoshi's is always fun if you want a lounge environment. The original Little Star Pizza on Divis is still packed after many years, and Bar Crudo on Divis is great as well.... more