Norm Cyr

I am a shameless advocate for Bernal Heights. Bernal Heights has easy on and off access to 101 and 280 freeways. A great way of getting downtown easily from Bernal Heights is to take Cesar Chavez down to third street, third street all the way to downtown. Its a good alternate when 101 is backed up. You can also take a bus to the new light rail on third street. Bernal has a small neighborhood feel to it with shops and restaurants on both sides of the hill and close to the trendy Mission area. Families are moving into this area. Check out this link for a description from SF Gate:
http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/bernal.shtml - Sat Feb 2 2008, 05:30

This is what most buyers like and want! I think its a great idea. Please make sure the construction is "professional" and its done with permits, you will see a return on your investment if its done properly. Is there anyway you can put in a separate utility room for washer and dryer on the same floor while you are at it? Washer and dryer on same living level adds value.
Good Luck! - Fri Feb 1 2008, 05:43

$300,000 is a very healthy downpayment but you may want to consider not using it all as a downpayment, some portion of that money should be kept in a reserve account to cover any unforeseen expenses in the future. San Francisco's market is unique to the rest of the Nation's market, prices have still seen an increase in most neighborhoods and homes that are in good ready move in condition move fast. It's hard to say when is the "right time to buy"? The right time to buy is when you are comfortable with it. I know of a couple who have always wanted to buy but thought they would wait "until the next year when things would be better" that was over 20 years ago and they are still "waiting"! You may want to call your landlord and see if you are on a month to month lease and of course the first step is to prequalify. An experienced mortgage lender or your bank should be able to consult with you and set up a financial plan to help to put you on the road to home ownership.
Good Luck! - Sun Jan 20 2008, 08:48

In San Francisco most sellers will have a Pest inspection and fix any problem areas (if there are any) BEFORE they put it on the market . The pest inspection searches for any continual water damage, beetle and termite damage. A Contractor's inspection is an inspection by an experienced qualified contractor to look for any problem areas in the construction of the building and its operational systems. In San Francisco, a serious buyer who has an offer on the table will usually order and pay for a Contractors inspection themselves. As to whether you should get a pre-sale inspection for your home before you put it on the Market? For a Pest inspection–Yes, for a Contractor's inspection– probably not and my reason for this is that a buyer will more than likely order their own inspection whether you did one or not. Why waste your money? - Tue Dec 11 2007, 07:46

You can go to this site and see what the recent crime reports are in the area of interest. http://www.sfgov.org/site/police_index.asp?id=23813
I suggest you make comparisons to other neighborhoods, that way you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to live in that neighborhood. I live and work in Bernal Heights and live about 4 blocks from there and walk my dog everyday at Holly Park...I love it. I have lived here for 5 years and have seen this neighborhood change and improve every year. They recently updated the park (Holly) and revamped the children's playground, there are familys there everyday. There are great restaurants in Bernal Heights and it has easy freeway access to 101 and 280. Please feel free to check out my mls map search at my websitehttp:// www.homesearchsf.com and contact me at anytime, I know Bernal Heights and I am a big advocate for this wonderful area of the city. - Sun Dec 9 2007, 12:09