Sami

Thanks for the great answers so far everyone!

It looks like my target zone is in the SoFi (south of 5th) area, and a recently built ocean front condo.
If you have any other insights to share re: timing or "things to consider" when buying a condo that I'd also like to rent out most of the year, please let me know. - Tue Jan 22 2008, 23:22

Hello Paul,
I've spent some 8 years in the capital city, Helsinki, but I was born in a town called "Ruokolahti" about 200 miles north east of Helsinki. It's very near the Russian border, i.e., middle of nowhere.
Lahti, on the other hand, is straight north of Helsinki and often called the "Chicago of Finland".

Sami - Mon Aug 27 2007, 15:08

Hi, this is Sami from Trulia.
My apologies for the confusion caused with the wording of that or other statements you may have read from us.
We've always tried to make sure - and will continue to - that consumers have free and open access (with no registration required) to information, expert opinions and tools that we offer to both home buyers and sellers. With this approach, consumers can freely conduct their research without being "forced to become a lead" or attached to any particular professional until they may decide to do so.
This is also great news for the highest quality real estate professionals. Professionals who truly demonstrate their negotiation/marketing/local market skills and knowledge, will certainly attract a lot of potential buyer and seller attention, which is a win-win for everyone: consumers get fantastic service and the best professionals can generate more business for themselves (yes, someone could say at that point "I got a lead from Trulia", but at that point it is the best possible outcome for both the buyer and the professional).

I hope this clarifies our position a bit. Let me know if you'd like to know more about how we operate.
Best,
Sami Inkinen
(co-founder of Trulia) - Wed Aug 1 2007, 10:36

Hello,
I've lived in Noe Valley for 2 years now and it's probably as safe as it gets in a city like San Francisco.
To over-generalize, if you have a golden retriever, station wagon and a Significant Other with a couple of kids, you will perfectly blend in. Yes, it is a nice family neighborhood that someone could call boring - particularly if you comparison point is Mission or Castro.
Church and 24th street are full of restaurants, cafes and other little neighborhood services from video rental stores to day spas.
Parking can be a hassle, unless you live near a playground, of which there are plenty... - Mon Jun 25 2007, 00:19