Escrow Out Loud: San Francisco Real Estate

Is Covid-19 the end of open homes in San Francisco? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The payment of the second installment of property taxes in San Francisco is delayed until May 4, 2020.Then we go down the rabbit hole in search of how the due dates came to be, where May 4 comes from, and what is likely to happen between now and then. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Monday, April 6, 2020Our guest today is Kevin Birmingham, founder of Park North Real Estate, fellow SFAR past president, and all around good guy. He's also an incredibly sharp person with some of the most prescient insights into SF real estate. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our guest today is John Ebner of Opes Advisors/Flagstar Bank. Join Matt for a discussion with mortgage industry leader John Ebner about Covid-19 and how it has changed lending for residential home buyers and borrowers.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our guest today is Dan Hershkowitz, a local well known risk management guy who often shares his opinions and thoughts on social media. He joins us today to talk about some important items to think about when transacting real estate in the era of Covid-19.All of the forms mentioned are available to licensed Realtor practitioners in the state of CA through zipforms. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Matt explains how the hold status is being used during the Covid-19 shelter in place directive.In addition, Matt explains the mis-match between properties that are displayed on websites and apps vs what properties are actually available.Short story, shorter: Be in touch with your agent, and if you don't have one, we'd love to chat with you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is real estate an essential service during the mandatory shelter-in-place directive issued on March 16, 2020 in San Francisco county. Links mentioned in show: Federal Directive from DHS that is not binding (Mar 28, PDF)SF list of essential businesses and exemptionsOpen San Francisco city servicesHow you can volunteer during the shelter-in-place directiveSF Social Distancing Guidelines#stayhome, #staysafeIn this episode we address the confusion about real estate's classification as an essential business. The one situation I can imagine where it is okay to do business as a broker: if you have a court order to sell a home and want to livestream a tour with no one else present, go for it. Then remember that title companies are not open, appraisers and inspectors are not essential businesses for transactional activities, and if you can put that deal together and get it to closing while staying 6 feet away from everyone, I salute you and invite you on to the podcast to tell us all how you did it! Otherwise, st

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk to a special guest star, who has been solidly attached to the San Francisco scene since the 1970s; can you guess who they are?[00:40] This is the first ever podcast our guest has ever been on. She is more used to 8-track tapes and cassette tapes.[01:01] Our guest is perfectly proportioned; with a sunny outlook and open with her plan. Did Lizzo dedicate a song to her?[01:53] One of the things that make her unique is her phenomenal outlook on nature.[03:03] Is our guest trying to meet someone? A serial monogamist, she’s feeling a little empty lately. Sometimes it feels like she is tucked away, but really she’s perched above a canyon in the heart of everything.[04:12] Our guest has a plan. Its open. It features a recently updated kitchen which just flows to the casual/formal dining. Vaulted ceilings, lots of light, and even a fireplace.[05:45] Let's play a three question game for the listeners who still need a couple more clues

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk to Kevin Birmingham, owner of Park North Real Estate. Kevin Birmingham and Matt Fuller both started in SF real estate around the same time (a long, long time ago) and over the years an unlikely friendship has developed. Matt and Kevin served together on the Board of Directors for the SF Real Estate Board, with Kevin serving as 2018 President and Matt as 2017 President. Join us for a great conversation with one of San Francisco real estate's most independent voices.[00:21] Park North Real Estate is one of San Francisco’s newest independent brokerages. Kevin takes us through why he decided to start his own brokerage. Also, how did its name come to be?[04:15] Kevin is a rare creature. He is a San Francisco native, growing up on the westside of San Francisco in the West Portal neighborhood, although at the time it was just called "The Sunset." Kevin talks a bit about what it was like back then and how the city he knew has moved

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we are talking about bridge loans with our special guest from Opes Advisers, sales manager and senior loan advisor Tracy Andreini.[00:40] A lot of people think about selling their property at this time of year. The nice thing about bridge loans is that they make it possible for people to buy their next home allowing them to move out and stage their house for sale.[01:04] We have been working with Opes for over a decade now. Tracy tells us a little bit about Opes Advisers and her background. She also explains what a bridge loan is and what are some of its major benefits.[06:24] One feature of bridge loans is that they are short term loans, typically having a term of only six months.[07:21] Another feature is that with a bridge loan there are no monthly payments. The only out of pocket costs are the 3% initial deposit and closing costs. Tracy explains how this works.[09:12] The interest rates on a bridge loan are time plus 2.5. Curren

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we have a very special guest star: our friend and client Kay.[00:44] Kay shares a little of her background with us. We also learn how she came to buy her lovely house in Burlingame almost forty years ago which was almost brand new at the time.[03:46] Other than the perfect location, the two other features that made Kay fall in love with the house were the easy upkeep and the huge closets![05:24] This summer we accidentally found her second dream home, so we needed to get Kay’s home in Burlingame on the market fast. Kay explains it was a challenge of getting her home ready for sale while still living in it.[07:14] Initially, we tried to sell Kay’s house as is, with all her furniture but didn't have much luck. We then moved Kay out, revamped and staged the house before trying again. What was the second process like in comparison to the first time around?[09:29] The unique thing about selling a house is the emotional component that com

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk real estate marketing, internet photos and buyer privacy.[00:21] People love pictures, which is why real estate marketing (at least in San Francisco) is all about photos. Everybody wants photos. Everybody also wants privacy. The problem with this is, that once something is up on the internet it is generally very difficult to take it down again.[02:00] While sellers are very well informed about how hard it is to get photos off the internet, buyers don’t get a lot of heads up about this fact. One of the things a buyer can do, however, is ask the listing agent to take down photos of interior shots and floor plans before the sale closes. What are some other things buyers can do?[05:15] On the flip side, when an agent deletes all the interior photos the value of the multiple listing service database is degraded to agent subscribers. Is it possible to keep a set of photos internally?[07:10] To wrap up we share some advice to buyer

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we uncover the answer to the last neighborhood riddle and continue the game with new clues![00:21] Last round’s answer: Russian Hill.[00:50] Clue 1: The two best known features of this neighborhood are called Eureka and Noe, the two summits in the neighborhood for those seeking great views of the city.[01:22] Clue 2: There is also a lesser know summit in the neighborhood called, Christmas Tree Point.[01:50] Clue 3: This neighborhood contains the geographic center of the city.[02:09] Clue 4: It’s also home to the Sutro Tower.[03:08] Clue 5: One of the most defining characteristics of this neighborhood is fog.[04:06] Clue 6: There is an endangered species that calls this neighborhood home, the Mission Blue Butterfly.[05:22] Clue 7: The Mission Blue Butterfly’s habitat, and other sections of the summits, have been deemed a natural area and are protected by the Natural Areas Program of the SF Recreation and Parks department.[05:55] Clue

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we uncover the answer to the last neighborhood riddle and continue the game with new clues![00:21] Last round’s answer: Ingleside Terraces.[00:50] Clue 1: This is one of the original seven hills of San Francisco.[00:58] Clue 2: You probably heard of a particular street in this neighborhood, that actually began as a straight cobble stone street. But, it is not so straight anymore![01:16] Clue 3: It has long had the title of having the steepest street in San Francisco.[02:02] Clue 4: There are a few well known parks in this neighborhood. One with spectacular views of The Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Sausalito.[02:25] Clue 5: Another park in the neighborhood is named after a poet and librarian who became a revered member of the SF literary community, Ina Coolbrith.[02:50] Clue 6: Sometimes described as a haven for artists, this neighborhood has strong ties to the literary community. There are four historical districts with

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we give the answer to long-awaited question, what was the neighborhood from round 4 of the Neighborhood Guessing Game? We also play round 6![00:22] Last round’s answer: Nopa, right across the street from the Panhandle.[01:15] Clue 1: This neighborhood is famous for its sundial, which at the time of its dedication in 1913 was the largest in the whole country.[01:48] Clue 2: It has a lot of pride and its own newspaper called, The Sundial.[02:27] Clue 3: The Pacific Coast Jockey Club opened a racetrack there in 1895 and the original racetrack loop is a current road in this neighborhood.[03:20] Clue 4: The neighborhood became one of eight master plan residents parks in San Francisco officially opening in 1913.[04:01] Clue 5: The first person moved into the neighborhood in June of 1912.[04:38] Clue 6: The first non-caucasian, Cecil Poole, moved into the neighborhood in 1957.[05:21] Clue 7: The neighborhood CCNRs said that the original ho

In today’s episode of our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we’re talking about a new building that popped up on 2100 Market St.[00:22] So there is a new building that popped up at the site of a former restaurant on the corner of Market, Church and 14th. From housing a market, a restaurant and then a vacant lot, this site went through a lot of different iterations before becoming what it is today.[01:33] In 2016 the building was going to be home to 60 rental apartments. However, in 2019 we noticed activity in the units. What is going on? It appears 52 units will be taken over by a company called Sonder which will use the units for short-term, furnished rentals of 30+ days. Is this really where the gap in San Francisco housing supply that needs filling is, or is it just good business?[05:48] By looking at all the feedback, it is clear to see that the majority of people are not happy about the use of the new building for this purpose. We venture at why this might be. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-o

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we’re playing round five of the Neighborhood Guessing Game! Controversy surrounds this neighborhood name. Where did it come from and why? And how do you properly capitalize it? Listen in! We also reveal the neighborhood from the previous round.[00:22] Last round’s answer: Polk Gulch, the original gay neighborhood in San Francisco.[00:49] Clue 1: A restaurant just outside the border of this neighborhood, popularized the name of it.[01:12] Clue 2: This neighborhood was first established under a different name in 1855 and it encompassed roughly 500 sq blocks.[01:45] Clue 3: On two sides it borders parks but there is not a single park within the boundaries of this neighborhood.[02:11] Clue 4: The eastern border of this neighborhood is the Divisadero Street which is full of boutiques, restaurants, vintage shops etc.[02:43] Clue 5: The neighborhoods western border opens right up into the parts of the USF campus.[02:55] Clue 6: Some say th

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we’re back with another round of the Neighborhood Guessing Game and reveal the neighborhood from the previous round.[00:37] Episode 80's neighborhood answer: Dogpatch[00:52] Clue 1: In celebration of Pride month, we stay on theme and for this round choose the original SF gay neighborhood (No, it’s not The Castro).[01:32] Clue 2: In 1962, the nation's first gay business association was founded in this neighborhood.[02:05] Clue 3: The first official Pride parade in SF kicked off from this neighborhood in 1972 with 50,000 people in attendance.[03:21] Clue 4: Besides gay bars and Pride parades, this neighborhood is home to a restaurant inside of an antique railcar, featured in the Bogart classic Dark Passage.[03:23] Clue 5: To get to this neighborhood, approaching from the south you can walk a few blocks north-west from the Civic Center Station through the Tenderloin, or take the California street cable car to Van Ness.[03:49] Clue 6: I

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we look at what the SF real estate market was like in May 2019.[00:26] What trends should buyers be aware of in the condo and single family home markets? The numbers show that under a million dollars, condos are really the only available option, barring virtually uninhabitable single family homes. What about higher price ranges?[02:58] We also see a continuation of a trend we’ve been talking about for a while. Number of sales year over year is down 10% for condos and 16% for single families, due to a very constricted supply.[03:27] Prices for condos are down around 2-4% while single families are up 4-7%. The size of the market above the 1.5 million price point is a lot smaller than we might expect. Matt shares his thoughts on why we are seeing this in the market, by doing a bit of math around the income levels necessary to purchase a $1.5M home in SF.[06:34] In future podcasts it will be interesting to compare a quarter or half a ye

Last week we played round two of guess the neighborhood. In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we reveal the answer and keep the game going with round 3 (If you missed previous two rounds have a listen to our two most recent episodes).[00:43] The answer to episode 79's neighborhood is: San Francisco MLS District 2F, otherwise known as the Inner Sunset.And on to another San Francisco neighborhood![01:18] Clue 1: The 57 giant steel and concrete sections that make up the 3.8 mile transbay tube for the BART system were fabricated in this neighborhood.[01:56] Clue 2: There is a historic area within the boundaries of this neighborhood due to the large number of pre-1906 Victorians that survived the great quake and fire of 1906.[02:42] Clue 3: In this neighborhood you can be in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan without leaving San Francisco.[03:21] Clue 4: One of the city’s top 5 largest redevelopment projects is underway in this neighborhood.[03:52] Clue 5: A popular park