Things to do in San Francisco - Part 42 - Transamerica Pyramid
Yahoo Travel says this about the Transamerica Pyramid:As much a trademark of The City's skyline as the Golden Gate Bridge, this 853-foot high masterpiece, the tallest office tower in The City, is headquarters to some of San Francisco's most powerful companies. Unfortunately, the elevator, which ascends to the building's uppermost heights, is no longer open to the public. Fortunately, rooftop video cameras allow visitors to "virtually see" the bird's-eye view from the comfort of the lobby. Outside, a man-made Redwood Park offers a welcome green oasis within the concrete jungle.
Neighborhood: Financial District
- Christine Serventi
Previous things to do:
Parts 1 - 20,
Part 21 - Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center,
Part 22 - 49-mile Scenic Drive,
Part 23 - Segway San Francisco Electric Tour,
Part 24 - Vesuvio,
Part 25 - Haight-Ashbury Street Fair,
Part 26 - Wyland Galleries,
Part 27 - Metreon,
Part 28 - Angel Island,
Part 29 - San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures,
Part 30 - Aquarium of the Bay,
Part 31 - Haas-Lilienthal House,
Part 32 - San Francisco Zoo,
Part 33 - Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals,
Part 34 - Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival,
Part 35 - Kertesz Fine Art Gallery,
Part 36 - City Hall,
Part 37 - SS Jeremiah O'Brien,
Part 38 - Saints Peter and Paul Church,
Part 39 - San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge,
Part 40 - GoCar Rentals,
Part 41 - Cable Car Museum
TRI Coldwell Banker San Francisco real estate statistics - last week in review
SFResidence is part of the TRI Coldwell Banker office at 1699 Van Ness in San Francisco which is one of the premier offices in the City and has the market share numbers to prove it. We have some of the top agents selling real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result, our office posts some impressive numbers.
It is apparent that Buyers are still out there by looking at the numbers of ratified offers and solds. I believe the low number of listings is a reflection of this time of year - the market is historically slow during the holidays and I wouldn't be surprised if it picks up after New Years.
Here are the numbers for this week: 11/28/07:
- 3 new listings (average price $775,000 with one listing price to be determined - low $775,000, high $775,000)
- 14 ratified sales (pending) (average price $1,894,071 - low $433,000, high $3,950,000)
- 10 closed sales (sold) (average price $1,231,450 - low $712,500, high $3,200,000)
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Christine Serventi
Things to do in San Francisco - Part 41 - Cable Car Museum
If you want to know how a cable car works, this is the place to learn. The world's first cable car rests here and with it a concise explanation of how those little cable cars go halfway to the stars. In an underground viewing area, you can look at the system's enormous cable wheels, which pull 11 miles of cable at 9.5 miles per hour. The cable cars move by clamping onto it and stop by their release. Examine closely the steel cables, gears, and pulleys that bring this city's most famous transportation to life. Don't miss the gift store.
1201 Mason St
- Christine Serventi
Previous things to do:
Parts 1 - 20,
Part 21 - Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center,
Part 22 - 49-mile Scenic Drive,
Part 23 - Segway San Francisco Electric Tour,
Part 24 - Vesuvio,
Part 25 - Haight-Ashbury Street Fair,
Part 26 - Wyland Galleries,
Part 27 - Metreon,
Part 28 - Angel Island,
Part 29 - San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures,
Part 30 - Aquarium of the Bay,
Part 31 - Haas-Lilienthal House,
Part 32 - San Francisco Zoo,
Part 33 - Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals,
Part 34 - Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival,
Part 35 - Kertesz Fine Art Gallery,
Part 36 - City Hall,
Part 37 - SS Jeremiah O'Brien,
Part 38 - Saints Peter and Paul Church,
Part 39 - San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge,
Part 40 - GoCar Rentals
TRI Coldwell Banker San Francisco real estate statistics - this week
TRI Coldwell Banker did not have an office meeting today due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Reflecting previous years, as people prepare for the holidays the market slows down but doesn’t stop. Looking back to last week’s numbers we see the typical slowdown during this time of year as selling and buying are not a top priority. I suspect that due to the publicity on the sub-prime market and reports in other areas of the country, we won’t see much of a pick up until the New Year. It is a good time to give thanks, as in comparison to the many cities making the news, San Francisco has continued to do well.
-
Christine Serventi
San Francisco Real Estate Market Update for the week of November 11
Read what Rick Turley, President of Coldwell Banker, San Francisco/Peninsula says in his latest
weekly report:
It was a particularly interesting real estate market in the Bay Area this week. Some areas remain sluggish while others are bubbling with activity. Still others that have been on the slow side of the market for months are seeing a spike in buyer activity. We do spend a lot of time talking about how our media buries the positive aspects of our real estate markets behind negative headlines, but even they are starting to tell both sides of the real estate story with more accuracy and balance. We’re starting to see even more headlines like “OK ’08 seen for Bay Area real estate market,” “October Sales Jump,” and “Traditional reasons for home purchase still financially sound.” Perhaps this trend, and initiatives like our Reality Check, are truly impacting the consumer and reducing the hesitancy that buyers have been having about entering the market...
...An interesting phenomenon is being reported in the prime neighborhoods within San Mateo, Burlingame and Hillsborough where there is an increasing number of private “off market” sales. Some Sellers are putting out the word that they will entertain pre-listing offers, and the properties are selling without ever going on the market. San Mateo sales are very strong for a November with multiple offers frequently seen. Palo Alto, West Menlo Park report inventory levels remain at “all time lows” and nearly any home that is well-priced receives multiple offers – however a different market exists east of 101. San Francisco remains strongest in the $1.5M+ properties. Lower and mid-range price points in the City are trending toward multiple counters versus multiple offers. That said, every one of our San Francisco offices will see a well-priced and staged property sell within 0 to 14 days, while others remain listed over a month. TIC and condo inventory overall is growing, currently between 4 and 5 months supply.Read the entire report
here.
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Rick Turley* For an e-mail alert when this report is updated, send an e-mail to
info@SFResidence.com with "weekly market report" in the subject line.
Mortgage Weekly Update - Last Week in Review
Foster Weeks publishes a
weekly mortgage report which is updated every Monday morning. How is this affecting the
San Francisco real estate market? Read our
weekly and
monthly market reports.
"I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, THE RAIN IS GONE..." Johnny Nash hit number one on the charts with this classic tune in 1972...and 35 years later, Fed Chairman Big Ben Bernanke is singing the same tune, mentioning in comments last week that the Fed would be more transparent so we all can see their policies clearly.The new, improved, and more transparent Fed is a far cry from the days of "The Cryptic One"...Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, who was famous for his hidden messages. After a Greenspan speech, many traders were left scratching their heads and wondering what exactly was said. In sharp contrast, Bernanke has been very clear and easy to understand.More importantly, Ben has done a good job of keeping inflation under control. The latest read on inflation was tame for last month, as a large jump in energy costs were offset by meek automobile, housing, and clothing prices. This suggests that higher oil prices haven't yet pushed up the prices of other goods overall.But one topic that is still cloudy is the Fed's next move on December 11th. The latest chatter from the "more transparent" Fed indicates that the Fed will not cut - but traders in the pits are betting the ranch on another quarter-point cut. One thing is very clear - this topic will be debated right up until the Fed makes the announcement.Read the entire report
here.
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Foster Weeks
Things to do in San Francisco - Part 40 - GoCar Rentals
Yahoo Travel says this about GoCar Rentals:
We've come a long way since Henry Ford invented the Model-T. Hop into a GoCar for a spin around San Francisco and see just how far you can go. Catch all the attractions and experience all the fun of the City by the Bay without the confusion of maps or the inflexibility of organized tours. Utilizing state-of-the-art GPS (Global Positioning System) locator technology, GoCars take you from the Bay to the Pacific and around the neighborhoods, parks, and famous landmarks of the City. While driving, the talking cars tell you exactly when and where to go and provide historical information and plenty of fun facts. Weave your way throughout the streets of San Francisco and see everything from tourist-laden Fisherman's Wharf to spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fort Mason, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Union Street Shopping District and so much more. The little yellow car even navigates you through areas prohibited by tour buses including the ritzy Seacliff neighborhood and areas of the Presidio. The best part of the GoCar adventure is being able to discover the City at your own pace. Stop to take pictures, grab a bite to eat, or take in a museum at your leisure. Feel free to spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day zipping around town in your talking 3-wheeled car. GoCars are an adventure the whole family will enjoy, and both visitors and Bay Area residents will love the unique and entertaining experience. There is no better way to see San Francisco! To rent a GoCar, you must be a licensed driver and 18-years-old. A GoCar costs $39.99 for the first hour, $29.99 for the second and $20 for each additional hour. After 5 hours, there are no additional charges. Reservations are required. Be sure to call or reserve online well in advance. There is a second location in Union Square at: 321 Mason St (at corner of Mason & O'Farrell).
- Christine Serventi
Previous things to do:
Parts 1 - 20,
Part 21 - Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center,
Part 22 - 49-mile Scenic Drive,
Part 23 - Segway San Francisco Electric Tour,
Part 24 - Vesuvio,
Part 25 - Haight-Ashbury Street Fair,
Part 26 - Wyland Galleries,
Part 27 - Metreon,
Part 28 - Angel Island,
Part 29 - San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures,
Part 30 - Aquarium of the Bay,
Part 31 - Haas-Lilienthal House,
Part 32 - San Francisco Zoo,
Part 33 - Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals,
Part 34 - Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival,
Part 35 - Kertesz Fine Art Gallery,
Part 36 - City Hall,
Part 37 - SS Jeremiah O'Brien,
Part 38 - Saints Peter and Paul Church,
Part 39 - San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
TRI Coldwell Banker San Francisco real estate statistics - last week in review
SFResidence is part of the TRI Coldwell Banker office at 1699 Van Ness in San Francisco which is one of the premier offices in the City and has the market share numbers to prove it. We have some of the top agents selling real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result, our office posts some impressive numbers.
Here are the numbers for this week: 11/14/07:
- 3 new listings (average price $2,414,667 - low $1,299,000, high $3,950,000)
- 8 ratified sales (pending) (average price $1,369,500 - low $429,000, high $2,995,000)
- 2 closed sales (sold) (average price $1,324,500 - low $849,000, high $1,800,000)
-
Christine Serventi
San Francisco Real Estate Market Update for the week of November 4
Read what Rick Turley, President of Coldwell Banker, San Francisco/Peninsula says in his latest
weekly report:
There is a sense that buyers and sellers are really listening to the people that they ought to be listening to – their real estate professionals – and starting to understand that real estate is local.
A continually increasing buzz of activity is being reported from most areas, and house hunters are becoming more motivated to make informed buying decisions now while interest rates remain low and inventory levels in some areas create bargains. Our Reality Check initiative continues to have a positive educational influence and consumer impact, and also reaffirms Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s reputation for being the leading residential real estate firm in Northern California.
More than 540 homes were held open last week and attendance was reportedly busy in most areas. Sellers should continue to take note that the well-priced homes in good showing condition draw the greatest number of potential buyers and get offers. A well-priced Berkeley listing drew 58 visitors. Burlingame notes agents writing offers in all price points, as well as active floor-time with a walk-in who bought in 24 hours. Half Moon Bay as well as majority of the East Bay, seem to have turned the corner most dramatically with respect to increased activity. A few of the micro-markets in the City and Peninsula may have seen a little slower week. One thing for certain - is nothing is for certain in the current market.Read the entire report
here.
-
Rick Turley* For an e-mail alert when this report is updated, send an e-mail to
info@SFResidence.com with "weekly market report" in the subject line.
Mortgage Weekly Update - Last Week in Review
Foster Weeks publishes a
weekly mortgage report which is updated every Monday morning. How is this affecting the
San Francisco real estate market? Read our
weekly and
monthly market reports.
DING-DING-DING!! When the bell sounded at the end of the trading day on Friday, traders trudged off the scenes like defeated boxers at the end of a grueling match. Stocks got pummeled last week with a 600-point decline on the Dow, during a week that was full of subprime home loan related headlines. Write-downs of the value of these holdings spooked the financial sector, which led the Stock market on its slide lower.Normally, Mortgage Bonds and home loan rates find improvement when money is flowing out of Stocks - that money being pulled out needs somewhere to sit, and Bonds are generally the glad recipient. And while some Bonds did enjoy a great week - like Treasury Bonds - Mortgage Bonds actually worsened because of their relation to the issue at hand, fears of the credit quality of these Bonds, and home loan rates worsened slightly as well. And if the Stock market had not sold off so hard, sending money into all types of Bonds, Mortgage Bonds and home loan rates would certainly have been much worse off.Read the entire report
here.
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Foster Weeks
Things to do in San Francisco - Part 39 - San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
Yahoo Travel says this about San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge:
Not as famous, perhaps, as the Golden Gate Bridge connecting The City with Marin County to the north, the double-decker San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is no less impressive as an engineering feat. It's also just as lovely in its own way, especially at night, when miles of lights outline its graceful shape and the steel cable spun like a spider web along its length. Opened for business in 1936 with a then-astronomical price tag, the part suspension, part cantilever, part tunnel, and part truss structure, is anchored by a concrete island descending 220 feet below the Bay. Another even more impressive feat of its engineering history is that after part of the span tumbled in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, it was repaired and opened again for traffic within a month, safer than ever.
Neighborhood:
SoMa
- Christine Serventi
Previous things to do:
Parts 1 - 20,
Part 21 - Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center,
Part 22 - 49-mile Scenic Drive,
Part 23 - Segway San Francisco Electric Tour,
Part 24 - Vesuvio,
Part 25 - Haight-Ashbury Street Fair,
Part 26 - Wyland Galleries,
Part 27 - Metreon,
Part 28 - Angel Island,
Part 29 - San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures,
Part 30 - Aquarium of the Bay,
Part 31 - Haas-Lilienthal House,
Part 32 - San Francisco Zoo,
Part 33 - Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals,
Part 34 - Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival,
Part 35 - Kertesz Fine Art Gallery,
Part 36 - City Hall,
Part 37 - SS Jeremiah O'Brien,
Part 38 - Saints Peter and Paul Church
TRI Coldwell Banker San Francisco real estate statistics - last week in review
SFResidence is part of the TRI Coldwell Banker office at 1699 Van Ness in San Francisco which is one of the premier offices in the City and has the market share numbers to prove it. We have some of the top agents selling real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result, our office posts some impressive numbers.
Here are the numbers for this week: 11/07/07:
- 2 new listings (average price $2,030,000 - low $565,000, high $3,495,000)
- 6 ratified sales (pending) (average price $1,298,000 - low $749,000, high $2,150,000)
- 12 closed sales (sold) (average price $1,300,917 - low $800,000, high confidential)
- 1 reduced at $2,600,000
- Christine Serventi
San Francisco Real Estate Market Update for the week of October 28
Read what Rick Turley, President of Coldwell Banker, San Francisco/Peninsula says in his latest
weekly report:
These are actual news headlines culled from various sources over the past two weeks: “Does the Drop in Housing Prices Mean It’s Time to Buy?”, “Buying a House Now isn’t a Bad Choice for Everyone,” “Housing Economists Expect Market Turnaround to Begin in 2008,” “Investors Find Silver Lining in Real Estate Market,” and my personal favorite from the San Jose Mercury News Real Estate Blog, “For Avid House Hunters, the Season Starts Today.”...
...Motivated buyers are buying and motivated sellers are selling. And all before the Feds made their rate cut on Halloween! Attractive Berkeley and Oakland Hills properties are still getting multiple offers. A $900,000+ listing on the Alamo/Walnut Creek border sold in one day. A San Ramon listing priced at $1,425,000 sold in less than one week. Greenbrae is reporting solid activity, some multiple offer situations and steady movement of higher end properties. Pending sales are on the increase in Pleasanton and well-priced Santa Rosa homes are seeing multiple offer situations.
Burlingame, Half Moon Bay and Menlo Park are reporting exceptional open house activity. Burlingame noted that homes in solid middle price points were experiencing anywhere from 20 to 75 groups of visitors. Palo Alto is noting an “all time low of – 29 listings on MLS in Palo Alto.” San Francisco reports that supply and demand are “quite balanced.” It’s important for our hesitant buyers to be reminded that the upper end of the market remains strong. This week alone, our City offices reported a home closed at over $15M, and two new sales at $5M, while the Woodside office reported a new sale at $7+M.Read the entire report
here.
-
Rick Turley* For an e-mail alert when this report is updated, send an e-mail to
info@SFResidence.com with "weekly market report" in the subject line.
Mortgage Weekly Update - Last Week in Review
Foster Weeks publishes a
weekly mortgage report which is updated every Monday morning. How is this affecting the
San Francisco real estate market? Read our
weekly and
monthly market reports.
"Time is on my side...yes it is" - Rolling Stones. Mortgage prices were jostled and bounced around throughout a wild week of economic news and Fed moves. But in the end, time was on the side of those who were patient, as pricing finished the week right about where it began, leaving fixed home loan rates unchanged.Last week's highlights included a quarter point Fed rate cut, which brings the Fed Funds Rate down to 4.5%. The Prime Rate now stands at 7.5%, which is good news for home equity lines, consumer and business loans. Additionally, those who have adjustable type loans should see some benefit. But because a Fed cut can stimulate the economy and bring some inflation, fixed home loans tend to worsen a bit after the Fed cuts rates.The latest read on Inflation was right in-line with the Fed's target. A 1.8% annual Core Inflation rate was reported, which is within the 1%-2% Fed comfort zone - good news for bonds.Read the entire report
here.
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Foster Weeks
November San Francisco Real Estate Market Update for October 2007
The current monthly report may be seen at
SFResidence.com.
The number of Single Family Homes sold for October increased from September in San Francisco Real Estate. The average selling price was over 102% of the average listing price yet higher than the previous month as well as a year ago. The average days on the market decreased slightly to 37.
The number of Condominiums sold in October increased from September in the San Francisco Real Estate Market, however, the average selling price was over 101% of the average listing price. The average selling price was higher than last month, as well as a year ago. The average days on the market decreased to 43.The number of homes sold in the Overall Sales category for October in San Francisco Real Estate also increased from September and was less than a year ago. Even so, the average selling price was over 101% of the average listing price. The average days on the market decreased slightly to 40.Read the entire report
here.
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Christine Serventi
