Escrow Out Loud: San Francisco Real Estate

SummaryThe resignation of Tracy Casper, NAR president, raises questions about the timing behind her departure. San Francisco Real Estate Broker Matt Fuller presents a thought-provoking analysis of the situation, shedding light on potential alternative explanations for Tracy Casper's resignation.KeywordsTracy Casper, NAR president, resignation, blackmail, lawsuit settlement, NDA, real estate, San FranciscoTakeawaysThe resignation of Tracy Casper from the NAR presidency raises questions about the timing, circumstances, and motivations behind her departure.The timing of events surrounding the $1.8 billion lawsuit settlement and Tracy Casper's resignation suggests a possible relationship between the two events.Speculation arises about the possibility of an alternative explanation for Tracy Casper's resignation, involving disagreement with the proposed NAR settlement and the likely presence of a comprehensive NDA.Matt Fuller's analysis provides a thought-provoking perspective on the situation, prompting further exploration and consideration of alternative explanations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode our guest is San Francisco local business owner, past member of The Castro Merchant Association and current board president of The Castro Street Fair. Meet Jenn Meyer, owner of Local Take, a one-of-kind amazing hand-crafted local artist-maker gallery/gift store. She talks to Matt about owning a business in The Castro, her role supporting the upcoming Castro Street Fair and Why Her One Perfect Bite Has Nacho Cheese It.What is Local Take, and what do they sell?Jenn's Favorite Neighborhood?What is Castro Street Fair?Who Shops Local Take?What Do Tourists Miss in San Francisco?Differences between Castro and Inner Sunset?Opinion on the Formula Retail?When is Castro Street Fair?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening from your San Francisco real estate friends! Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode our guest is Real estate broker Kevin Birmingham. He's founder and broker of Park North Real Estate and Past-President of the San Francisco Association of Realtors®. With more than 20 years' experience, clients choose to work with Kevin for his full service, expertise and ethics. Kevin's insight on San Francisco's residential real estate market is unparalleled. He is known for outstanding customer service, high-level marketing techniques, and is a skilled negotiator with his clients' best interest at heart. Born and raised in San Francisco, Kevin's list of contacts is as impressive as his historical knowledge of the City's unique neighborhoods. Kevin has a degree in economics from Colorado State University. The father of 3 children, Kevin and his wife Terra enjoy Bay Area sports and walks with their dog.How is Cooperation Amongst Realtors and Their Brokerages Going?Is the Market Slowing Down?How Hard is a Realtor Job?What Has Changed In the Internet Era?What are the Threats to Realtor Associations?Is the MLS in an Orderly Marketplace, or is it a Monopoly?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode our guest is Dr. Color, Bob Buckter. He's provided home color consulting on over 23,000 homes across the world, and more than 17,000 of those are in San Francisco and San Francisco Bay Area. He's responsible for many of the bright, standout colors of some of the city's most iconic Victorians and Edwardians. We're talking about his beginnings in color consulting, what he likes and what he hates, plus, we'll be getting some great advices and insights about his work. Learn more about his work at drcolor.comOn What Types of Buildings did Dr. Color work?How to Define Good Taste?Why Should We Use Test Colors?What are the Current Trends Right Now? When Did Colorist Movement Started in San Francisco?What Should You Never Do When Picking Colors?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode our guest is Feng Shui certified trainer and real estate stager Steve Kodad. He's a former math teacher and successful basketball trainer. He has taught thousands of real estate agents, home stagers and home owners how to sell property quickly using Feng Shui.What is Feng Shui?What are the Most Common Misconceptions About Feng Shui?How to Make Small Apartment Look Better to be in?How Important is Natural Light in Your Living Space?What are Benefits of Having a Few Plants in Your Living Space?Importance of Artwork in Feng Shui?Which Colors Suit Which Room?What are Steve's Four Big D's?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode our guest is Brett Gladstone, Of Counsel Goldstein, Gellman, Melbostad, Harris & McSparran, LLP. For the past 35 years, Brett Gladstone has focused his practice on land use entitlement matters and real estate transactions, along with condominium and subdivision law, Mr. Gladstone represents investors and developers in land-use entitlement proceedings and CEQA compliance with respect to residential and mixed use development throughout the Bay Area. As part of his work, Brett makes regular appearances before Bay Area Planning Commissions, City Councils, Board of Supervisors, and Landmarks Boards. He lectures and writes on a variety of topics, including development entitlements, condominium law, and planned developments. Brett is called on from time-to-time to give expert witness testimony on real estate entitlement matters.What is SB 9 Law?What Does it Solve?What is the Future of Single-Family Zoning?Is There Anyone Who'd Like to Avoid SB 9?How do Dwelling Unit Built Under SB 9 Differ From ADU's?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we are joined by Chief Mitigation Officer for the California Earthquake Authority, Janiele Maffei. She was hired as C.E.A.'s first Chief Mitigation Officer in May 2011, and became their director of research in 2015. Currently her responsibilities include managing the California Residential Mitigation Program and that program's first retrofit incentive program, known as the Earthquake Brace and Bolt Program. On top of all that, she's also responsible for various research projects that will benefit us all through strategic insurance, mitigation, and education goals of the California Earthquake Authority. In our conversation with Janiele, we talk about a lot of topics, including all of the following:How to manage Earthquake Safety and Earthquake Insurance in San Francisco?What Kind of Houses are Most Vulnerable to Earthquakes in Bay Area?Which are the Top Five Vulnerabilities in Houses?What are Cripple Walls in Buildings?What are Vulnerabilities of Hillside Houses?What Construction Work Should be Done to Make Homes Safer from Earthquakes?How to Retrofit Homes to be Safer in the Future?What and How to Plan for an Earthquake?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we are joined by the Regional Leasing Director at Compass, Inna Rubinchik. You can find her as LeasingAgent415 on social media including her YouTube channel. Check out all of her amazing videos and photos of properties around San Francisco.These are some of the topics we cover in this episode with Inna:How it is to Work as a Real Estate Agent in San Francisco?Has the Leasing Market hit the Bottom?Which Neighbourhoods are First or Worst these days?What can You Expect and What are the Prices on the Market?How Much of Her Job is to Help People Correct Misunderstandings of What They See on the Internet?Are There Many Scams on the Market?Is San Francisco a Pet-Friendly City?What is Her Ideal Client?What was the First Deal She Made?As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we are joined by the Director of Sales at Mighty Buildings, Natalia! Mighty Buildings makes an amazing pre-fab home product that has already been installed and is in use in the bay area, across California, and elsewhere. Pre-fab homes have a ho-hum reputation in the industry, but 3D printing and other technological advances have changed the game in mighty ways.In our conversation with Natalia, we talk about a lot of topics, including all of the following:What is Mighty Buildings? How is it different from past and other pre-fab?How Much Land Do You Need? Can it be Painted?Where Have Mighty Buildings Already Been Installed?What's the Lifespan? How about Maintenance and Warranty? What's the Roof?How Does the American market for pre-fab compare to the global market? How can Mighty Buildings help solve the California Housing Crisis? And, of course, How can You Learn More About a Mighty Home? As always, thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, a five-star rating on your favorite podcast app really makes a difference to our show rankings. Until next time, thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Britton and I have a very special guest joining us, one of the four original founders of Zephyr Real Estate. Zephyr is where Britton and I both started in real estate, and some of my earliest memories are of hearing war stories from This industry veteran over lunch in the break room. Our guest built Zephyr Real Estate from brand new in 1978 to the largest independent real estate brokerage in San Francisco, with seven offices, more than 300 agents and over $2 billion in annual sales at its peak. While serving as President of Zephyr his creative leadership approach celebrated the company’s unique independent spirit - a driving force in its success. In 2020, Zephyr Real Estate became Corcoran Global Living, a franchisee of Corcoran Real Estate, and sadly, the end of the Zephyr brand.Now retired from day to day operations and enjoying his time split between Hawaii and California, our guest was once a collegiate wrestler, is a US military veteran, a fellow Past President of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, and is also a husband and father. Joining us today from Hawaii is a man we’ve long personally admired, Bill Drypolcher. Welcome Bill, let’s jump into this! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Almost a year ago another broker, my dear friend and fellow David-in-an-industry-of-Goliath’s, Kevin Birmingham, made an off-handed comment he knew I wouldn’t be able to let go about a proposition our state trade group promoted in the 1960s. Today’s episode wraps up the three-part series that grew out of that 2020 conversation. A quick review if you are just joining us:In episode 108 my friend and retired real estate broker Don Saunders helped us understand the fair housing massacre of the 1963 Rumford Act by 1964’s state ballot initiative known as Proposition 14 that was sponsored, written, and supported by my state trade association now known as the California Association of Realtors. The outcome of that November 1964 election truly changed the course of American history in ways that impact us to this day. Episode 109 begins with a powerful statement from the 2021 President of the California Association of Realtors, Dave Walsh. One community activist and four Realtors then discuss the progress, setbacks, and impacts of racism in the bay area. It’s a lively roundtable that tells a more complete story than you’ve likely heard or told yourself about housing racism in the bay area. Yes, even in tree-hugging progressive San Francisco we have a deep history of housing racism. That ends our recap, and brings us to our final podcast in this series. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 109 Panelists, listed alpha by last name:Dena Aslanian-WilliamsRealtor Extraordinaire. Don't let this short bio fool you, she's a phenomenal REALTOR! with Compass Real Estate at the time of publication.Kevin BirminghamFounder, Park North Real EstateA west-side San Francisco native, Kevin is a Past President (2018) of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, the founder of Park North Real Estate, and has consistently performed in the top 1% of agents nationwide. Kevin has a degree in economics from Colorado State University, raising three kids in the city with his wife Terra. When not rabble-rousing for a fairer city, Kevin is a huge Bay Area sports fan and can be found out walking the family dog. Tia HoneycuttMarried for 30 years, mother of three. *Licensed as a Broker since 2009*Past President of the Oakland Association of Realtors*Immediate Past Chair of Bridge MLS*CAR Region 6 Chair*CAR Executive Committee*Coldwell Banker International President's Circle*Coldwell Banker Global Luxury*NAR certifications and designations: Accredited Buyer Representative, E-Pro, Pricing Strategy Advisor, Short-Sales and Foreclosures Resource, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, At Home with Diversity, Certified Luxury Home Marketing SpecialistDr. Veronica HoneycuttCommunity Advocate and ActivistFormer Educator at San Francisco Unified School District (in the Engineering and English Departments)Former Educator and Administrator at City College of San Francisco (English Department/Chair of African American Studies/Dean of the Southeast Campus/Dean of the Office of Student Affairs)Former Member of the Mayor's Citizens Advisory Committee for Community DevelopmentCommissioner on the Commission on the Status of WomenCommissioner on the San Francisco Housing AuthorityChair, Minnie and Lovie Park CRC ( Parks and Recreation site)Founding Board Member, Alliance for GirlsChair, Citizens Advisory Committee for the ShipyardCEO, HG Inc. Recipient of various Community Awards and CommendationsProud Mother of Tia HunnicuttAllen M. OkamotoBroker/Owner, T. Okamoto & Co. GRI, SRES, CIPS CRB, CRSWe are a small boutique real estate brokerage in San Francisco's Japantown. Although our primary market is Japanese we service almost all of the Bay Area Counties. We specialize in single family homes, condos and small apartments. We also have a very active property management department.Over the past 30 plus years I have been involved in fair housing and diversity issues at the San Francisco, California and National Association of Realtors. At SFAR I formed the Asian Council which made the association a more friendly place for Asians to express their collective views. I was the first elected member of the board of directors and the first Asian President of the Board.At the California Association of Realtors, I founded the International Forum where Realtors could explore opportunities in foreign countries and to learn about their customs and cultures. I also chaired the Equal Opportunity Cultural Diversity committee.At the National Association of Realtors, I was on the work force that developed the "AT Home with Diversity" designation. I was the Chair of the Fair Housing Forum and the first chair of the Equal Opportunity committee.In 2003 I was part of the group that formed the Asian Real Estate Association of America AREAA, the first national Asian real estate organization. We now have over 17,000 members and 42 chapters across the United States and Canada. We are the largest Asian membership organization in the United States.I currently serve on the California Association of Realtors Fair Housing & Diversity Task Force. An Apology From the National Association of REALTORS® for our past discriminatory behavior at the National board level. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join our host, San Francisco Real Estate Brokerage Co-Founder Matt Fuller, for a more honest-than-usual conversation about racism in California Real Estate with his friend, retired real estate broker, and fellow SFAR Past President, Don Saunders.The first in a three part series, we begin in 1963 and the passage of the Rumford Fair Housing Act, and the response from the California Real Estate Association (CREA) now known as the California Association of Realtors (CAR). 1964’s state ballot initiative known as Proposition 14 was sponsored, written, and supported by the California Association of Realtors. The outcome of that November 1964 election truly changed the course of American history in ways that impact us to this day. Join me in understanding the battle for fair housing in 1960s California, how it impacts us to this day, and what we can do to help change things in 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today's guest is Brett Gladstone, Esq., 62, is a San Francisco attorney and serves as an appointee of Governor Newsom on the California Architects Board. After graduating Harvard College magna cum laude, he earned a JD degree from Duke University School of Law in 1983. He has been a San Francisco real estate attorney for 36 years. After 8 years as a partner at Hanson Bridgett, Gladstone has become Of Counsel to Goldstein, Gellman, Melbostad, Harris & McSparran, a San Francisco law firm. Mr. Gladstone regularly writes and lectures on local real estate laws and issues (including condominium law) and advises his clients on land development and real estate transactions throughout the Bay Area. Today's topic is Intermediate Length Occupancy Rental Law in San Francisco, a new law that was passed in response to political outrage over 2100 Market St. and other similar projects, many of which appear to be in challenging financial times because of the ongoing pandemic. A guide to jargon and agencies mentioned in this podcast:ILO Law - Intermediate Length Occupancy Law (rentals between 30 days and 1 year) in effect June 2022NOV - Notice of ViolationUDU - Unwarranted Dwelling Units -space that is indicates that its legality is not verified by the Department of Building Inspectionhttps://default.sfplanning.org/plans-and-programs/planning-for-the-city/accessory-dwelling-units/Legalization_FactSheet-091017.pdfCOPA - Community Opportunty to Purchase Act https://sfmohcd.org/community-opportunity-purchase-act-copaGoldstein, Gellman, Melbostad, Harris & McSparran - https://g3mh.com/SF Board of Supervisors https://sfgov.org/agency/board-supervisorsSF Planning Commission https://sfplanning.org/SF Department of Building Inspection https://sfdbi.org/SF Office of Short-Term Rentals https://sfplanning.org/office-short-term-rentalsSmall Property Owners of SF https://www.smallprop.org/Coalition for Better Housing http://cbhsf.org/SF Apartment Association https://sfaa.org/Urban Displacement Project https://www.urbandisplacement.org/San Francisco Real Estate Brokers, Jackson Fuller: https://jacksonfuller.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pictures taken by a skilled photographer can tell you more about a building than hundreds of words of description can. Today’s guest is David Eichler. David is an architectural photographer who also has a familial link to Northern California’s property market through is grandfather, Joseph Eichler. Joseph was one of the most iconic property developers in the area in the 20th century. Listen in to the episode to hear David talk about the ins and outs of architectural photography, the family history, and how that history affects David’s work and worldview.Topics Discussed in This Episode:What architectural photography isWhy architectural photography is in a class by itselfHow long the average shoot lastsHow long David has been doing photography professionallyDavid’s first cameraThe best and worst parts of architectural photography as a jobThe most challenging shoot David has ever had to doWhether David has favorite pictures that he’s takenHow David’s grandfather, Joseph Eichler, influenced his view of architectureJoseph Eichler’s stand against racismWhat it’s like to have a recognizable last name in the industryHow David’s view of his grandfather’s buildings have changed over timeThe biggest misunderstanding that persists about David’s grandfather See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What does “accessibility” really mean? Are homes that are labeled accessible really as accessible as they need to be? These are hot topics in today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud. Today’s guest is Andrew Gurza, a disability activist from Toronto. In the conversation today, Andrew talks about his own experience as a person with disabilities, the value of hiring and listening to people with disabilities, why “accessible” real estate (and other facilities) often aren’t nearly accessible enough, and why everyone needs to be aware of how disability will affect their own lives.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeAndrew’s disability awareness workHow Andrew ended up in his careerWhat Andrew’s home is likeHow long Andrew has been in his home and how he found itHow Andrew feels about the word “accessible”Accessibility standards in San Francisco real estateHow “accessible” homes are often not truly accessibleHow accessibility restricts the parts of a city disabled people can live in and the types of homes they can live inWhy people may not like to think about accessibilityHow the ADA does or doesn’t apply to residential real estateThe importance of talking to people with disabilities about their disabilitiesThe value of hiring disabled peopleThe top things that the real estate industry can do to accommodate people with disabilitiesRelated LinksAndrew GurzaAndrew on TwitterAndrew on Instagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How's the market performing during covid 19?With about five weeks of shelter-in-place, we take a look at what's happened to market activity in San Francisco. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A look at virtual tours in the real estate industry during the SF shelter-in-place directive updated March 31, 2020. The pertinent real estate guidance from that document is below: Paragraph 13 Section f Paragraph x:Service providers that enable residential transactions (including rentals, leases, and home sales), including, but not limited to, real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries, and title companies, provided that appointments and other residential viewings must only occur virtually or,if a virtual viewing is not feasible, by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time residing within the same household or living unit and one individual showing the unit (except that in person visits are not allowed when the occupant is still residing in the residence); What is a virtual tour? Why can't I find information online about virtual tours? What should I do to be ready for a virtual tour? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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, stay home. If you are stuck at home and looking for ways to volunteer, the city has a page with links and suggestions to volunteer opportunities during the mandatory shelter-in-place directive. While the business of real estate is transacting business on behalf of our clients, my joy and meaning, and what has kept me in the real estate business, is the satisfaction of helping another person. While now is not the time to transact, it is absolutely the time to do whatever you are able to do to help our neighbors, both literally and figuratively.Sitting still, much less staying home, is hard for all of us . I can’t wait to do business with you when the directive is lifted, and until then the best way to help everyone in San Francisco is to stay home and stay safe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 to figure out who our guests is![06:49] Our guests facade seems modern and recently updated. How much work has been done on her, exactly?[07:24] Her number is 495292, so put those digits in the San Francisco MLS or your favourite real estate app. She is open on Sundays or by an appointment.[07:55] With a lovely perspective both eastern and western, she can feel a little insulated from outside noise.[08:31] How can we find our guest and learn more? 82 Malta Drive is the address, you can find her online at homeonmalta.com to see her photo album.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 to Colma.[07:53] Matt asks Kevin for some San Francisco real estate predictions for this year. There are a lot of people with money coming to San Francisco. Kevin explains this seems to be a worldwide phenomenon; people are flocking to the big cities.[10:20] We chat about the ‘08-’09 drop in real estate. Those were hard times. While this is not what we are seeing now, are we going to be seeing more reasonable prices in San Francisco?[12:30] When the stock market takes a hit, the real estate market starts looking more like a safer investment. You have to look long term, however.[14:01] Why you should never try to buy at the bottom of the market and sell at the height of the market? Kevin explains his take on the seasonal cycle of real estate.[15:50] Is Kevin a San Franciscan, or a janitor? (on a side note, we adore his wife!)[16:59] San Francisco is a place where you can be anything you want, so Matt asks why Kevin chose to be a realtor?Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again for our next episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Currently this would be 7.25%.[10:18] What is the difference between a bridge loan and a regular equity line? Tracy goes over some issues with a HELOC that you don’t get with a bridge loan.[13:32] If anyone has more questions or wishes to apply for a bridge loan Tracy recommends getting in touch with her on her cell-phone.[14:00] Tracy talks about appraisals required for a bridge loan. What is different to the normal process that’s good to be aware of?[15:38] As we learned earlier a bridge loan is a six month product and this is sufficient for a large majority of cases. But what happens when the six month period goes by and the house has still not sold? Are there extensions given?[17:18] Most people are not aware of this product but it takes a lot of anxiety and pressure away.[18:38] Matt wraps up with a quick summary of points covered today!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 comes with it. After all the renovations Kay’s home was completely transformed. Did it hurt her feelings having to do this or was it exciting?[14:30] The house was put on the market the second time and this time it sold within ten days, over asking price. Looking back on all of the drama, was it all worth it?[15:09] Interestingly, after looking at numerous properties, the new house Kay ended up buying was also staged. What advice does she have for anyone considering selling their place while still living in it?[16:46] While selling a home is a very emotional process, the aim is to make as much money as possible. To achieve this, it needs to look as good as possible.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 buyers concerned about privacy.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 8: Located in this neighborhood, the city also invested in the Summit Reservoir that holds 14 million gallons of drinking water, also used by the firefighters.[06:53] Clue 9: The Neighborhood Improvement Association has discouraged business permits in the neighborhood but there are plenty of places to eat and shop along its edges.[07:19] Clue 10: This neighborhood is North of Diamond Heights, South of Cole Valley, West of The Castro and East of Forest Hill.As always, tune in next time, when we reveal the answer to this week’s neighborhood!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 within its borders and both Jack London and Mark Twain lived there.[03:09] Clue 7: While you are there you can visit the SF Art Institute where you can see Diego Rivera’s murals.[03:42] Clue 8: There are great food and boutique options in this neighborhood. Examples include the Cheese Plus, the original Swensen's Ice Cream Shop, great nightlife and more.[04:19] Clue 9: It is on the North-East side of the city; with North Point St bordering the Northern end, Columbus Ave on the East, Van Ness Ave on the West and Broadway on the South.[04:40] Clue 10: This neighborhood got its name after a cemetery where people were buried on behalf of a particular foreign country.As always, tune in next time, when we reveal the answer to this week’s neighborhood!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 homes had to cost at least $3,500 to construct and only single-family homes were allowed.[06:04] Clue 8: To get to this neighborhood you could take the Municipal Railway K line which runs along Ocean Ave towards West Portal or you could head down toward Glen Park or Balboa Park stations and city college. Junipero Serra Blvd offers easy access to the peninsula.[06:41] Clue 9: A realtor would say this neighborhood is D4 west of Twin Peaks. On the north side of this neighborhood lies Ocean Ave, on the south side Holloway Ave, Junipero Serra Blvd on the west and Ashton Ave on the east.[07:06] Clue 10: There are large pillars with the neighborhood name there and there is a pretty large mall not to far away.As always, tune in next time, when we reveal the answer to this week’s neighborhood!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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-out information.

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 that the name for this neighborhood was created during the gentrification of the neighborhood. Another theory is that the new name was created by the Neighborhood Association.[04:00] Clue 7: While there are no parks in this neighborhood, it is home to a large hospital that fills two city blocks.[04:22] Clue 8: In this neighborhood you can also buy sweets from the Meter Maid Chariot.[05:11] Clue 9: You can also get another tasty San Francisco frozen treat (that tourists from all over the globe come to sample) in this neighborhood.[05:36] Clue 10: It is also a great neighborhood to cycle in as it is fairly flat![06:17] Bonus Clue: An issue that is somewhat controversial is: how many letters in the abbreviation for this neighborhood should be capitalized? Britton says two.As always, tune in next week, when we reveal the answer to this week’s neighborhood!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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: It has its own central commercial strip with a wide selection of independent shops and restaurants, home to Matt’s favorite French restaurant in the city.[05:13] Clue 7: Due to gentrification, there have been some notable closures of well known LGBT establishments over the last few years.[06:40] Clue 8: Concerned citizens from this neighborhood founded an organization that provides comprehensive housing, healthcare, employment, and education services to homeless youth from ages 12 to 24.[07:26] Clue 9: It is sometimes described as a “microhood”. With just over 12,000 people within its borders, it also covers a relatively small area.[08:23] Clue 10: This neighborhood’s name consists of only two words. The first is for the major neighborhood street named after our eleventh president and the second word comes from the fact that it runs over an old stream bed at the bottom of a sloped valley.Tune in next week, when we reveal the answer to this weeks neighborhood!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 year with last year’s numbers and see if the same trends apply.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 is named for a once iconic San Francisco clothing company (Esprit), that is no longer headquartered in the city, within the boundaries of this neighborhood.[04:31] Clue 6: Until the next one opens, the city's most recently added light rail line runs through this neighborhood.[05:10] Clue 7: This neighborhood has miles of bay-front park and trails and it is known for sunny weather and warm temperatures.[05:28] Clue 8: Ship building and repair thrived in this neighborhood for over 150 years; repair still continues.[06:10] Clue 9: Legend has it that the name for this neighborhood comes from stray animals eating discarded remnants from an old neighborhood slaughterhouse.[06:32] Clue 10: The city’s oldest public school building (dating back to 1895) as well as the headquarters for the Hell’s Angels Bikers Club are in this neighborhood.Tune in next week, when we reveal the answer to this weeks neighborhood!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last week we had some clues to help us figure out a neighborhood. In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we reveal the answer and play round two. With a whole new set of clues how quickly can you guess the neighborhood this time?[00:47] The mystery neighborhood from last week’s episode, Are You Smarter Than a Realtor, Neighborhood #1, is…Pacific Heights.[01:20] Clue 1: One of the oldest bars in San Francisco, The Little Shamrock, is in this week's neighborhood.[02:01] Clue 2: Some say you can find the best Chinese chicken wings in the city in this neighborhood at the San Tung Chinese Restaurant.[02:28] Clue 3: This is a neighborhood without a single park within its boundaries.[02:46] Clue 4: However, it is a very park-adjacent neighborhood, including: Golden Gate Park, Grandview Park and J.P. Murphy Playground.[03:18] Clue 5: When exploring this neighborhood you can easily have a seat in public, as the Public Bench Project started here.[04:15] Clue 6: A well known worker-owned bakery cooperative, Arizmendi, opened their first location in San Francisco in this neighborhood.[04:43] Clue 7: This neighborhood used to have a very famous video rental store – today it is a book store![05:26] Clue 8: World class scientific discoveries and trend-setting public health policy research comes from the institution, which also happens to be this neighborhood’s biggest employer – UCSF.[06:00] Clue 9: If you are going to the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences or the Bison Paddock, from this neighborhood, leave your car at home as walking will get you there quicker![06:45] Clue 10: The most heavily used light rail line in the city serves this neighborhood.[07:11] And finally: Within the bounds of this neighborhood you will find, Alice Fong Yu School, the very first Chinese immersion public school in the country.Tune in next week for the reveal!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As our listeners are probably aware by now, we love different San Francisco neighborhoods. In this episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we play a little game. Matt will give us 10(+1) hints to see if we can guess which San Francisco neighborhood he is thinking of today.[00:45] Clue 1: Donald Trump Jr’s current girlfriend and former Fox News personality once lived in this neighborhood with our current state governor.[01:18] Clue 2: It contains a park which was once a rock quarry but was turned into a park by John McLaren (also designed the Golden Gate Park).[01:44] Clue 3: Another park in this neighborhood was once home to the first astronomical observatory on the west coast?[02:15] Clue 4: In this neighborhood we have the most expensive stock cooperative home to ever sell in San Francisco, but not the most expensive condo.[02:30] Clue 5: In this neighborhood Alma Spreckels once built a massive mansion across from the park. How massive? The current owner once had street parking permits for 26 cars. [03:25] Clue 6: This is a very expensive neighborhood. In fact so far, six single family homes have sold for a total of $80 million and 12 condos have sold for a total of $24 million. The math equals expensive. [03:59] Clue 7: More than five properties in the neighborhood have sold for more than 20 million dollars and it is home to four of the most expensive sales in San Francisco in the last two months.[04:19] Clue 8: I wouldn't be lyin' if I said the view from the top of these stairs was spectacular.[04:34] Clue 9: Mrs Doubtfire has her home in this neighborhood![05:01] Clue 10: Other notable residents’ job descriptions include oil heirs/heiresses, Fortune 100 software CEO’s, and titans of finance. Extra hint: Billionaires’ row is not marketing hyperbole here, it's a factual statement.Do you know what neighborhood we are talking about? Tune in to next week’s episode for an answer.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we interview Tom Cotter and Doug Beebe – real estate agents based in Portland, Oregon – about the differences in the markets in San Francisco (SF) and Portland.[00:21] We learn more about Tom and Doug, their brief background and how long they have been agents.[01:49] When our clients decide to move to Portland we love to refer them to Tom and Doug. While there are a lot of similarities between our two cities, we would love to hear how Californians take to settling in Oregon.We discuss some differences in seller requirements between California and Oregon as well as SF quirks that have been rearing their head in Portland.[08:38] Price is another major point of difference between the two cities. What does a typical three bedroom, two bath condo or single-family house cost in Portland? Why have 30-50% of all listings in Portland had a price reduction?Portland does still see over-bidding in desirable neighborhoods and the most competitive markets commonly generate multiple offers (either at asking price or over).[12:21] In Portland about 30% of buyers are cash buyers; mostly they are coming in from other markets, though. Similarly to SF, this means a housing crisis and affordability issues. There are suggestions of doing away with single family zoning and limiting the square footage of new construction.[16:56] Tom and Doug have lived in Portland since 1992; what are some of the changes they’ve seen and how similar are they to SF?[19:41] What is some advice for folks considering exploring Portland area? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Tom and Doug; visit their website everyportlandhome.com for more.[21:10] We talk about Portland neighborhoods. How is it laid out and how many neighborhoods does it have?[24:31] To wrap-up Tom and Doug share some great things about Portland.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we are on location at City Hall meeting with the Mayor’s Director of Housing Delivery – Judson True.[00:23] Due to the current housing crisis in San Francisco, Mayor Breed has set a goal of creating at least 5,000 new homes a year; with roughly a third of this being affordable housing. It is a lofty and crucial goal she has tasked Judson True with achieving. Judson True has an impressive background and is the first person to be appointed to this newly created position. What, exactly, is his job?[03:16] Currently, in SF there are 56,000 homes that have been approved by planning but are yet to be built. The vast majority are part of large new neighborhood projects which will transform the city. Projects like The Shipyard, Park Merced and Treasure Island. Dogpatch projects include Pier 70 and the Potrero Power Plant while Mission Rock is in Mission Bay.[05:01] Judson is working on a lot of large projects and loves them all equally. But a little more equal than the others are the waterfront projects which he is particularly excited about. It is great to see some projects moving along really quickly. Because really, the hard part (and the part that takes the longest) when building new neighborhoods, is getting all the infrastructure permitted (our favorite new phrase: "horizontal infrastructure").[06:59] Most of us realize that there is a real need for affordable housing in the city. How does funding for affordable housing work though? As you might imagine, it is complicated. Judson sheds light on how the funding for affordable housing and the building of market rate housing correlate, and where funds for affordable housing come from.[10:00] Judson is from the mid-west originally, but an opportunity at Berkeley led him to SF, where he lived in the same apartment in Hayes Valley since 1998! Hayes Valley is one of the neighborhoods that has been radically transformed over the years.[13:12] This year there are a lot of housing bills in the state legislature. Which in particular does Judson believe will have the most positive impact on housing in SF?[15:15] Finally, what are Judson’s thoughts on the CASA Compact and its impact on the housing debate so far?Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we interview a very accomplished and well-know guest. Former President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and civil rights attorney, Angela Alioto, joins us today as we find out why she decided to take on the case of the Hillsborough ‘Flintstone House’.[00:45] An introduction to our guest, Angela Alioto, an extremely accomplished individual with a history of significant legislative wins. She fought the big-tobacco companies, she fought for increases in AIDS and HIV services and support, and also won the nation's largest civil rights case against IBC/Wonderbread for discrimination against African American men... to name just a few.With her background, the case of the Flintstone House may seem trivial but Angela argues it speaks to a very serious issue. She asks: “What happened to the first amendment”?[05:21] The city is demanding Florence Fang, the owner of the home, have the dinosaurs from her backyard removed. Who has the right to decorate our backyard? Is this a first amendment case of free speech or a case about discrimination? Either way, it’s a troubling idea that we should all be subject to someone else deciding on what we can put in our backyard. Angela also stresses a key point: none of the neighbors have complained![07:43] Matt talks about the Town of Hillsborough Architectural Design Guidelines and how well the Flintstones House meets all four of the principles in the guidelines.[09:26] What the City’s reasoning for reinforcing this is seems to be somewhat inconsistent. There is also no precedent for something like this in Hillsborough. Angela questions the real motives for doing this to Mrs. Fang. Could Mrs Fang’s ethnicity be what’s driving this whole issue?[16:18] Angela believes the other homeowners in Hillsborough do not agree with the actions of the town and support property rights.[21:21] Angela has always focused on things that matter; health care, homelessness etc. Because Mrs Fang and her house bring so much joy to people she decided this is a very worthy cause.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk to a very special guest; Joe Gallagher, owner of Joe's Barbershop in San Francisco at 2150 Market St., and a long-time San Francisco resident.[00:25] Joe and his partner at the time moved to San Francisco from New York in 1998. How did they end up in Midtown Terrace and how did their prior home in a co-op in New York influence their choice?[03:15] Having lived in a few different neighborhoods over the city, Joe votes for location over property type. Currently he lives in Duboce Triangle ( giving up a car for this location) and it is his favorite neighborhood.[04:10] How much has changed about San Francisco since 1998? Homelessness has always been a problem here but lately it seems like it has worsened. On the flip side, Joe believes, people here take time for each other and are nicer than in a lot of other parts of the country he has lived in. There are also some thing he misses that are starting to disappear.[07:19] Joe owns a barbershop – Joe’s Barbershop on Market Street, which will be operating for 15 years this year. While there are challenges, the experience of being a small business owner in San Francisco seems to be improving. What are his thoughts on the rent increases resulting in the ‘retail apocalypse’ that we often hear about?[10:49] Most people would agree San Francisco is going through a housing crisis. Joe believes this is largely due to our insistence on low density housing in lieu of vertical growth. The problem with increasing density around train transit lines, however, is NIMBY.[12:56] So, while the prices are soaring, the experience of buying real estate and selling in San Francisco has not changed all that much. Joe talks about his very first over-bid...Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk about how, in San Francisco, our past does not live up to our ideals.[00:28] Compassion, brotherhood, love. These are just some of our values in San Francisco. But do we always live up to these ideals?The history of Sutro Baths is one example where we have some bad history. More recently a statue, Early Days, has been making the news due to to its portrayal of California history. Another example is the renaming of streets like Phelan.[07:24] In addition to all the street name changes throughout San Francisco, the Embarcadero Plaza has also had a name change. It was once known as Justin Herman Plaza. So, why has Justin Herman’s name been stripped and the Plaza renamed?[11:14] It’s not all bad though. To wrap up we give some shout-outs to the incredible women that have been a large part of San Francisco’s history. Namely: Julia Morgan, Dorothea Lange, Maya Angelou and finally Ruth Asawa. Thank You!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast we demystify some new acronyms that have surfaced as a result of the new housing bills that have been introduced.[00:29] A housing crisis means new housing bills in the legislature and that means new acronyms and jargon. We jump right in with an acronym that doesn't exactly ‘acronymize’, the CASA Compact.What does it stand for and why is it important?[06:38] The CASA Compact acronym was formed by two other acronyms: the MTC and the ABAG. We explain what these are and what the nine San Francisco Bay Area Counties are that MTC is legally responsible for.[09:32] You might be wondering who is on the CASA Compact committee? Luckily, Matt has the answer.[10:24] In San Francisco we have a problem with NIMBYism at different levels and it lead us where we are today! There is always a lot of resistance to change and it is too soon to say what is going to happen with David Chiu’s bill at this point.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast we welcome back a guest who has been featured in publications such as Gentry Home and recognized for his talents with an award from the American Society of Interior Designers – Kevin Sawyers of Sawyers Design. (For past conversations with Kevin and his husband Pete see episodes 41, 42, and 43)[00:57] To warm him up, we start off with a lightning round of questions. Our chat starts with the first home he bought, how he found his realtor and whether or not he continued using that same realtor over the years. Then we move on to San Francisco and his favorite buildings and places in the city.[06:12] What about outdoor spaces? Kevin shares his favorite places in San Francisco and why he loves them.[08:41] If Kevin could change one thing – one real estate law in San Francisco – what would that be? He believes the bigger picture should be considered when considering the aesthetics and making city planning decisions. People with relevant backgrounds should be more heavily involved in this sort of decision making, as opposed to it being dictated by public officials.Kevin also explains how even remodeling a single family home requires a lot of patience and money.[12:11] We switch focus to interior design and Kevin explains how his own firm, Sawyers Design, came to life. With years of experience behind him since his first project, ten years ago, how has the world of interior design and Kevin’s own process changed over the years?[14:50] Because we love to share stories of the unexpected and the strange from our own world of real estate, we had to ask Kevin to share his own! We also had to know, what is “the psychology of interior design”?[18:56] Texture or color?[20:38] If you are thinking of hiring an interior designer, an important question Kevin recommends asking them is, how they manage time and money. It is also good to know how much you want to spend beforehand and give the designer a budget to work to. But how do we go about discussing budget?[24:48] Finally Kevin leaves us with some closing thoughts on design. To see more of Sawyers Design, check out their recently updated website: sawyersdesign.com.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next time! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast we are joined by the CEO of the San Francisco Association of Realtors (SFAR), Walt Baczkowski.[00:21] Walt Baczkowski has an impressive background, including being the recipient of the SFAR’s prestigious William Magel Award, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding leadership and contributions to the real estate industry. We are very excited to have him here today![01:06] Having lived so many different places before coming to San Francisco Walt shares the most unexpected thing he encountered about SF and talks about some of his favorite neighborhoods.[04:15] There are a lot of interesting individuals in SF but Walt shares why Mayor Ed Lee was one of the most interesting people he met and spent time with.[05:48] Arguably, there are many areas of real estate in SF that could benefit from law changes. Walt believes that the area in most desperate need of a total revamp, however is the planning process.[07:45] What, exactly, does an association do?[09:30] Peskin's proposed legislation to penalize and prevent homeowners who want to remodel or repair their home comes up....[14:23] Walt's dad was an Association Executive for a Realtor association, and real estate has been a part of Walt’s life as far as he can remember. In fact, in the 104 years that the National Association of Realtors has been around, a Baczkowski has run a local board for 54 of those years! So... how has real estate changed over the years?[18:37] We already mentioned the William Magel Award Walt received in the 2018; and this is just one of the numerous honors he has received over the years. Walt has a well deserved reputation for being a visionary and leader in the industry. We discuss some things he has worked on over the years and where he believes things are going in the future.Listen for the details, but Walt makes a convincing case for industry changes driven by consumer demand for speed, convenience and choice; companies will need to look at how they can provide that to clients to be successful.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast we have a very special guest and founder of Fireball Approves, Tammy Sorrento.[00:21] Fireball Approves is a company that helps protect people from getting scammed. Tammy explains how she developed the company because she wished she had access to this type of service when searching for a short-term vacation rental online.[07:21] Does California have public records readily available for people to access? Tammy also poses an interesting question: say your home has been fraudulently rented out while you were away, how hard is it to get it sorted out?[11:11] Online scams are not only fairly low risk crimes with a high payout for the scammers and they are so rarely reported.[14:56] If you are a potentially looking at renting property, Tammy recommends you do your due diligence. What does this mean? She shares a few helpful tips with us and shares what she does to help.P.S. Tammy is also writing a blog on what people can do on their own and when to contact her on fireballapproves.com for assistance, so be sure to keep an eye out for that![17:16] A cool service Tammy has partnered with is a free Chrome extension called Cluck. What is Cluck and how is it different to others services like it on the market?[21:18] The price of the rental ad verification is only $19 and Fireball also offers a listing of Fireball approved vacation rentals free to renters. How can owners of properties become gold, silver or bronze members on the approved rentals list?[23:45] Why the name, Fireball Approves? While the rental market is the focus now, in the future Tammy plans to expand to other services including virtual job scams, for example.[27:24] To find out more about her services find Tammy on the fireballapproves.com website or any social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. Also, don’t forget to share this information with others as she relies on word of mouth to get the word out.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last week we talked about the crazy stories that pop up when researching properties. Today, on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we build on that theme and talk about crazy things that happen during inspections.[00:21] Last year David Milne, a home inspector from Arch Inspections, joined us for episodes 46, 47 and 48 where he shared some interesting things that can happen during a home inspection (we highly recommend you catch up on those if you haven't already). One of our favorite stories involves a condo building that was a former hospital and is also featured in the movie Vertigo.[05:41] When we offer a list of inspectors to buyers it is not because we get a kickback, so then why? Because we know that they are respected, well known, vetted, solid inspectors that do a go job and give an honest thorough opinion of the property. Not all inspectors know what they are doing; Britton shares a story to illustrate this point. Matt's bonus tangent: what is appropriate Realtor involvement during inspections?[11:43] Sometimes home inspectors fail to pick up on certain things, which are understandable, but other times major fails happen that are unacceptable. Wrong address, talking about non-existent materials, confusing vinyl with wood and other glaring mistakes don't leave us with much confidence in the inspector!Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review on your favorite platform, tell your friends and don’t forget to join us again next week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.