Realty World - City of the Bay

New Listing – 2828 Greenwich Suite Two

Christine Dwiggins — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:36:38 +0000

Come Visit! We’re Open Today, Saturday January 14th from 1-3 PM

www.2828Greenwich.com

Join us for a tour of this elegant, stylish and contemporary townhouse tenant-in-common located in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods, Cow Hollow. This spacious three bedroom, two bath home was renovated in 2008 with the rest of the building. Luxurious finishes of hardwood floors, marble counter tops, stainless appliances, radiant heat, custom closet built-ins and custom shutters all add to the special elements that make this home warm, inviting and fresh. Added benefits of parking, in-unit laundry room, shared roof deck and steps away from the iconic Presidio are complimented by the close proximity to shopping, dining and services around the north side of town. For more information and pictures please visit www.2828Greenwich.com or text “2828 Greenwich” in the subject line of your cell phone to 59559.

Farmer’s Market – The Best Hot Trend

Christine Dwiggins — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:09:10 +0000

One of my favorite growing trends in many communities today are Farmer’s Markets. Back in 1994 there were only 1775 farmers markets in the United States. Today there are over 6000 and growing. From small neighborhood farmer’s markets to large county or city fame’s markets, boundless opportunities for fresh locally grown food has spread. And one of my favorite Farmer’s Markets is the Saturday market at the San Francisco Ferry Building. The redevelopment of the San Francisco Ferry Building gave local business, restaurants and food suppliers an opportunity to sell direct to the people.

The inside of the Ferry Building is wonderful to peruse with delicious tastings along the corridors, but the Saturday Farmer’s Market is an adventure. Local producers and hand crafted foods from, cheese to smoked salmon to fresh pastas, the Saturday farmer’s market at the Ferry Building wraps all the way around the front and the back of the building offering an amazing array of deliciousness. Freshly roasted chickens, hand made tamales, cornmeal crusted artisan pizzas are some of the mouth watering foods prepared for your delicious breakfast or lunch. The San Francisco saturday farmer’s market is worth the experience and is open every weekend until from 8-2 pm.

If your a farmer’s market lover and have a favorite one, share with us. And for the SF market visitors, what’s your favorite thing to get?

Hot Spot – 25 Lusk – Happy Hour, Dinner, Late Night

Christine Dwiggins — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:00:10 +0000

This new restaurant and lounge opened its doors in South Beach/ Mission Bay San Francisco. It quickly became the next hot spot in town for happy hour, dinner and late night drinks. One of my favorite aspects of this new spot is the architechture. Built in 1917 as a meat packing and smokehouse facility, this building has been renovated to blend of the old brick and timber with a new modern, swanky style, creating a visually stimulating and inviting environment.

25 Lusk, located on a small alley in the heart of South Beach is known for its twists on food, crafted cocktails, specialty liquors, wine list and vibrant scene. While food reviews have varied quite a bit, as with most new restaurants, 25 Lusk has found its groove.

New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in all Homes

Christine Dwiggins — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:14 +0000

The new California Law requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all homes is in effect as of July 1, 2011. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and many types of appliances and cooking devices. Each year carbon monoxide (CO) claims an average of 480 lives and sends around 20,000 people to emergency rooms. Termed the ’silent killer’ CO detectors should be installed on every floor and outside every sleeping area. CO detectors are fairly inexpensive and should be placed where carbon monoxide can be detected because the gas sinks.

Though previous laws only required newly-constructed homes to have CO alarms, the state’s new Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires owners of all existing single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install CO alarm devices within the home by July 1, 2011. Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

For tips and facts about carbon monoxide and detectors in your home, check out the Cal Fire Carbon Monoxide Alarm Fact Sheet.

2011 California Energy Commission Booklet

Christine Dwiggins — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

What’s your home energy rating?

The new CA Energy Commission released the new booklet with updates and information about; lowering your energy bills, a safer and more durable home, reducing your environmental footprint and increasing your homes value. Use this pamphlet to determine your home’s energy rating and changes you can make to increase your energy efficiency. This new version in particular addresses the 2011 tax benefits for energy conscientious homeowners.

TIC (Tenancy-in-Common) Home Ownership San Francisco Part 2

Christine Dwiggins — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:00:27 +0000

Following up on TIC Home Ownership Part 1. Here is Andy Sirkin, legal expert in TIC ownership, contractual agreements and history, continuing his presentation about TICs.

Short Sales – Senate Bill 458

Christine Dwiggins — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:00:01 +0000

Approved and effective as of July 15, 2011 is Senate Bill 458. This bill prohibits junior lein holders who approved (in writing) a short sale of a 1-4 unit property from attempting to collect monies after the close of escrow. This bill will work in partnership with SB 931 passed last year which prohibits senior lein holders from the same actions. As with most legal changes affecting real estate there are upsides and potential downsides that may develop. A key factor in this case can be the differences between recourse and non-recourse loans. Certainly it is a benefit to a homeowner who sells property in a short sale to avoid post escrow collections as long as the lein holder(s) agreed to the short sale in writing and included the fund disbursements on the HUD-1. If, however, the loan is a recourse loan, second lein holders may be more reluctant to agree to a short sale and limit their ability to come after the owner to collect the debt owed. In time the effects of this new bill on short sales will develop.

(A recourse or non-recourse loan can have an impact on an owners decision to short sale or foreclose. In addition the banks will include fine print that can change the deal a homeowner believes he/she is making. Please consult a qualified attorney to ensure protection. For references email me.)

TIC (Tenancy-in-common) Ownership in San Francisco

Christine Dwiggins — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:23:15 +0000

Home buyers shopping in San Francisco end up viewing different types of condos in our market. The sub-types we have here are; Condos, Loft Condos, TIC and Co-Op (cooperatives). When walking into a TIC you may wonder what the differences are. Isn’t TIC a type of ownership, much like joint tenants? Yes it is but in San Francisco, while it is a type of ownership and not a legal type of property it means more than how you hold title to real estate. One of the legal experts in San Francisco on TIC ownership is Andy Sirkin. Andy has been an influential player in educating and creating TIC contracts. He has two videos about TIC ownership that are extremely helpful for any home buyer considering purchasing a TIC verses a more ‘traditional’ condominium. Check out part 1 and check back for part 2.