ken glidewell: Not all cities are in the Doghouse... - 07/13/09 05:15 PM
I have been telling my Palo Alto clients that the city has seen an increase in pricing the last few months and finally the media has witten an article confirming what I had been saying.
See the link to the original article written by the "San Francisco Business Times"...
Palo Alto prices up in May '09, http://tinyurl.com/pv5wst
Sometimes it can be gratifying get reinforcement of your thoughts.
Thanks!!
For more information please email me at: kglidewell@pacunion.com or visit my website at: http://www.KenGlidewell.com
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ken glidewell: Palo Alto & Menlo Park, what is happening? - 05/18/09 04:18 PM
Along with San Francisco, I track home sales in Atherton, Palo Alto & Menlo Park, CA just to name a few.
And last week, several Menlo Park properties that had been on the market for some time, all went pending or sold.
In Palo Alto, a new listing came on and sold within 2 weeks with double digit number of offers and 200K+ over the asking.
Now I know many of you will be referencing the media's negative perspective of the real estate market. But I am telling you that there are parts of the Bay Area real estate market that … (1 comments)
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ken glidewell: Spring Home Maintenance - 03/31/09 05:55 PM
Well Spring is here. And before you get too busy going to soccer games, sailing on the bay or playing ultimate frisbee remember to pay some attention to your home.
Here is a checklist on a few spring cleaning items:
Clean your windows so the sun can shine in.
Pull out the pation furniture, rinse them off and check all the nuts and bolts.
Check the irigation system, don't want to waste any water.
Freshen up the garden with some new plants and flowers.
Have the carpets and area rugs cleaned.
Change the air filters in your furnace and air conditioning … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Buying property in 2009 - 02/28/09 08:39 PM
I have represented alot of buyers in the last 18 months and I would like to take this time to share some of these simple but necessary experiences.
1. Buyers stay in constant communication with your preferred lender. As the market and economy transition it will be important to stay on top of very key elements like: interest rates, down payment requirements, terms and appraisal requirements. All can torpedo a deal in the most inopportune time, trust me.
2. Buyers please stay on top of the market trends as presented by your real estate agent. various districts in San Francisco are … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: SF Market Update 20090224 - 02/24/09 08:10 PM
Today (Tuesday) is the weekly brokers tour day in San Francisco. Having gotten use to minimal inventory and over priced property.
I was glad to have observed that "today" there seems to be an incremental amount of new and reasonably priced properties on tour.
We are still at low inventory levels but at least there are now properties that have potential for a willing buyer.
Mark this date in your calendars!!
If you have questions or comments please email me at: kglidewell@pacunion.com or visit my website at: http://www.KenGlidewell.com.
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ken glidewell: It's official, Bay Area real estate Slowdown... - 12/15/08 06:37 PM
Always the realist, I am know to be conservative in my calls but I think it is official, The Bay Area has hit its own real estate slowdown.
As near as I can tell, the full impact started in San Francisco & the Pennisula about November 10th. I know you are saying "duh" the country knew this months ago.
Well it really did not affect our market until recently and still there are districts in San Francisco that are still active and parts of the pennisula that are still growing in price per unit and sales. (can you say Palo … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Getting ready for Winter: Ol' Skool style!! - 11/19/08 07:24 PM
It is a little chilly here in San Francisco today and I am not talking about the real estate market.
The cooler temperatures remind me that it is winter time in the balance of the country and what better time to make your home "winter ready".
Here is a short list of items to check before it starts raining or snowing where you live:
Check the rain gutters & roof for debris Trim trees, bushes and gather leaves Maintain plumbing pipes Set a minimum temperature on your thermostat (I recommend 70 degrees but most experts say 65 degrees is minimal) Check … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: "LinkedIn - Part Deux" - 10/27/08 11:25 PM
A month or so ago, I expressed my thoughts on using "LinkedIn", the professional social networking service.
Well this month I am again singing its praise. My 'network' has experienced a steady growth adding about 5-10 new connections per month.
I answer real estate questions asked by the audience of 30 million users and join real estate "groups" (and others) that I believe add value to my business. Like my alumni association and other social organizations I frequent.
Question: Are you getting any business from the site?
Answer: YES, 2 transactions with 2 more buyers currently looking for property.
Utilizing LinkedIn's "network … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Technology Book Recommendation - 10/14/08 02:04 PM
I recently got my hands on a new technology / business book and I must pass on my praises.
"Closing the Innovation Gap" By: Judy Estrin
When you get past the impressive resume of the author (current Board Member of Disney & FedEx) one will find a direct, clear and alarming expose of hopefully waking up the innovative society in America.
With recommendations from Bob Igor, Vint Cerf and Andrew Grove, I have no reservation in supporting this book.
I challenge all of us to support education and research from now until the end of time...
And you SHOULD read the … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Inman Connect 2008 - 07/31/08 06:50 PM
Last week I was in the midst of another "Connect" conference for real estate and technologists.
And what a week it was, reacquainting with past attendees, seeing the latest offerings of new technology companies and hearing what agents from across the country are experiencing.
Makes me think how lucky we are to live and work in the Bay Area. While I am working on another successful year my peers from other states are not having it so good.
A big take away from this year is how it seems the real estate industry while being "local" is evolving to a national … (1 comments)
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ken glidewell: Are you "LinkedIn" yet? - 06/20/08 03:08 PM
That is the question!!
I have been using the professional networking site "LinkedIn" for a couple of years now and this weeks announcement by the company of a new round of financing reminded me to write about them in my blog.
As the real estate business becomes less 'local'. Yes, I said that!! It has become more important to expand your business/professional network in a way to expose potential buyers and sellers to your abilities in new and more internet savvy ways.
My use of 'LinkedIn' has proved beneficial in many ways. I have expanded my business network as well as … (3 comments)
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ken glidewell: Orange County Condo Tour - 05/09/08 04:15 PM
Last Friday I had the opportunity to tour three (3) condominium complexes who are under construction and are in the process of conducting "pre-sales".
3000 - The Plaza Astoria - Central Park West Skyline at MacArthur Place Having toured some 20+ condo projects in San Francisco, I was looking to do a comparison of the overall project, amenities, pricing and sales techniques.
As my touring partner and I soon found out. Only one property had adjusted to the current Orange County market and acted that way. Maybe it was because the Director of Sales was more personable than the others or … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: SF - Marina District warming up again!! - 04/28/08 06:10 PM
Welcome back to my "Market Update!!"
Seems that the "Marina District" of San Francisco has quietly become an active area of San Francisco. I have been monitoring several single family homes and condos for the last 4+ months and all of a sudden the majority have gone into contract.
There are a 'FEW' still available and I hear rumblings that a couple new condos will be coming on in the next week or so.
Have your cash ready!!
If you need further information or would like to contact me directly please go to my website: http://www.KenGlidewell.com or send me an … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: SF Market Update - Mortgage Analysis - 04/14/08 12:13 PM
First quarter transactions were definitely affected by the mortgage adjustment.
While San Francisco has a unique postion in the national mortgage landscape, we are seeing increased scrutiny when processing loans.
The impact that is trickling down to the San Francisco consumer is a higher down payment requirement. Typically the home buyer is asked to put 20% down as a minimum on a home purchase. That number goes up as the credit score moves downward.
Additionally, we are seeing less opportunity for HELOC's or 2nd's in this new lending environment. As the economic future of the country becomes clearer we will see lenders get more … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: San Francisco Luxury Market Update - 02/20/08 03:08 PM
Well it has been a few weeks since I gave a market update on "Luxury" properties in San Francisco.
This posting is specific to the "Uber" luxury here in the city by the bay.
I ran a search of data on the "OVER 5,000,000" dollar properties and here is but a glance at what I found.
13 properties currently listed at over $5,000,000Price range is from the low of $5,850,000 to a high of $65,000,000In fact there are four listed at over $22,000,000Does not include properties agents are keeping as "pocket" or "quietly marketing"Average days on market = 249, primarily due to 6 being … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Buy Smart: San Francisco Style... - 02/15/08 01:32 PM
With inventory levels low in San Francisco, this posting highlights strategies for you to "Buy Smart".
Keep 5-9 months of living expenses liquid (easy to access cash). Put at least 25% down.Stay in your home at least 5 years to solidify your potential appreciation. Use an interest only loan when you plan to stay in a property less than 3 years.Have your agent negotiate effectively on your behalf with realistic expectations.And of course, get the lowest interest rate possible.These are but a few simple guidelines when buying a home. If you want a deal and are timing the market then be ready to … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Who pays what in San Francisco? - 02/07/08 05:50 PM
In San Francisco, my buyers often ask: "Hey Ken, Who pays what?"...at the closing.
Here is an attempt at putting together a list of typical expenses when "buying" a property here.
Property Inspections - Pest, Structural, Contractors, Chimney etc... Title Insurance Fees Escrow Fees New Loan Fees - application, appraisal & doc. prep Hazard Insurance Pro rated property taxes Notary Fee Document prep Fee - photocopies Overnight Delivery Fee Pro rated Condo HOA fee Condo HOA Move-In fee Recording FeesThat covers the majority of the ones I have seen on a consistent basis.
For more information just email me at: kglidewell@pacunion.com
or visit my website: http://www.sfluxuryproperties.com/
posted by: … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: San Francisco Luxury Market Update - 01/11/08 02:56 PM
Today is Friday, January 11,2008 and I thought it would be interesting to see what kind of closing activity exists in the San Francisco Luxury Market.
Most define "luxury" here by price. So for the purposes of this report I am using closed escrow's over $2,500,000. For my friends in Virgina I know...that is steep but here you have to start somewhere.
I just ran a search in the local MLS that gave me a list of 16 properties that have closed since 12/1/2007. The price ranges from a low of $2,500,000 up to $16,000,000. And I must say some broker's have transactions … (0 comments)
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ken glidewell: Bloggers Connect 2008 - 01/07/08 12:39 PM
Starting 1/9/2008 at 9:00am, the "Bloggers Connect" session at Real Estate Connect will commence in New York.
I attended this relatively mellow sounding session and found it to be anything but mellow. In fact it was the most useful session for me during the entire 3 day program. Joel Burslem will likely moderate the panel and some follow up session and he will undoubtedly do a great job.
If any of my fellow RE Agents are in New York or you are already attending the event. I HIGHLY recommend attending the blogging sessions.
You will Thank me later!! Have fun in New York and … (0 comments)
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