san francisco: Studios for sale - Location, Location, Location - 07/19/16 10:24 AM
There is a wide variety of housing types in San Francisco, and with space at a premium and prices high, it's not surprising that condominiums make up a large part of the housing in the areas closest to downtown. I've often written about some different options, like these 3 in the Middle Polk neighborhood or these a couple of blocks to the west.
We've all heard the old saw about "Location! Location! Location!" when it comes to real estate, and that's our focus today.
Today we head a few more blocks to the west deep into the heart of Pacific Heights, past beautiful … (12 comments)

san francisco: Serendipity Sunday - 07/17/16 03:41 AM
Many times a week I walk past this this light, one of several along the wall at the garage entrance (a garage for 17 cars I'm told) of one of Pacific Heights mansions.
It makes me think about a little book called 14,000 Things to Be Happy About that was in my B&B room last week.
This light makes me happy, and would be one of my 14,000.
Happy Sunday, Everyone!
… (16 comments)

san francisco: Should you pay your landlord's mortgage? - 07/17/16 02:24 AM
It is no secret that San Francisco is the most expensive place in the country in which to live. If we can, those of us here are willing to pay that price to enjoy all the area has to offer.
Rents are sky high. Per Zumper in their January report, the median price of a two-bedroom rental in San Francisco is $4,630.00/month; a one-bedroom is $3,490.00
Although prices of condos in the City aren't low, the cost of buying, with interest rates remaining low to date in 2016, can make the monthly payment less than rent.
One way to avoid multiple offers in … (17 comments)

san francisco: Thursday Nights are "Adult Night" at SF's Exploratorium - 07/11/16 10:19 AM
The Exploratorium is San Francisco's hands-on science museum. The first of its kind in the country, it has been wowing residents and visitors alike since 1969.
The expanded location at Pier 15 along the Embarcadero allows for more displays than ever, including the visiting exhibition of Theo Jansen's dream machines, the Strandbeest, now through September 5.
 
Come take one of the smaller strandbeests for a walk!
 
Open daily in June, July and August, there is one evening each week set aside for adults 18 and older - Thursdays, from 6:00 - 10:00 PM. This is a great idea for a date night, for … (13 comments)

san francisco: Flower Piano - say what??? - 07/08/16 01:37 PM
That's right, Flower Piano has returned to the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park for the second year.
For 12 days only, July 7 through 18, 2016 the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park is hosting Flower Piano. Visitors can seek out 12 pianos tucked away in various spots in the gardens, perhaps on the great meadow, or in a quiet glen amongst a bower of flowers.
These pianos await your discovery. What to do when you stumble across one - unleash the musician in your soul, be it Chop Sticks or Chopin, Happy Birthday or Hayden. Or perhaps … (13 comments)

san francisco: Have a plan, have patience and sooner or later ..... - 07/06/16 06:31 AM
'We are updating our wait list records and would like you to confirm that you are still interested in a garden at Fort Mason Community Garden.'
"Yes, indeed I am. I check my wait list status and saw Sunday that I'm number 22. Getting closer!'
"Thank you, and the good news as of today you are #14 on the list!'
Back in 2009 we bought our SF condo and rented it out for a couple of years before we moved in. Shortly after buying it, we did two things: 1) get a library card, and 2) I put my name on the waiting list for … (10 comments)

san francisco: 3 Types of condos in the Middle Polk neighborhood - 06/23/16 12:28 AM
Last week I wrote a post about 3 condos for sale just off Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, near Franklin. I showed examples of different price ranges, different style, and different sizes, all within 3 blocks of each other.
This week I have 3 more for you, on the other side of the Avenue, between Van Ness and Polk street. Again, these are within 3 blocks of each other.
1601 Pacific Avenue, #405 - here's a 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo that features skylights, recessed lighting, sleek finishes. The reverse floor plan has laundry, bath and guest room on the entry level, the rest … (14 comments)

san francisco: How to be a tourist in your own back yard - 06/19/16 01:04 PM
Some weekends (most weekends) we REALTORS work long hours. Some weekends we blend fun times and work. Other than answering emails and a couple of phone calls, this last weekend was a mini-vacation for my husband and me - we played tourist in our own back yard!
It started Friday evening, with the opera "Carmen" at the elegant San Francisco War Memorial Opera House.
Saturday morning we donned our day-and-a-half backpacks, walked to BART and hopped on a train for the 20 minute ride to Berkeley. Once there, we found a spot for lunch as we walked to the Hotel Bancroft, a delightful, … (15 comments)

san francisco: One SF neighborhood, various condo choices - 06/17/16 12:58 AM
 So, you're ready to buy your San Francisco condo and begin living your San Francisco Dream.
You have picked the neighborhood that appeals. Now it's time to drill down on the type of condo that most appeals - the size, the price, the style, the amenities.
If you've chosen the north Van Ness corridor (close to the Polk Street, Fillmore Street and Union Street neighborhoods) here are 3 units within 3 blocks to show you the range of possibilities:
1840 Washington #603 (between Van Ness and Franklin) - Built a couple of years ago, this sleek and modern one-bedroom, one-bath unit sports a balcony … (15 comments)

san francisco: Jacaranda on Jackson, Pacific Heights - 06/13/16 12:20 PM
This evening, while my husband fixed a simple dinner for us to enjoy while listening to the Warriors game (no TV at our place) I took a short walk to reach my daily goal of 10,000 steps.
I couldn't help but stop and enjoy this large Jacaranda tree in full bloom. (The house isn't bad either!) I tried to wait patiently for the wind along the ridge of Jackson in Pacific Heights to calm, but since I'm not a very patient person, I didn't succeed.
However you wind down this evening, I hope you find beauty to enjoy.
 
 
… (17 comments)

san francisco: SFFD on land and on sea - 06/12/16 02:26 AM
Physically, San Francisco is a small city, roughly 49 square miles in size, with over 864,000 residents packed into its confines. The density, steep hills, heavily trafficked streets and numerous high rise buildings create challenges for many, including the San Francisco Fire Department.
In addition to services on land and at the San Francisco International Airport, two fireboats stand at the ready to provide aid in emergencies on and near the water. The boat pictured here, the Guardian, is the oldest of the 2, built in 1950 and still going strong.
The San Francisco Fire Department - another reason to be glad … (18 comments)

san francisco: It happened again yesterday.....twice - 06/10/16 07:08 AM
If you have read many of my posts, you know how much I enjoy living and walking in San Francisco. The urban lifestyle, complete with doing my errand running and most of my shopping on foot is delightful.
However, it happened again yesterday....twice in fact, within a matter of blocks from my home, and my heart is saddened.
Two accidents between moving vehicles and pedestrians, one fatal. At approximate 10:45 yesterday morning, a bright sunny day, a paratransit vehicle struck and killed a woman who had just exited the bus. She was crossing with street in front of the bus, with her walker, … (16 comments)

san francisco: Sunday Fun Day - Bubble Soccer - 06/05/16 04:45 AM
Out for a walk on Friday, my friend and I came across this game of Bubble Soccer being played at Crissy Field in San Francisco. Of course we had to stop and enjoy the spectacle.
Who's up for a game like this?
So silly; such fun to watch.
Wishing you all a great day with some laughter tossed into the mix.
… (11 comments)

san francisco: The Magic of San Francisco's Fog - 06/04/16 03:34 AM
Yesterday I met a friend, a real estate colleague from across the bay in Oakland. It was our day for a City walk, which we attempt to schedule quarterly. We share how our markets are doing, what new things we've learned, what challenges we face.
While we talk, we walk.
These pictures were taken as we walked down the hill from the Golden Gate Bridge to Crissy Field, within the space of a couple of minutes.
This is the magic of San Francisco's fog!

 
 
… (23 comments)

san francisco: The fog is swirling past my window this evening - 06/02/16 01:17 PM
This evening I'm feeling especially grateful for living where I do, in the midst of San Francisco. My husband is off singing, preparing for his concert on Saturday, I've had an evening walk to the post office and a corner market (I love shopping local and supporting our merchants).
Now I'm sitting at my computer. Strains of Beethoven piano sonatas are playing while wisps of fog swirl up from the bay, past my window. The last rays of sun are shining through the light fog and making Russian Hill more ethereal and beautiful than ever.
And, the Golden State Warriors are leading nicely … (10 comments)

san francisco: The Young Dead Soldiers...a poem - 05/30/16 01:32 AM
Memorial Day in San Francisco
The Presidio in San Francisco is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area It is also is home to one of our national cemeteries. When exploring the Presidio, hiking or running on the trails, slow your pace when you near the National Cemetery, and take time to reflect on the poignant poem posted at the top of the hill, above the cemetery.
The Young Dead Soldiers, by Archibald MacLeish
The young dead soldiers do not speak.
Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses:
who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them … (7 comments)

san francisco: San Francisco's Maritime Museum - 05/08/16 01:01 AM
San Francisco has a plethora of museums, both large and small. Yesterday was the day for us to incorporate a City walk, a preview of several condos along the Van Ness corridor, lunch at the Buena Vista, and a visit to one of the smaller museums.
The Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park is operated by the National Park Service, and is open to the public free of charge (donations accepted.) Built by the WPA in 1936 in the Streamline Moderne style, the building was the bathhouse at the cove created by breakwater piers, with colorful water themed murals on the walls. The … (12 comments)

san francisco: Adventures with Tanner--a walk along Broadway - 05/05/16 07:48 AM
I wrote previously about a walk to Aquatic Park and the fun we had there with Tanner, the golden retriever. Mid-day today I took a break, and borrowed Tanner again for more adventures.
Our free time was short, so we simply walked along Broadway, from Franklin to the top of the Lyon Street stairs and the pedestrian entry to the Presidio.
This Google map cracks me up--Google doesn't think walking on Broadway is advisable, I guess because of the steep ups and downs. Tanner thought it delightful. I survived.
Being an energetic young dog, Tanner didn't stay still for many pictures, but we did … (23 comments)

san francisco: Some explorations are Just More Fun with a dog - 04/30/16 02:34 AM
In San Francisco, you see dogs everywhere. Taking a dog to the park is an easy way to meet neighbors, to belong to a group. Store owners have water bowls out for pets; many have doggie treats behind the counter to hand out. This is a city that loves its dogs.
But not everyone is a pet owner or wishes to be, so what do you do? I borrow Tanner, our granddaughter's dog for fast-paced walks in and around The City.
Yesterday as daylight ended, we walked down to the Municipal Pier, from which Alcatraz seemed so close one could almost touch it … (32 comments)

san francisco: Comical Critters-Wild Parrots in San Francisco - 04/27/16 01:42 AM
Flocks of wild parrots in San Francisco? Yes, it's true. Originally spotted on Telegraph Hill in the early 2000s, they have since spread to other parts of the City, including Dolores Park and the Presidio.
Monday evening, as we walked over Russian Hill to North Beach, we stopped to enjoy the antics of this group along the Vallejo Street Stairs.
 
You might have read the book, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill or perhaps you've seen the documentary film. Take a look at the trailer from this link.
Want to see or read more? If your local bookstore doesn't carry it, you … (15 comments)

 


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog