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The market statistics for February sales are now online. The number of homes sold was almost the same as they were in January, pretty impressive for such a short month. Once again, single family homes under $2M were the winners selling, on average OVER 100% of the list price and have for the last 24 months.

There are SO MANY buyers looking and so few properties on the market.  This situation is driving prices up at the fastest rate since 2004.  We have been hearing stories of houses priced near what was thought to be market value and having 20+ offers and going for 20% over market.  The most common scenario for homes under $2 million is receiving 4-7 offers, and the house selling over the asking price. 

The hottest areas are those that are close to freeway access to the South Bay and near the transportation pick-ups for the tech companies.  Our new listing in Bernal Heights at 347 Mullen is getting tremendous activity with over 100 parties viewing the home in just the 3 days we have had it on the market.  So if anyone you know is thinking of selling, now is the time.  As long as the demand is not being satisfied the prices will continue to rise.   

We are getting ready to gear up for baseball season as spring training has officially started. Our Giants calendars should be going out in the next few weeks, so watch for them in the mail. If you are not on the snail mail list and would like to receive our Giants schedule, just shoot an e-mail to mick@sfresidence.com with your address, and he will take care of you.

Think of us if you have friends or clients who are interested in buying or selling in San Francisco and you will be eligible to receive a pair of great seats to see the World Champion Giants!

Summer is coming….. Remember to turn your clocks ahead next Saturday night before going to bed (March 9^th) for Daylight Savings time—Yeah!

REMEMBER… If you are MOVING or KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, we have GREAT AGENTS to whom we can refer with confidence! If you or someone you know needs to buy or sell property somewhere else in the country, keep us in mind. In return for the lead, we’ll give you a chance to win our Rewards contest for a weekend in Tahoe. And you agents out there across the country who are receiving this newsletter, you are on our referral list for your area!
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Special Rates on Vacation Rentals

ANYTIME is the perfect time for visiting Lake Tahoe. Our Lake View condo — a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium available for rent in Tahoe City at Tahoe Marina Lodge, a lake front complex, is in Tahoe City and great for water activities or hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.  Our unit has panoramic lake and mountain views yet is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Tahoe is an excellent place to get away from the fast pace of city life and enjoy nature. This is the condominium we use for our Rewards for RE-ferrals.

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Our trusted advisor, Michael Divita is eager to help you with your mortgage needs. He publishes a weekly mortgage report on our blog.

With all the turmoil in the stock and bond markets, mortgage rates change day to day! However, interest rates have been very low for a long time. Now might be the time to take advantage of them!

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Sales Activity
JUST LISTED	Bernal Heights Custom VIEW Home
	Stunning, custom built Bernal Heights View home with many designer and “Green” features built in 2011. Situated on a 45 foot wide lot this home offers a fabulous open floor plan, 10′ high ceilings and 8′ high doors throughout, vaulted ceilings on one bedroom level; 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, Bay views all three floors, family room opening out to the yard; laundry room with a view; 3 car garage, solar panels, radiant heat, sound system with Sonance in ceiling speakers & alarm system. The location is in a secret balmy “banana belt” of coveted Bernal Heights, with immediate access to Downtown and the Peninsula. Listed at $1,695,000
FOR SALE	Russian Hill Co-op
	Spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz & North Bay VIEWS from this 10th floor 2 bedroom, 1 bath cooperative apartment. The open floor plan allows you to enjoy views from almost any room and a slate terrace is accessible from the living room & master bedroom. Fabulous City views are seen from the guest bedroom, breakfast area & remodeled kitchen. There is 1 car parking & storage. The co-op is being sold fully furnished so you can move in immediately! The HOA fees include all utilities. The Fontana East is a full service cooperative building with doorman service, guest parking. Great location near Ghirardelli, Aquatic Park great restaurants, shopping and transportation. Perfect front row seats for the upcoming America’s Cup. Listed at $1,195,000
SOLD	Russian Hill Co-op
	Enjoy Bay views, the America’s cup or city views from this 2 bedroom, 2 bath NW corner coop. The open floor plan allows you to enjoy views from almost any area in the apartment. A wrap around terrace is accessible from the living room or master bedroom and fabulous City views are seen from the breakfast area and kitchen. There are also views of Fort Mason to the west through floor to ceiling windows throughout the unit. The Fontana West is a full service cooperative building with 24 hour doormen, a heated pool and guest parking. Additionally there is an area in the garage to wash your car.   Listed at $849,000        Sold for $825,000
See you next month!
Janis Stone DRE# 00517072	Thea Miller DRE# 01382829

“The nicest compliment you can give us is to refer others within your circle”
Toll Free (866) 224-8024

If you are a Realtor, by opting out you will be removed from our referral network.

Back to home page | Back to newsletter table of contents

Let us start off by saying, “Thank you”, to everyone who helped make our 2012 one of the most successful years ever. We always are in awe of the loyalty people show us by referring us to their friends and associates. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Mick  and his “little brother”, Edwin went shopping for toys to donate to Toys for  Tots.  That is always one of our favorite activities in the Holiday  Season.  We are so fortunate and there are so many people that struggle  just to have the basic necessities much less extra money for toys for their  children.  I remember how excited I would be as a child just to have a new  toy under the tree.  We want to give that joy to other children at  Christmas.

We’d also like to give a shout out to Christy Curtis, a Coldwell Banker Realtor in Truckee. Thanks to her generosity we were able to get Mick a great deal on skiing at Alpine Meadows. She offers a ski pass to  clients and referral agents.

REMEMBER… If you are MOVING or KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, we have GREAT AGENTS to whom we can refer with   confidence! If you or someone you know needs to buy or sell property somewhere else in   the country, keep us in mind. In return for the lead, we’ll give you a chance to   win our Rewards contest for a weekend in Tahoe. And you agents out there across the country who are receiving this newsletter, you are on our referral list for your area! _____________________________________________________         Special Rates on Vacation Rentals

ANYTIME is the perfect time for visiting Lake Tahoe. Our Lake  View condo — a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium available  for rent in Tahoe City at Tahoe Marina Lodge,  a lake front complex, is in Tahoe City and great for water activities or  hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.  Our unit has panoramic lake and mountain views yet is within  walking distance to shops and restaurants. Tahoe is an excellent place to get  away from the fast pace of city life and enjoy nature. This is the condominium  we use for our Rewards for RE-ferrals.

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A special “Thank You” goes out to Christy Curtis, the Coldwell Banker Realtor whose team serves the Lake Tahoe area. She offers special ski deals for referral agents and clients. E-mail is and we will put you in touch with her. Thanks to her Mick got special rates on lift tickets for Alpine Meadows. As for me, my skiing days are over. Here is Mick at the top of the Lake View chair. With 5 days of skiing under his belt, he became a believer in Epsom Salts! - Janis Stone

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Interest Rates
Our trusted advisor, Michael Divita is eager to help you with your mortgage needs. He publishes a weekly mortgage report on our blog.

With   all the turmoil in the stock and bond markets, mortgage rates change day to day! However,   interest rates have been very low for a long time. Now might be the time to take   advantage of them!
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Sales Activity
STILL AVAILABLE	Russian Hill Co-op
	Spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz & North Bay VIEWS from this     10th floor 2 bedroom, 1 bath cooperative apartment.   The open floor   plan   allows you to enjoy views from almost any room   and a slate   terrace is   accessible from the living room & master   bedroom.   Fabulous City   views are seen from the guest bedroom,   breakfast area   & remodeled   kitchen. There is 1 car parking &   storage. The   co-op is being sold fully   furnished so you can move in   immediately!   The HOA fees include all   utilities. The Fontana East is a   full   service cooperative building with   doorman service, guest   parking.   Great location near Ghirardelli, Aquatic   Park great   restaurants,   shopping and transportation. Perfect front row   seats for   the   upcoming America’s Cup. Listed at $1,195,000
SALE PENDING	Lower Pacific Heights Home
	Elegant Victorian on an extra wide lot (30′x110)with high ceilings, hardwood   floors, lovely details & moldings & 3 fireplaces. Grand scale living   room has a gas fireplace & adjacent office and opens to the formal dining   room. The sunny, remodeled chef’s kitchen with breakfast area has honed granite   counter tops, 6 burner gas range & stainless steel appliances. The adjacent   family room has a bar & pantry and full bath. Huge French doors lead to a   sheltered deck with gas fireplace and a protected garden/play area. A curved   staircase with original wainscoting leads to upper level which has 4 bedrooms   each with its own remodeled en-suite bath. There is a washer & dryer on   this level as well as another one in the 2 car garage. Listed at $2,695,000
SOLD	North Beach  Condo
	Top floor, light filled 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, contemporary view condo on 2 levels   in the heart of North Beach. Constructed in 2007 this condo has custom finishes   including concrete flooring with radiant heat, skylights, gas fireplace with marble   surround & floor to ceiling windows. The open floor plan provides views of   Coit Tower & the City from the living/dining room & kitchen with an   attached deck. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, Corian &   marble counters & designer cabinetry. The lower level has the 2 bedrooms   with ensuite baths & both have access to the large tiled terrace with a custom   hot tub, in unit laundry, storage and 1 car parking. Walkscore of 98! Listed at $849,000 sold for $892,000
SOLD	Mission Bay Condo
	The Madrone is a new complex  located close to Pac Bell Park and features a full service building. This sunny 2 bdrm/2 bath residence has a very large private  patio and views of the Ball Park, Bay Bridge, City and Bay. The finishes are  exceptional with custom oak flooring, Domas & Domas cabinetry &  Caesarstone countertops. The living experience is 5 star with amenities that  include a 24/7 front desk, outdoor pool, a BBQ area directly off the pool &  club room, theater, state of the art fitness center, spa center with both a  sauna & steam room, a meeting room, business center. Madrone is centrally  located in Mission Bay and walking distance to A.T&T Park, shopping &  local hot spots. Listed and sold for $1,029,000
See you next month!
Janis Stone DRE# 00517072	Thea Miller DRE# 01382829

“The nicest compliment you can give us is to refer         others within your circle” Toll Free (866) 224-8024
If you are a Realtor, by opting out you will be removed from our referral network.

Hello from Janis and Thea

Happy Independence Day!!  It is so great to live in this country and be able to celebrate freedom and independence.  And even more lucky are we who live in San Francisco and the Bay Area.  We have a strong economy and a strong real estate market.  If you look at the market statistics for June sales, you can see that homes sold, on average, over 100% of the list price in every category we track with the exception of single family homes over $2M and co-ops.  Even in those categories the values have increased over the past 6 months.

Now that summer is here our market has slowed down a bit. For buyers that find their property during the summer there is less competition and is it easier to negotiate a favorable outcome for the buyer. Even though there may be multiple offers, there are fewer buyers therefore fewer offers. For example, we just put a condo into escrow that we feel would have sold more quickly and at a higher price if the seller had staged it and brought it on at a different time. Instead we were the only offer and were able to negotiate a price under the asking price! Again the lack of preparation by the seller was good for our client, the buyer.

If you are a seller looking to sell your property this year it is the upcoming fall market that is a great time to present your property. Our weather is great and people are back from vacation and ready to find a home before the holidays and the end of the year. If you are thinking of selling call us for an in depth analysis of what you need to do to take advantage of the upcoming Fall market. We anticipate more of the same market we had in the spring—multiple offers and selling prices above the asking prices.

REMEMBER… If you are MOVING or KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, we have GREAT AGENTS to whom we can refer with confidence! If you or someone you know needs to buy or sell property somewhere else in the country, keep us in mind. In return for the lead, we’ll give you a chance to win our Rewards contest for a weekend in Tahoe. And you agents out there across the country receiving this newsletter are on our referral list for your area!

_____________________________________________________

Special Rates on Vacation Rentals

ANYTIME is the perfect time for visiting Lake Tahoe. Our Lake View condo — a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium available for rent in Tahoe City at Tahoe Marina Lodge, a lake front complex, is in Tahoe City and great for water activities or hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.  Our unit has panoramic lake and mountain views yet is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Tahoe is an excellent place to get away from the fast pace of city life and enjoy nature. This is the condominium we use for our Rewards for RE-ferrals.

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We love sharing our two season tickets in lower box 121, row 40, seats 5 and 6 with those of you who have done or are doing business with us or sent us referrals. You will be given first consideration based on availability.

If you are receiving this e-mail, and have not yet had the pleasure of doing business with us, you may still be able to enjoy the Giants games by purchasing the tickets at face value.

	Realtor friend from Tahoe, Janet Pahl, has this beautiful home for sale and says this: OWNER ILLNESS is forcing the sale of BLACKHORSE ESTATE. This fabulous new 20.75 acre, tripled gated private property has 4 bedroom suites and a fully equipped 1 bedroom 1.5 bath caretakers apartment adjacent. Read more here. World class skiing at Squaw Valley and majestic Lake Tahoe are just minutes away. Janet Pahl – Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate
	Mick has been a Big Brother in the Big Brother/Big Sisters program for the last few years and watched his match, Edwin Galvez, grow up. Here he is at his graduation party from middle school into high school. He had braces put on this year and got them in black and orange in honor of the Giants and his favorite player, Pablo Sandoval!
	Now that we have our dog, Bowie, one of us may usually be found at the Marin Humane Society dog park in Ignacio. We have met many friends there, and here is one of them. Paul A. is a driver for Recology in San Francisco. The black poodle is his dog named Louie. Though the pug, Cleo, is not his, she decided this was her lap today.
	Here’s wishing my sister, Marjie Orton, a belated birthday. This photo was taken March 10 at the Cheesecake Factory. Love you, sis! Mick Orton – Marketing Manager

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Interest Rates

Our trusted advisor, Michael Divita is eager to help you with your mortgage needs. He publishes a weekly mortgage report on our blog.

With all the turmoil in the stock and bond markets, mortgage rates change day to day! However, interest rates have been very low for a long time. Now might be the time to take advantage of them!

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Sales Activity
JUST LISTED	Pacific Heights Condo
	Bay and City VIEWS from this rare 3 bedroom 3 bath condo in Broadway Towers. Never before on the market this condo has been beautifully remodeled with an open kitchen/dining/living room with North Bay views. Lovely light colored hardwood floors, 3 remodeled bathrooms and terraces off each of the bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has been set up as an office. Roof deck (common area) with fabulous panoramic views to watch the fireworks, Blue Angels or the America’s Cup. This full service building has a door person and the common areas have been remodeled to reflect today’s design. There is one car parking and a storage room. Listed at $1,195,000
SALE PENDING	Russian Hill Co-op
	Wonderful BAY,CITY,& Alcatraz VIEWS with a romantic garden setting. Elegant floor plan offers living room with fireplace, formal dining room(now used as a family room), sun room, all with FABULOUS VIEWS, remodeled kitchen, 2 en-suit bedrooms one of which is the master bedroom with French doors to a balcony overlooking the gardens. There is a bonus room with a view that makes a perfect office. Large storage & 1 car parking. Walk to all the shops and restaurants in North Beach. Listed at $1,389,000
SALE PENDING	Cow Hollow Condo
	Newly-constructed town home in the heart of Cow Hollow! Unit 308 is a bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath bi-level luxury home with panoramic views of Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, Marin and Bay – wow! Open living/dining with White Oak flooring, gas fireplace & radiant floor heating throughout. Skylights flood the unit with light. Professional kitchen offers Bertazzoni range, Jenn-Air fridge & micro, Bosch dishwasher, Carrera counters & Grohe fixtures. Baths have rift-cut oak vanity & Carrera & limestone counters. Washer/Dryer included, elevator, underground garage parking. Listed at $979,000 – Buyer Represented
SALE PENDING	South Beach Condo
	A nice, affordable one bedroom condo in SF with parking and in-unit laundry, plus a sweet dining area to proudly entertain in. near Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, ATT Park, Whole Foods, the Embarcadero, and dozens of restaurants. This BayCrest unit has track lighting, wood laminate floors, plantation shutters & custom closets. Built-in platform queen bed unit.Open kitchen with breakfast bar. Assigned parking space. 24 hr. concierge. Pool, spa, gym, barbecue area. Can also be used as corporate rental with 30 day minimum lease. Ideal pied-a-terre or first SF home. A great value, in so many ways. Solid, well-run building with healthy Reserves. Furnishings available separately as #519 has been used as a furnished rental. Convenient, fun location. Listed at $450,000 – Buyer Represented
SOLD	North Beach Contemporary View Condo
	Newly built in 2006 this top floor 2 level condominium has views of Coit Tower and City views.  Custom features include concrete floors with radiant heat, gas fireplace, high ceilings with skylights, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and marble counters, decks off both levels, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, in unit washer and dryer and 2 car parking.  Listed at $1,195,000 – Sold for $1,300,000
SOLD	Van Ness/Civic Center Condo
	Urban oasis in the heart of SOMA. Top floor, corner unit in boutique, 12-unit condo building. Ideal floor plan with open kitchen, dining and living areas. Skylights over kitchen and bathroom allow for wonderful natural light throughout unit. Kitchen includes SS appliances, granite counters & breakfast bar, living area has a gas fireplace and Romeo-Juliet balcony with downtown skyline views. The large bedroom has a walk-in closet, there is in-unit laundry, entry closet with closet system, 1-deeded parking space, large storage unit, roof deck with BBQ & 360-VIEWS. Close to all – Muni and Bart transit, restaurants, bars, nightlife, Union Square, Westfield Mall, Metreon, Whole Foods & freeways. Buyer Represented Listed at $830,000 – Sold for $835,000
See you next month!
Janis Stone DRE# 00517072	Thea Miller DRE# 01382829

“The nicest compliment you can give us is to refer
others within your circle”

Toll Free (866) 224-8024

If you are a Realtor, by opting out you will be removed from our referral network.

Back to home page | Back to newsletter table of contents

Hello from Janis

If you look at the market statistics for May sales, you can see that homes sold, on average, over 100% of the list price in every category we track with the exception of one for the second month in a row.

PREPARATION is the key to success in any venture.  We pride ourselves in helping our clients, both buyers and sellers, to prepare for any property transaction.  For sellers that includes advice on how to make their property the best it can be to get the highest price.  For buyers we help them obtain pre approval with an expert lender and advise them on appropriate locations and comparable values of properties they are considering.  Trying to sell or buy a home without proper preparation is like trying to build a home with a plan—you may have the vision of your dream home but it will not become a reality with a detailed plan by an experienced professional.  We are the architects of a successful real estate transaction.

Hello from Thea

It’s that time of year, Summer  is upon us. It is time to relax, refresh, enjoy family, friends and good weather.  It is also a time when many people move as school is out and Summer vacation begins. Our market continues to be HOT, HOT, HOT! just like the Summer weather (in other locations outside San Francisco). For the second month in a row, market statistics show that homes, on average, sold for over 100% of the list price in every category we track with the exception of one.

PREPARATION is the key:

For sellers- We offer specific advice on how to best prepare your property prior to going on the market resulting in the highest sales price.  This includes, suggestions and referrals for de-cluttering, stagers, lighting, landscaping etc… We will prepare and provide a first rate marketing strategy specifically designed to maximize exposure for your property.

For Buyers- We will assist with obtain pre approval with an expert lender.  We advise on appropriate locations and amenities.  We provide in depth research and market data reflecting pertinent comparable values of properties you are considering.  We will listen to your needs, expertly negotiate on your behalf… resulting in the best value and a winning offer. We will  oversee the closing process and guide you through the entire process.

REMEMBER… If you are MOVING or KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, we have GREAT AGENTS to whom we can refer with confidence! If you or someone you know needs to buy or sell property somewhere else in the country, keep us in mind. In return for the lead, we’ll give you a chance to win our Rewards contest for a weekend in Tahoe. And you agents out there across the country receiving this newsletter are on our referral list for your area!

_____________________________________________________

Special Rates on Vacation Rentals

ANYTIME is the perfect time for visiting Lake Tahoe. Our Lake View condo — a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium available for rent in Tahoe City at Tahoe Marina Lodge, a lake front complex, is in Tahoe City and great for water activities or hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.  Our unit has panoramic lake and mountain views yet is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Tahoe is an excellent place to get away from the fast pace of city life and enjoy nature. This is the condominium we use for our Rewards for RE-ferrals.

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We love sharing our two season tickets in lower box 121, row 40, seats 5 and 6 with those of you who have done or are doing business with us or sent us referrals. You will be given first consideration based on availability.

If you are receiving this e-mail, and have not yet had the pleasure of doing business with us, you may still be able to enjoy the Giants games by purchasing the tickets at face value.

	We are always happy to hear from our friends and new additions to their families! “I hope you are well. I wanted to send a photo of the girls. Lenny is 2 and a half and Charlie Pearl is 10 weeks. We are super busy all the time but all getting along great!” Sarah & Lee Henderson San Francisco, CA
	“I am thrilled to announce the arrival of the newest addition to our family – Tyrie arrived 5/22/12, 6.4lbs, 19 inches – healthy and beautiful!  Her middle name, selected by her father, translates to Diamond of the Sky. Mom and Dad are doing well.  Life just keeps getting better and better.” Wendee (Grandma) Aono Big Island, HI
	And finally, OUR new “child”. Bowie at the dog park with his two best pals, Spike Ward (on the bottom) and little Ace (on the left)! Send your interesting tidbits to me. We would love to share them with our clients, friends and associates. Mick Orton – Marketing Manager

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Interest Rates

Our trusted advisor, Michael Divita is eager to help you with your mortgage needs. He publishes a weekly mortgage report on our blog.

With all the turmoil in the stock and bond markets, mortgage rates change day to day! However, interest rates have been very low for a long time. Now might be the time to take advantage of them!

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Sales Activity
SALE PENDING!	North Beach Contemporary View Condo
	Newly built in 2006 this top floor 2 level condominium has views of Coit Tower and City views.  Custom features include concrete floors with radiant heat, gas fireplace, high ceilings with skylights, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and marble counters, decks off both levels, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, in unit washer and dryer and 2 car parking. Listed at $1,195,000
SALE PENDING	Van Ness/Civic Center Condo
	Urban oasis in the heart of SOMA. Top floor, corner unit in boutique, 12-unit condo building. Ideal floor plan with open kitchen, dining and living areas. Skylights over kitchen and bathroom allow for wonderful natural light throughout unit. Kitchen includes SS appliances, granite counters & breakfast bar, living area has a gas fireplace and Romeo-Juliet balcony with downtown skyline views. The large bedroom has a walk-in closet, there is in-unit laundry, entry closet with closet system, 1-deeded parking space, large storage unit, roof deck with BBQ & 360-VIEWS. Close to all – Muni and Bart transit, restaurants, bars, nightlife, Union Square, Westfield Mall, Metreon, Whole Foods & freeways. Listed at $449,000 – Buyer Represented
SALE PENDING	South of Market Condo
	This contemporary corner condo is located inside the desirable Post International building on Cathedral Hill. The spacious living & dining areas have pecan wood floors & expansive windows which highlight the northwestern views. The kitchen features black granite countertops & maple cabinetry, with updated appliances & fixtures. The master suite is flooded with light & has a walk-in closet & oversized bathroom with dual sinks, soaking tub, & separate shower. The 2nd bedroom includes a built-in bookcase & work area. Building amenities include a 24/7 security attended reception lobby, open courtyard, fitness center w/yoga room, & conference room. One large garage parking space is deeded to unit. Listed at $830,000 – Buyer Represented
SOLD	South Beach Condo
	Enjoy the South Beach lifestyle at the Bridgeview! Stylish condo with Brazilian cherry floors, granite kitchen, large bedroom, limestone bath, private deck and in-unit laundry. Deeded parking and storage. Full-service building has 24 hr. security, concierge, sky deck with barbeque, lap pool, hot tub and brand new/remodeled gym. Close to all the South Beach fun… restaurants, sunny weather, AT&T Park, walking distance to Financial District/Embarcadero and much more! Bridgeview is FHA approved (3.5% down). Listed at $510,000, Sold for $530,000 – Buyer Represented
See you next month!
Janis Stone DRE# 00517072	Thea Miller DRE# 01382829

“The nicest compliment you can give us is to refer
others within your circle”

Toll Free (866) 224-8024

If you are a Realtor, by opting out you will be removed from our referral network.

Back to home page | Back to newsletter table of contents

Hello from Janis

Spring is traditionally a good time for San Francisco real estate. The good weather often brings buyers to our city from far and wide. March was no exception. Though sales prices are down from previous years, all categories except co-ops showed average sales figures OVER 100% of the listing prices. This indicates we are again in multiple offer territory for many properties. Here is the market report for April.

We have been very busy as many agents have been but unfortunately there is very little to show to our buyers and our sellers are not quite ready to bring their properties on the market.  This has made for a lopsided Spring market.  It is a classic seller’s market for many of the properties now and this is a complete change from the past 3+ years.  It brings back memories of the hot market we had off and on for 10 years (from 1997-2007) where buyers would have to make many offers before being able to secure their property. 

Hello from Thea

Relationships are one of the keys to success especially in the current market.  If you have a good reputation in the real estate community you can often get your clients into a property before it hits the market giving your clients a head start in a competitive situation.  Then when you are in a multiple offer situation your reputation can give your client the advantage that you need to get the offer accepted.  I can’t tell you how many times our client’s offer has been accepted because the agent knew that our reputation was to bring strong offers from qualified clients. 

Be sure your agent has an excellent reputation not only with their own clients but also with other agents in their community.

REMEMBER… If you are MOVING or KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, we have GREAT AGENTS to whom we can refer with confidence! If you or someone you know needs to buy or sell property somewhere else in the country, keep us in mind. In return for the lead, we’ll give you a chance to win our Rewards contest for a weekend in Tahoe. And you agents out there across the country receiving this newsletter are on our referral list for your area!

_____________________________________________________

Special Rates on Vacation Rentals

ANYTIME is the perfect time for visiting Lake Tahoe. Our Lake View condo — a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium available for rent in Tahoe City at Tahoe Marina Lodge, a lake front complex, is in Tahoe City and great for water activities or hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.  Our unit has panoramic lake and mountain views yet is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Tahoe is an excellent place to get away from the fast pace of city life and enjoy nature. This is the condominium we use for our Rewards for RE-ferrals.

Hawaii is another perfect getaway. Steps from the beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is our fabulous 3 bedroom, 3 and 1/2 bath beach front condo at Kolea in the Waikoloa Beach Resort available for rent with ocean views and steps from the “A” Bay beach. Kolea is a gated community close to all of the amenities of Waikoloa– swim with the dolphins, golf, swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sun. Send us an e-mail or call for details on special rates if you book with us directly!

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We love sharing our two season tickets in lower box 121, row 40, seats 5 and 6 with those of you who have done or are doing business with us or sent us referrals. You will be given first consideration based on availability.

If you are receiving this e-mail, and have not yet had the pleasure of doing business with us, you may still be able to enjoy the Giants games by purchasing the tickets at face value.

	We have a new addition to our family! To round out the rock trio (Mick Jagger and Janis Joplin), we now have Bowie. So cute and loveable! He was hard to resist when we got him from Laura and Bill Madaras of Dogs Need Homes from southern California. These dedicated people bring rescue pups up from San Diego every week to the Pet Club in San Mateo. If you are thinking of getting a dog, you should contact them at: dogsneedhomes@aol.com. - Janis
	We never get tired of posting pictures of our beautiful grand-niece, Scarlett Belle! Here she is celebrating her first birthday. Talk about making a haul! I am sure Matthew and Chelsea had a grand time packing all that loot into their car on the way home! The party was held at their friends’ house who were gracious enough to host our rowdy family because of the inclement weather. - Janis
	We would like to offer an opportunity to our Realtor friends in other areas to post their pictures and stories. Take this offer to promote your lifestyle and real estate opportunities here. Send your interesting tidbits to me. We would love to share them with our clients, friends and associates. Mick Orton – Marketing Manager

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Interest Rates

Our trusted advisor, Michael Divita is eager to help you with your mortgage needs. He publishes a weekly mortgage report on our blog.

With all the turmoil in the stock and bond markets, mortgage rates change day to day! However, interest rates have been very low for a long time. Now might be the time to take advantage of them!

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Sales Activity
NEW LISTING!	Lower Pacific Heights Victorian Home
	Italianate Victorian home with three bedrooms, office, two & one half baths, decorative fireplace, hardwood floors, formal dining room, remodeled kitchen, laundry, sheltered, landscaped patio & garden, storage, two-car garage.  Listed at $1,495,000
SALE PENDING	Luxury View Townhouse
	This exquisite loft style town home offers the utmost in modern City living. Positioned on the edge of the Inner Mission, this architecturally stunning residence is central to an eclectic combination of San Francisco’s most sought after neighborhoods, including SOMA, South Beach and Potrero Hill. Its desirable location offers the warmest weather in town, enjoyed from East, West and roof top terrace that capture panoramic 360 degree views of Twin Peaks, Downtown, the Bay, the Bay Bridge and rolling Oakland Hills.  Listed at $1,673,000
SALE PENDING	South of Market Condo
	Urban oasis in the heart of SOMA. Top floor, corner unit in boutique, 12-unit condo building. Ideal floor plan with open kitchen, dining and living areas. Skylights over kitchen and bathroom allow for wonderful natural light throughout unit. Kitchen includes SS appliances, granite counters & breakfast bar, living area has a gas fireplace and Romeo-Juliet balcony with downtown skyline views. The large bedroom has a walk-in closet, there is in-unit laundry, entry closet w/closet system, 1-deeded parking space, large storage unit, roof deck w/BBQ & 360-VIEWS. Close to all – Muni and Bart transit, restaurants, bars, nightlife, Union Square, Westfield Mall, Metreon, Whole Foods & freeways.  Listed at $449,000 – Buyer Represented
SOLD	Nob Hill Penthouse
	One of a kind Penthouse loft in Nob Hill! It has charm, VIEWS, fireplaces, fabulous decks, hardwood floors, remodeled throughout & parking!! Spectacular 2-level two bedroom (both ensuite), two bath custom unit in an unbeatable location. Features living room with soaring Cathedral ceiling, exposed brick wall & feels like a NY style apartment. VIEWS of Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill, the Bay, Downtown & more from almost every room plus high-end detailing throughout. One car garage parking with interior access. Situated on the top floors of an enchanting ivy-covered three unit condo building. Low HOA Dues! Listed at $1,185,000 Sold for $1,189,000 Buyer Represented
See you next month!
Janis Stone DRE# 00517072	Thea Miller DRE# 01382829

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