San Francisco Real Estate with Matt Fuller and Friends

This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we chat about what has been happening in San Francisco real estate during the month of July.

[00:21] We start by talking about the typical summer dip in real estate inventory for San Francisco as sellers wait out the summer fog and buyers seek warmer weather and cooler markets. Real Estate blogs typically share bleak outlooks, and is that what is really going on out there and what has been our personal experience during this time?

[04:34] What do the market stats for July mean then? Trend or blip? While the San Francisco real estate market can turn on a dime, it doesn’t feel like that is what’s happening. Interest rates have not gone up enough to drive off buyers, so the slow down really seems like our typical summer slowdown. Also, meet the woo woo.

[05:38] What does appear unchanged in SF is that property prices are as unaffordable as ever. The median price for a single-family house in SF is approaching 1.7 million; there are still condos and houses in certain areas that go for far less than 1.6 million but all homes are now expensive. We repeat what have been saying for a while now, we need more housing!

[07:41] Is this the new normal? Could San Francisco infrastructure support a large influx of people? Some folks feel there is a valid argument that says, even if we build more housing, the city can’t absorb any more people without improvements to transit and other systems.

[11:13] And... back to July market stats! To wrap up, the month supply of inventory is still very tight, under two months, for both condos and single families. Luckily, in September and October we experience the second of our yearly bumps in inventory that may ease some of that pressure.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we wrap-up our conversation with David Milne, from Arch Home Inspection. If you missed the beginning of our interview, check out our previous two episodes!

[00:21] Buyers will commonly do their homework before the home inspection. This allows them to come prepared with questions. A home inspection however, will offer a different perspective and guidance, so buyers don’t have to worry about missing important details.

[01:24] We talk water! The most worrisome issues are usually somehow water related. David explains that we have to address water issues such as with dealing with rain, considering drainage and subterranean water.

[05:03] Each inspector has their own particular style. David explains how he tries to put things in perspective and get everyone engaged. How does he ensure that he is being fair to all parties involved while being realistic about the condition of the property?

[09:13] Building contractors look at materials differently to most people. Paint is a great example of this; most of us look at paint from an aesthetic point of view, but for David paint is a vehicle for keeping water out.

[11:24] Most of us will have our Spidey senses kick in as we clock-on to a certain vibe when stepping inside a property. David shares some tell-tale signs that there is something more going on that alert him to look closer. Open windows, candles and dehumidifiers are some great examples.

[14:31] Why are there no plastic pipes in San Francisco? In David’s experience logic does not always apply.

[17:54] To wrap up, David shares one way of looking at buying homes in San Francisco. With an old city such as this, when you are buying a house you are buying a piece of history.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we continue our conversation with David Milne, from Arch Home Inspection. If you missed part one of our interview, check out our previous episode #46.

[00:21] A common buyer question is: Should I do an inspection on brand new construction or on the re-sale of a new construction home? What often stands out on this type of property is things go wrong during a remodel. We also talk about what a tank inspection is, other changes that have occurred over the decades, and various other inspections he's often asked about.

[04:50] What are some unusual things one can came across as a building inspector?

[06:01] David likes for people to understand what to expect in terms of the local environment and how that affects building construction. While old construction often had the same construction standards across the country, for new construction this can vary. Amazing fact: Before about 1900 it was not uncommon for homes to be originally built without a foundation!

[09:16] Because the difference between how new and old may be built, David explains how he makes sure he's seeing what he's looking at. Which requires switching his thinking caps through out the day depending on what he is looking at. What is quite helpful for him are his years of experience in the city of San Francisco and knowledge of its history.

[10:55] In terms of favorite neighborhoods, the avenues can make for a straightforward day on the job... Finally, David shares an unfortunate example where an artistic hobby can potentially turn into a hazardous situation...

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for the final part of our interview with David.

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After a brief hiatus we're back with a brand new episode.

For most buyers, without previous experience in construction, knowing what to look out for when buying a property can be quite daunting. This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk to David Milne from Arch Home Inspections about the importance of home inspection.

[01:32] Why is it important for everyone to have a home inspection when buying a property? What it really comes down to is gathering information on the condition of the property, so that you can make the best decision going in. David explains there are normally two reports; one is a termite/pest inspection and the other is a contractor report which David would provide. A typical contractor's home inspection report includes everything from the foundations, exterior covering, roof condition, drainage conditions, water, the three utilities, water heater and heat system as well as looking for any alarm bells inside the building. Because a home inspection isn't really designed to cover appliances, David recommends people also consider a home warranty.

[05:17] The pest control inspectors are governed by a board that oversees them but in California there is no licensing for home inspection. What they do have is organizations such as ASHI and CREIA that provide governing standards to follow. What does home code compliance actually mean and how does it change over time?

[09:58] Since home inspectors are not regulated we should consider what the inspector's background is when choosing a good one. In David’s case experience in construction and working as a high-end trim installer made him an ideal fit for a career in home inspection.

[12:15] The process of home inspection can be an emotional and stressful process for everyone involved. For David his favorite inspectins are when dealing with first time buyers. He shares his favorite stories and explains how his approach is to reassure and relax them.

[14:14] Whether he is working with sellers, agents or buyers, David always aims to tell it as it is, without embellishing or leaning towards either side. A part of his job is to deal with objections and the best way he found to deal with this aspect of his job is to keep an open dialogue with people. He recommends that people talk to different contractors if they are not satisfied with the advice they are getting. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you are hearing similar advice from different people, you are on the right track.

[19:55] Property prices keep climbing in San Francisco and have come a long way in recent years. This means that, proportionally, the major systems and structures cost less to fix now days. Changing the foundation now costs just 5% of the purchase price and is not as relatively daunting.

[22:02] Before beginning his inspection, David likes to ask people what their plans for the property are and advise them accordingly. Most of San Francisco is old and built with old redwood which is great quality. How is the newer construction different? Finally, what to do with old foundations and why it is a good idea to bundle your projects to get the best bang for your buck!

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for part two of our interview with David!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we are in one of San Francisco’s newest buildings, Stage 1075 which features 90 units. We talk to Eddy Skees about these affordable new homes and their thriving Market Street location.

[02:51] Featuring smaller units at lower, more attainable prices, the Stage building was designed with younger, first-time home buyers in mind. It is located in an area of San Francisco called the mid-market which is changing rapidly. The five-star Proper Hotel, and its rooftop bar, Charmaine, happens to be right across the street from the Stage building, and then there is the development of the Yotel Hotel, a number of new apartment buildings, and the new Wholefoods store which are just some examples of the revitalisation currently happening in the neighbourhood.

[07:58] We know that, with increasing gentrification, people on the margins of society get pushed out. The good news is that the city has recognized this problem and has been working with various non-governmental agencies on new affordable housing, to deal with this issue. Mercy Housing is building new studio units for 256 formerly homeless people behind Stage 1027.

[09:46] How does the market rate population feel about that? A majority of people interested in this area recognize and embrace the blend of economics that comes from living in a diverse city neighborhood. With a majority of people being first home buyers, this feels more like a solution to the housing problem in San Francisco. What else is planned for this location?

[16:09] What do we mean by small and affordable? Some ballpark figures for smaller one-bedrooms range in the 500-550sq feet at around 700,000 or the premium one-bedrooms at 650-700sq feet ranging around 800,000. While this might seem small to some people, its good to keep in mind that life in San Francisco revolves around city experiences and getting outside for entertainment. What’s more, their practical urban location means everything you need is at a walking distance and the subway is also just half a block away! (listen to our Late-Adjacent neighborhoods episode for more on how to choose the right location)

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for more San Francisco real estate stories!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we have a very special guest star! Leslie Appleton-Young, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at the California Association of Realtors (CAR), joins us from her home base in Los Angeles to share some of the wisdom she's known for as well as her great insights into the California real estate market.

[00:21] CAR is a state-wide trade organization for organized real estate with more than 195,000 members and Leslie’s role involves directing the activities of the Association's Member Information Team. Her impressive list of responsibilities also includes overseeing analysis of the housing market and brokerage industry trends, close involvement in the Association’s strategic planning as well as leading the Woman Up Initiative.

[01:42] What is the job of Chief Economist? Economics is only part of what her job entails. Monitoring trends and looking at data on median house prices and sales activity is another part. On the CAR website there are dashboards that enable people to pull up information for localized areas by entering a zip codes or a city.

[05:32] How did Leslie come to work at the CAR? We get a little insight into her background.

[07:16] Leslie has invaluable experience gained during her years working in the male dominated field in the 80’s which were formative in helping her establish her career. She formed Woman Up as an opportunity to give back and offer support to other incredible women in the industry. Leslie’s advice is to say yes when offered opportunities! Do not fear you are not ready because we all tend to figure it out as we go.

[13:30] While she is sharing data on what is going on in the housingmarket Leslie generally also offers some great insights into what it is that is driving those numbers. So, what does she think the biggest trends are that are impacting California’s housing? The biggest factor that dictates where the market is heading is the inventory. The housing supply in California is currently lacking, partly due to a lack of new construction and partly because of a demographic shift. Boomers are not moving out of their homes as often and there are a few transactions.

[17:27] If there is a lack of homes on the market why are we not building more? There are solutions but generally people are against these options, due to the lack of infrastructure to support such growth. As a result, working class families and millennials are moving out and moving to areas where there is more development, cheap retirement options and/or strong job markets eg. Texas, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Nevada. For people choosing to stay in California, they need to re-evaluate what the American dream of home ownership will look like.

[24:06] How has Leslie’s job changed since she started in the 80’s? The internet and access to information has changed some aspects but the one thing that has never changed is the importance of communication.

[28:30] The Bay area, characterized by Leslie as a "petri dish", is an interesting location to keep an eye on as it is experiencing job growth, household growth and income growth but no housing growth. What will the implications of that look like?

[30:45] Matt wraps up with a quick story about being new to real estate and hearing Leslie speak.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for more San Francisco real estate stories!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we pick up where we left of last week for part 3 of our 3-part interview with Kevin and Pete, (catch up on part two at https://jacksonfuller.com/2018/05/12/42-planning-malarky-pete-and-kevin-part-2/).

[00:50] How long did the whole process take from the start to getting the site permit? The permitting process itself took two and a half years, which was quite a bit longer than expected. There was an unanticipated issue with variance. Because the house is sitting far back on the property they had to go through the variance process in addition to the regular permitting process.

[04:54] In the competitive San Francisco house market part of buying a property involves doing, what Pete calls, a sort of a courtship dance. Good relationships can help with a positive outcome, but still, at the end of the day it’s the numbers that do most of the talking.

[06:43] From a seller’s perspective staging of homes creates an impact and shows the property in the best light. While generally staging a property means neutralising it to appeal to a wider audience, in today’s market highlighting the property’s personality and using a bolder style when staging a home is more commonly seen in certain parts of San Francisco.

[09:53] When Kevin and Pete decided it was great time to sell their previous property, it wasn’t only due to the market blowing up, although this was an added bonus. A number of other factors fell into place. From a personal perspective they were looking to move on; they were both looking for a single-family home and Kevin was looking for a new project. A single-family home is quieter and offers more privacy. BUT, San Francisco is still San Francisco! It’s never too quiet and neighbours are never too far away.

[15:10] Looking back would they go through all of it again? Undeniably they have learned a lot through the process, each lesson informing their next interaction. What are some great lessons learned? Tolerance, learning to relax and go with the process, and of course now they’ve learned to worry about a whole set of different things.

[15:57] Kevin started out by doing graphics and branding for interiors. He has done some really cool projects, we might have to bring him back to hear more about Sawyers design and environmental graphics and branding in San Francisco as well as interior design.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for more San Francisco real estate stories!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we pick up where we left off last week for part 2 of our 3-part interview with Kevin and Pete. To catch up on part one check out our previous episode Avocado-Green Appliances and Faux Brick.

[00:21] As we mentioned last week, house hunting with Kevin and Pete is an enlightening experience, as each of them assesses a property from their own unique angle; Pete is an electrical engineer and focuses on wiring while Kevin has design background and focuses on the space and flow of the property, envisioning the redesign potential. Even the slightest tweaks to the layout can have a huge impact on the overall feel and function of the property. What are some examples of strange layouts we have seen?

[02:36] The planning process for a renovation project can be long and convoluted. The planning, zoning and building permit applications are supposed to be determined in a fair and objective process for everyone involved – in theory. In practice, what happens is people find ways to game the system. What’s more, there also seems to be a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to enforcing certain rules. What are some examples of this?

[06:49] One issue the city planning department is understandably concerned about is setting precedents that can later be exploited by other people. What about using the approach of ignoring all the rules, doing what you want and just paying the fine at the end?

[09:13] We talk do it yourself foundations. Brick vs concrete foundations and why it may be a good idea to get the foundation checked by a professional!

[13:29] Kevin and Pete’s original plans have changed significantly compared to what they finally ended up with, but Kevin explains this is a normal part of the process. A better sense of budget constraints and the neighborhood, as well as the planning process itself, all informed the final design. Once the planning signed off on Kevin and Pete’s plan and they got their site permit – which included working with the gabled roof design challenge – they could start construction of their modern house that was still in keeping with the feel of the neighborhood.

[15:30] Establishing good relationships with the neighbors in advance of starting construction was invaluable in terms of making the whole experience easier and making sure they were part of the close-knit neighborhood after construction is over. Kevin and Pete made sure to include their neighbors in the process and were respectful of their concerns. Not everyone prescribes to this approach, however. To wrap up today’s episode we share some less pleasant experiences we’ve had with disgruntled individuals.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for part 3 of our interview with Kevin and Pete!

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This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we interview our dear friends, long time clients and accomplished individuals in their own right, Kevin (from Sawyers Design) and Pete.

[00:53] The very first purchase we worked on together with Kevin and Pete was many years ago, back in 2003. Kevin is an interior designer and has a great eye for looking at homes from a design perspective. What does he look for in a home? And what does having "good bones" mean in terms of houses?

[03:41] Upon first seeing their potential home Kevin was flooded with ideas of what he would love to do with it. Of course, these ideas evolve and grow when you live in a space. The first step was to remodel the kitchen and the bathroom.

[05:10] While Kevin is looking at homes with his designer eye, what is Pete doing?

[7:14] Kevin and Pete lived through both a condo conversion as well as an interior remodel. But the remodel was a somewhat more traumatic experience. One of the things they have learned is to ask a lot of questions! Britton and Pete trade contractor stories, and she shares why she chose the higher bid over all the others when she was doing her remodel and how a detailed bid meant coming in within 1-2% of the budget.

[10:28] Living in the property while it’s being remodeled is not a pleasant experience - just ask Britton, Kevin and Pete. If you can manage it, stay somewhere else. At least until you have running water in the house again. Another good piece of advice is to not put all your hopes and dreams into a property until you know you have it. The market can be competitive and sometimes disappointments happen. And sometimes missing out can be a blessing in disguise. TICs can get complicated quick. What are some things to be aware of when looking for TIC partners?

[17:23] Vague statements come true: Matt and Britton do have experiences and relationships which can be an advantage in the home buying process. Kevin and Pete do some reminiscing on opportunities lost and the good batting average they’ve had working with Matt and Britton.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for part 2 of our interview with Kevin and Pete!

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When a wealthy Nigerian man emails us asking for a million dollar loan, we can safely assume we are being scammed. But not all scams are as easy to spot. This week on Escrow Out Loud, our San Francisco Real Estate podcast, we talk about online scams and fraud.

[02:02] Bank robbing is risky and often not very lucrative, cybercrime on the other hand can not only be performed remotely but it typically also has a much larger payoff. With the huge figures attached to San Francisco real estate deals and money being wired from buyers to title companies to sellers, is it any wonder it has become an area of interest for sophisticated online scammers. Their goal is often to hack into the email accounts involved in the transaction. That’s a problem. Why? Because we can’t always tell if our e-mail (or anyone else's who’s involved) has been hacked!

[04:34] One way they can then get a hold of our money is by sending fake wiring instructions. Title companies, banks and other companies attacked have beefed up their security leaving brokerages and consumers as the weak point of entry. While there are benefits in terms of speed and convenience in dealing on-line, it comes with a drawback in terms of security.

[07:39] E-mail is a very insecure platform that shouldn’t be used for personal documents. If you are involved in real estate transactions, we recommend strengthening security on the account you will be using. This includes using two factor authentication on the said email account as well as using a different password for your email than you use for anything else. Because we are entrusted with a lot of sensitive information we take security very seriously. What are some precautions we take?

[11:50] What if you don’t want to use email but still want to be digital? There are some other options available. Slack, iMessage, WhatsApp, Skype are all widely available and encrypted end-to-end. Another thing you can do is make sure to call the escrow company to confirm wire instructions before sending or receiving a wire. Just make sure you don’t use the phone number given in the email instructions! Get it from a reliable source. We share some other things to look out for and Britton shares her personal experiences with wire transfer when she was purchasing her ‘real home’. (You can hear more about Britton’s real home in Episode 24: A Real Home)

[17:07] While you can wire safely if you take all the precautions, what if you don’t want to wire at all? Are there other options? Yep. You can use a cashier’s check. Now that we have scared everybody silly, we can wrap up today’s episode! If anybody has more questions don’t hesitate to e-mail us or download our pdf for more information. Stay safe everybody!

Thank you for joining us for this week’s episode. We hope you enjoyed tuning in and join us again next week for more San Francisco real estate stories!

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