Rob Regan & Ciara Piron answered:
Short term living- better to rent or buy?
Because interest rates are so low right now, and rents are so high, it is a rare time in San Francisco real estate where the monthly costs of owning are about the same as renting the sa
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Sally Rosenman answered:
How will the America's Cup affect property values in SF?
I do not believe people will buy to take advantage of the races. Those who have views will probably have parties. But that is just a part of having the view. I do not know or have h
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Steve Quintana, J.D. answered:
Am I legally bind with my buying agent? and ethical issues problem
Your plan looks reasonable and fair. Based on the facts you present there is no written contract binding you to the broker.
You did not ask whether there is some other theory or s
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Steve Quintana, J.D. answered:
We bought our home in SF a year and a half ago with a 30 yr fixed at 4.5%. Is it worth trying to refinance now given the recent interest rates?
Consider an ARM, 15 year, 20 year and other types of mortgages that might give you a big edge on your interest rate and monthly payment.
If you like this answer, please recommend m
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Donald Stevens answered:
I'm in SF and am finalizing a 2-unit condo conversion. The HOA insurance quotes I've received are extremely expensive. Do I have any other?
We would love to compete for your business. We work with a lot of real estate agents and property managers. Give us a try, we will work hard to win your business.
Gabrielle B Dahms answered:
Budget friendly improvements to be a more environmentally-friendly home
There are both city and state programs in place to help you green your home but they still will take some money, at least initially. - Alternatively, go to a good hardware store, one th
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Jeb Brewster answered:
What does a crack in the foundation mean?
I like Caroline's response, "It can mean nothing or it can mean a lot." Concrete takes approx. 100 years to completely cure. Generally speaking, it should not be built on for the first
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Flavio Tejada, Owner/Broker, Realtor, MBA-Finance answered:
Can one buy a home with only 10% down in the Bay Area?
Hi Ricardo,
my website has a link to a local mortgage broker that can help you with your loan needs, give them a try. Make sure you get loan pre-approved not just pre-qualified, find o
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Angela answered:
Any recommendations for a roofer in SF?
We used Excelsior Roofing. Easy to work with. Seem like honest guys. Not sure if the are considered "mid-range". Good luck.
Gregorio Denny answered:
What is the current interest rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage on an investment property?
"Thanks Greg,
But I spoke with a mortgage broker who sits in my office and he can get a better rate from a lender with more down. Maybe this forum is not for bashing others opinions
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Sacrelender answered:
Whatโs the difference between copper and plastic piping?
Tania is right. In fact that also includes the type of brackets you use to hold the piping in place. I heard of a house in the bay area blowing up when the homeowner replaced the copp
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Judi Monday, CRS (520) 241-7780 answered:
What's the one smart phone app you can't live without as a real estate agent?
Siri is my go to app for everything...and thankfully, she usually has the answer I need.
Oggi Kashi answered:
What are typical carrying costs in SF?
Your typical carrying costs are property taxes (they run about 1.18% annually), your mortgage, HOA dues (if any), insurance, and any funds you wish to set aside for maintenance and such
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Lee Clancy answered:
What are some interesting cafes or bars in the Western Addition/Anza Vista area to hang out at and meet locals?
The Social Study on Geary at Fillmore is pretty cool, and Yoshi's is always fun if you want a lounge environment. The original Little Star Pizza on Divis is still packed after many yea
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Peter T. Chin answered:
I want to evict my roomates for late rent and being disruptive to my nieghbors the landlord really has it in for me what an i do?
In San Francisco, there are two seperate and unique things: 1. Rent control and 2: Eviction control (they are different and not the same).
Landlords can evict only if it falls under
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Gabrielle B Dahms answered:
Is there a high rise in a desirable SF neighborhood?
Ethan,
San Franicsco is a densely populated city where many properties aside from hi-rises offer views. Most hi-rises in the city are east of Van Ness Avenue and south of Market. As
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Flavio Tejada, Owner/Broker, Realtor, MBA-Finance answered:
Why are banks not loaning these days?
Hi,
good comments below...my website has a link to a local mortgage broker that can help you with your loan needs, give them a try. Make sure you get loan pre-approved not just pre-qua
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Peter T. Chin answered:
What are some effective ways to increase the value of your home before selling?
You don't have to do expensive remodels to increase the value of your home; on the contrary, over improvements can back fire and actually decrease the value of your home.
Basically,
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Chris answered:
When buying a fixer-upper, which things should one be aware of?
All the preceding answers are right on target. I would suggest that you hire a home inspector who is a member in good standing of ASHI (the American Society of Home Inspectors). They h
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