World-Class Luxury Home Shopping in San Francisco

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Erika Burke

Surrounding Union Square are some of the Cities best offerings for those looking for that exclusive luxury home vase, work of art, custom upholstered furniture or unique, one of a kind accessory to add to your homes elegance?  San Francisco hosts a myriad of luxury home stores for you to fulfill your decorating itch. 

Try Gumps, a harbinger of elegance and sophistication,  at 135 Post St. in San Francisco.  ‘Ohh and ahh’ through their beautifully dressed retail store.  Contact their concierge to host your private event, cocktail reception or dinner, bridal event or arrange a private seminar with one of their designers or artists. 

Nearby find Neiman Marcus at 150 Stockton Street, now showing Spring Home Trends like their “Global Perspective, New Preppy, Nouveau Cottage, Coastal Charm and the traditional Country Estates”.  Designer’s like Lily Pulitzer, Calvin Klein Home, Mac-Kenzie Childs, and Jonathan Adler contribute to the homes collections.  For Baccarat and Lalique, this is your destination. 

This Friday you can catch Barton Perrerias’ Sunglass Trunk show at another luxe shopping “go to”, at Barney’s New York’s San Francisco store at 77 O’Farrell Street at 11am. Barney’s sets itself appart with  its’ selection of sophisticated urban decor, tech and travel, desk, gourmet and even the dog department.

Continue reading →

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February Issue of Market Focus Report Released

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Erika Burke

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Pockets of Movement in the San Francisco Housing Market, Despite Lessening Inventory

The nice spring-like weather we have been experiencing has had some positive effects on the home buying public, as it has brought more buyers into the market. And with interest rates continuing to stand at a 60-year low, this has made homes more affordable and led to a wave of refinances that has increased disposable income for property owners. But despite these encouraging trends, the city’s inventory has tightened.

Single-Family Homes

As inventory levels dropped in January by 32.9 percent, compared to January 2011, the number of homes under contract rose by 8.7 percent. But the low inventory seemed to also contribute to fewer completed sales, which is fairly normal market behavior for this time of year.

For homes that were priced below $700,000, the months of supply inventory fell by 47.3 percent to 1.6 months. For higher priced homes between $700,000 and $1.2 million, the months of supply inventory fell by 38.9 percent to 2.4 months. These short time frames continue to indicate a seller’s market, where sellers have more leveraging power over buyers who are competing against a limited pool of properties.
Continue reading →

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Housing Starts, Builder Confidence on the Upswing

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Erika Burke

With new construction on the rise and the current affordability of homes for the median income earner, consumer confidence is returning to the real estate market.

National Housing starts rose 1.5 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 699,000 from the revised December estimate of 689,000, and they were 9.9 percent above the January 2011 rate of 636,000, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department. Housing starts for single-family homes fell 1 percent in January to 508,000, down from 513,000 in December.

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Permits for new construction edged 0.7 percent higher to 676,000 in January from the revised December rate of 671,000, and they were 19 percent higher than the January 2011 estimate of 568,000.

Continue reading →

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San Franciscos’ Americas Cup Yacht Race

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Erika Burke

San Francisco has been positioning itself for the America’s Cup race to be held here, with the hope that it brings scores of visitors to make this a tour de force event a cash cow for our economy. The City has been negotiating a deal to fix old worn out piers in exchange for development rights. The question is the draw of the event and whether it will deliver as the City expects.

Over the next 2 years, 58 days of racing will take place. The City would benefit by the influx of attendees’ to restaurants and hotels. Slow fundraising has been a concern for county supervisors who know that $52m is earmarked to spend on prepping for the event.

Analysis of the anticipated 8,800 jobs creation, and $1.4Billion in revenue were made from other America’s cup events held worldwide. As of now, only 3 of the 9 expected teams have signed on for the 2013 finals.

The America’s Cup organization stands behind its forecast, while some supervisors believe the projection is grossly overestimated. San Francisco has a world renown sailing tradition, multiple yacht clubs, visible weekly Regatta’s on the bay which will have us looking forward to seeing if this event brings the funds, crowds and participation anticipated or is a complicated way to repair a waterfront badly in need of attention….and it looks like, possible development.
www.Americascup.com

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San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition at Fort Mason

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Erika Burke

Today I sipped wine on a dock of the Bay!  The San Francisco Chronicle sponsors the largest American Wine Competition in America, held on Feb. 6th with the VIP reception, which I attended, and public wine tasting that followed, on Feb. 18th in the Festival Pavilion of Fort Mason.  Hic!  While sampling the Best in Class and Gold Medal Winners in the VIP reception this afternoon, an attendee warned me, “You better go down to the tasting floor before the public arrives, as it will be 5000 strong”.  He wasn’t kidding.  So we did.  Sampling wines from multiple AVA’s, (American Viticulture Areas) from Lodi, Sonoma, Russian River, Napa, Glen Ellen, Santa Maria, Petaluma, Temecula, to name a few. Continue reading →

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This is Obama’s kind of Town

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Erika Burke

President Obama has come to town, to visit, raise his campaign profile and to raise funds.  We haven’t heard much from his camp, aside from today’s visit, about his campaign for the next term.  Though I enjoyed Michelle’s’ (yes, we are on a first name basis, at least in my book),  public announcements and TV appearances touting the humanity of our current present, his devotion to family and dog and his character as first and foremost, a man of ethics. She spoke clearly about the sacrifices that wife and children make to stand behind their man in the white house, and having said that – endorses him for another term out of her conviction that he will continue to be the right leader for our country or she and the kids would not be making this sacrifice again!  Continue reading →

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Touring San Francisco Luxury Property

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Erika Burke

Today I took out a client who wanted to tour luxury property in all neighborhoods of the City!  That was a big bill to fill as luxury means something different to each person.  In this case, it was in the form of at least a 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath home of over 1800 SqFt, with a price point of $1m-$2.3m and up.

Luckily that is easily achievable in our town.  Though we are a great city, buyers often note, its’ diverse neighborhoods make it feel like a town.  We began our tour in St. Francis Woods.  Known as District 4, this neighborhood sports detached mansion like homes on larger parcels of property.  I would call this “the country in the middle of the city”.  Some of our oldest and most beautiful Mediterranean and Spanish style homes are in this neighborhood that exudes a charming elegance.  They loved West Portal, the 3 block shopping district at the base of St. Francis woods and its’ boutiques, pubs, cafe’s and art cinema.

Continue reading →

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Take a walk on the wild side

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Erika Burke

There is a special natural fabric of the city that is made by its’ open preserved space.  Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, Fort Funston, Fort Mason, Stern Grove, Mountain Lake Park, and Lands’ End. These spaces provide leisure activity in the form of hiking, walking, biking, picnicking and more. 

Take a approx. 3 mile round trip hike from near the Cliff House and Sutro Baths’ on a bay ridge trail with outstanding views to reach Lands end outlook bordering Sea Cliff neighborhood.  Travel to the base of Presidio to find Crissy field, an old airstrip on the former Army base that serves as a greenbelt for a lengthy bayside trail that leads from the Marina District to the Golden Gate Bridge.  The Presidio itself has multiple hiking trails where you can be among the trees and get away from it all, stretching from Crissy field all the way to Laurel Heights and the Richmond District.

Continue reading →

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San Francisco boot camps are all the rage San Francisco boot camps are all the rage

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Erika Burke

San Francisco boot camps are all the rage.  I don’t mean the military kind, but rather the sunrise exercise classes taking place outside, in all neighborhoods throughout the City.  Anywhere from 4 large groups of fitness devotees will be taken on a series of high intensity exercises using the environment for props and as a backdrop.  Ever see a group stretching at the big magnolias in Delores Park.  Or doing push-ups against a bike rack?

Thinking my Yoga routine had qualified me, I decided to join a boot camp recently and I’m embarrassed to report that I made it through the warm-up and not much more.  I realized that I have to ramp up my routine just to join these dedicated athletes. Continue reading →

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San Francisco based Real Estate firm announces their “21 Club” of Top Producers for 2011

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Erika Burke

Today Vanguard Properties, the well-known San Francisco real estate firm headed by Principal James Nunemacher for nearly 30 years, announced the “21 Club” Top Producers of Vanguard Properties for 2011, including Erika Burke.The achievements of these very hard working Realtors and Broker Associates are recognized yearly by the firm, in alphabetical order, are as follows:

Quote start“We are thrilled with all of our agents performance and this past year’s gain in what has been touted as a down national real estate market,” said Mr. Nunemacher.Quote end

The 2011 year end numbers for Vanguard Properties posted close to a 30% gain in sales over 2010. “We are thrilled with all of our agents performance and this past year’s gain in what has been touted as a down national real estate market,” said Mr. Nunemacher.

The firm is looking forward to yet another year of growth with the opening their new sales office in downtown San Francisco located at 199 New Montgomery Street.

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Houseplants are Easy-How To Secret!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Erika Burke

Houseplants.  We are 7×7 in San Francisco.  That is 7 miles by 7 miles.  Not all of us have outdoor space, though in the City many of us are lucky to have our little slice of land in the back yard.  If you don’t have that, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fabulous greenery that is living, in your very own home.

Here is my best kept secret.  Purchase potting soil and a pot that is a little bigger than the plant you have purchased, drop in a screen to cover the hole in the bottom of the pot (purchased at a garden supply store) and some gravel or old pot shards as a small bottom layer. Ease the plant out of the pot by turn it on its’ side and holding close to the stem(s), drop it into the pot with some soil previously placed in the pot leveling the top of your new plant about 1-2” below the rim.  Surround it with soil and press the plant down, and tamp the soil down lightly.

Continue reading →

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San Francisco Treasures, Our Museums

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Erika Burke

I confess, I’m addicted.  To San Francisco’s’ museums.  It’s true.  If you go to one, watch out, you will become addicted too, in a very good way.  There are dozens to choose from, many centrally located and accessible by public transportation.  Some are housed in architectural treasures, like the Palace of Legion of Honor on the Inner Richmond near Lands End.  Before you even enter you are entranced by the sweeping stair, the lawns and fountains, and the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge.  They offer changing exhibitions from all corners of the earth, along with their impressive old masters collection.  Last year I took in 2 exhibitions and saw a concert!

Another favorite is MOMA Museum of Modern Art,  www.sfmoma.com.  Continue reading →

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6 San Francisco Restaurants to Watch

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Erika Burke

New restaurants open daily in San Francisco. Because we all love being in the know, let’s take a look at some of the most buzzed about openings slated for the next few months. Here is the dish (pun intended) according to Eater SF:

1) Dixie

Address: 1 Letterman Dr, in the Presidio
The Situation: Chef Joseph Humphrey, who earned Michelin stars atMeadowood and Murray Circle, finally gets his own personal project. He’s taking over the former Pres A Vi to create an un-stuffy restaurant combining elements from California and the South.
Major Players: Chef-owner Joseph Humphrey, designer Michael Brennan, general manager Khalid Lahlou
Projected Opening: Late fall, “with any luck, right around Thanksgiving”
Buzz Factor: 7
Further Reading

2) Wo Hing General Store
Address: 584 Valencia St. (@ 17th)
The Situation: Charles Phan marks his poignant return to the originalSlanted Door space with a new Chinese street food concept named after his father and uncle. Keeping things current are craft cocktails, local wines, and a brand new bar built-out on the ground level.
Major Players: Executive chef-owner Charles Phan, chef de cuisine Michelle Mah, bar manager Brooke Arthur
Projected Opening: Mid October
Buzz Factor: 8
Further Reading Continue reading →

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San Francisco’s Tradition of Building Murals Thrives!

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Erika Burke

San Francisco has a tradition of fostering its’ artists and creative’s.  Nowhere is this as evident as with the prolific amount of mural art exhibited on the exterior of buildings throughout the city!  This art expresses local tradition, cultural expression and adds a dimension to the city that makes us unique.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visual Center at 2981  24th St., in the Inner Mission is home to a non-profit mural arts center, store and awareness program representing local mural art and artists. Visit their locale to purchase posters of the art and find out more about the locations and artists. Continue reading →

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What is a Realtor? Really.

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Erika Burke

We all know it is a professional who is licensed to facilitate the sale of purchase of real property, homes, commercial, lots and land in a given area.  But what does a realtor do?  Just show a few homes and facilitate a contract?  Hardly.

A realtor is a devotee to their clientele and their brokerage.  They often work 7 days a week, or at least make themselves available to their clientele.  They must study and pass a rigorous exam and are remanded to fulfill continuing education requirements.  They work from their brokerages and often a home office.  They do their own accounting and pay taxes from each commission.  They place their own advertising, attend networking events to raise their profile, they learn to brand themselves for their specialty.

Realtor’s are social networkers who have mastered technology and social networking skills to promote themselves, your listings and attract buyers through business building on the internet.  They use computers, tablets, smart phones, faxes, electronic documents, copiers.  They design and use mailers to connect with the public and their clients.  They know about bulk mail, folding machines, types of paper.

Continue reading →

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Happy New Year Everyone! Jan 1. 2012

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Erika Burke

Celebrating New Year’s, is kind of like a collective birthday, except there are no candles to blow out when you make your wish known as “The New Years’ Resolution”.  I quizzed a dozen people at our annual office party and came up with a dozen different resolutions.  “To get my teeth whitened, and work on smiling more”.  I liked that one….it was easily achievable.  How about, “learning to balance work and play, since I work all the time”.  I’m still waiting for the answer to that one myself.  “I’m going to be nicer to my ________”.  If you fill in the blank with husband, then I say – good luck.  There’s not a wife on the planet that has successfully fulfilled that one, in my opinion.  Never to late to try though. Starting the year with the thought is as good as making it happen.  Reasonable goal setting.

2011 was a tough year with the mortgage crisis, skyrocketing unemployment, vacillating stock market, natural disasters and a general level of uncertainty that pervaded.  A chance to start afresh with renewed zeal is generally welcomed by all.  So this holiday, replete with popping champagne bottles, fancy dress, galas and major promises to ourselves and others is a tradition that unites us globally in a promise for a brighter, better tomorrow.  At least after we recover from the festivities!

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San Francisco is a Bright Spot in Economic Recovery

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Erika Burke

As the nation’s economic recovery continues at a slow pace, San Francisco is a bright spot in the region, the state and beyond. Recent indicators are encouraging, showing strong growth in key industries which are in turn creating jobs and moving the economy forward. This is good news, and we can keep the momentum going well into the future.

One critical measure of The City’s economic health is tourism, which generated more than $8.5 billion in spending last year. Thankfully, the 2011 summer tourist season did not disappoint. Activity at San Francisco International Airport hit a spring-high with domestic air travel increasing 5 percent year-over-year. International flights have also seen a 6.5 percent year-to-date increase. This influx of travelers has given a needed boost to local hotels, restaurants, retail and other businesses. According to the city controller, hotel occupancy, room rates and retail activity are all following positive trends. Continue reading →

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A Few Great Holiday JOKES to share…family style, good and corny

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Erika Burke

Question and Answer Christmas Jokes

Q: What do elves learn in school?
A: The Elf-abet!

Q: What’s the most popular wine at Christmas?
A: “I don’t like sprouts” !

Q: If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get?
A: Missletoe!

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
A: Frostbite.

Continue reading →

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Maiden Lane-The Quaint Shopping Street you don’t want to miss

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Erika Burke

Talking about Union Square for holiday shopping, take a seat on the parks’ steps or benches in the center and watch the passerby while you determine what world class shop to visit!

Weekends you may find art events, performances and in the winter an ice skating ring.  A preserved plot of land that can never be built on due to a trust of its’ original owner.  Around the square are some of the most famous stores in the world!  This is luxury shopping  and dining central, but know that a deal can still be had.

My favorite secret of the area is Maiden Lane.  A 2 block side street between Geary and Post, featuring shops like Hermes, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Brittex Fabrics, a number of salons and  charming little cafes with outdoor tables.  During the day, the street is blocked to traffic for easy navigation and dining.  These are the back door entrances to these highly touted shops, making your journey quaint.  Take in their windows that change regularly for some high art window dressing.  When the ballet season began last year, almost every vendor featured mannequins with authentic vintage ballet costumes.

Continue reading →

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6 ways buyers can boost qualifying income

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Erika Burke

Borrowers without the income required to qualify for the mortgage they need have many possible options. “Income adequacy” is governed by general guidelines that can be adjusted to meet individual circumstances. It is “softer” than the down payment requirement, discussed last week.

Maximum debt-to-income ratio

The measure of income adequacy most often used is the sum of the monthly payment on the new mortgage, plus property taxes, homeowners insurance and other debt payments, divided by income. The maximum ranges from 40 percent to 43 percent, but underwriters have discretion to accept higher requirements if they believe that circumstances justify them.

Debt payments are those that extend beyond the next six months and are not deferred for a year or longer. This includes HELOCs and other revolving credits, credit card debt that you don’t pay off at month-end, student loans, and alimony and child support payments. Continue reading →

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3 myths of conventional real estate wisdom

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Erika Burke

 

Whether you’ve rented your whole life or own a portfolio of properties, you’ve undoubtedly heard the real estate saying, “Location, location, location,” which simply means that a home’s value is highly dependent upon, well, its location!

The timeless truth of this saying is beyond dispute, even in tough times like these for the housing market. The recessionary fates and foreclosure rates of an individual housing market are highly dependent upon the economic and employment prospects of that market, and even the desirability of an individual neighborhood or lot. Continue reading →

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Appraisers Add Form to Help Value ‘Green’ Homes

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Erika Burke

The Appraisal Institute recently released a form to help appraisers factor in energy-efficient home features when valuing homes. The forms can also be used by real estate agents in describing “green” properties on the MLS, the Appraisal Institute notes.

Everything from a home owners’ energy efficient appliances to solar panels may now get more attention from appraisals with the added form.

The new form allows appraisers to identify and describe a home’s green features. It will serve as an optional addendum to Fannie Mae Form 1004, which is the appraisal industry’s mostly commonly used form for mortgage purposes, used by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Administration. Continue reading →

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Tips for meeting down payment requirements

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Erika Burke

Borrowers qualifying for mortgages today are paying for the excesses of yesterday. During the go-go years leading to the crisis, underwriting rules became incredibly lax, and now they are excessively restrictive. Mortgage underwriting rules have become increasingly detailed and rigid, with much less room for the discretionary judgment of underwriters.

To help borrowers deal with this problem, I am developing a program for my website that will show potential borrowers whether they qualify, the type of mortgage for which they qualify if they do, and exactly where they fall short if they don’t. Continue reading →

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Starring San Francisco, CA

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Erika Burke

San Francisco doesn’t get much media attention outside of the tech bubble. So I was very excited when Contagion — a star-studded action thriller about an international pandemic— filmed on our streets. (I kept walking my dog around Washington Square park hoping he would be asked to be an extra. no go.) The film was shot all of San Francisco with the intention of highlighting their location in the city.

Filming movies in San Francisco pumps pride into city residents, and money into the economy. Hopefully we will start to see more and more movies filming here! Up next is the HBO production “Hemingway & Gellhorn,” starring Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen.

What are some other famous films starring the City by the Bay? Here are some of the Estate’s Groups favorites:

MILK Sean Penn earned an Oscar when he portrayed gay activist Harvey Milk in the rally cry for equal rights. Follow the uber-talented supporting cast (Franco, Hirsch, Brolin) through the Castro in the ’70s, a.k.a. a pretty entertaining place to be.

Continue reading →

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Estates Group’s preferred Stager

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Erika Burke

Robin Chudy of Robinsnest Design is a stager whom we rely upon to add the furniture, design and staging that make our listings so appealing.

Robin has a wonderful eye, and always consults at the beginning of our listing process to make sure she has the right vision for the space.  She adds custom art (many of the pieces painted by Robin herself).  Robin goes the extra mile – making sure her stages remain pristine throughout the showing process.  I know that when Robin is called in to stage an Estates Group Listing not only will the job  be done with no fuss or issues, but it will exceed our expectations.  To see a sample of her work, visit our current listing at 450 San Bruno Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110.

 

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Retail Therapy for Luxury Shoppers at Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Erika Burke

Yesterday was a Saturday and it included some retail therapy at the closest mall on the West side of our City. Although San Francisco Real Estate requires a real devotion of time and energy,  I got lucky and took a moment to “get a little early holiday shopping in”.

Convenient to West Portal, St. Francis Woods, Lake Merced, The Sunset, Forest Knolls and Twin Peaks.  Stonestown Galleria Shopping Mall is located on 19th Avenue near UCSF and the entrance to the 280 FWY. Besides the traditional shops like Macy’

s, Victoria’s Secret, Williams-Sonoma, L’Occitane, Godiva Chocolate, See’s Candies and more, there are several restaurants outside of the food court, Chevy’s and Olive Garden (both great for kids). The food court has wonderful choices, its’ true, like Sushi, a juice bar and so forth.  Trader Joes is located in front of Nordstrom with street access and plenty of parking too. Continue reading →

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The Estates Group, Erika Burke Meets Zillows’ Tommy Casias

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Erika Burke

Today I met Zillows’ Tommy Casias for lunch at a favorite spot within walking distance of our office, Osha Thai on Valencia and 18th St. Yummm! On the way I snapped Tommy at one of the Valencia corridor parklets. It’s easy to do business in our wonderful city with inspiring restaurants and representation. Here we are going to work for our buyers and sellers making sure our Zillow information is current and valuable. Thanks Tommy.

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Out and About in San Francisco

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Erika Burke

While at UCSF Erika couldn’t resist snapping a pic of these McDreamy’s, a group of researchers! We appreciate these gentlemen and scholars and are proud and grateful of all that UCSF medical center brings to San Francisco!

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6 tips for a higher credit score

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Erika Burke

Your credit score, calculated from information in your credit report, is a measure of how good a risk you are to a credit grantor. A large proportion of borrowers who can’t qualify for a mortgage would qualify if their credit score was higher.

The theme of this set of articles, that many borrowers can repair their own qualification credentials, applies as much or more to credit score than to down payment or income. Continue reading →

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Shop Till you Drop!

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Erika Burke

Erika met these gals near Macy’s and said “Ladies, this is what they mean when the say shop till you drop”,  she just had to get a picture!

Union Square offers amazing shopping with some of the worlds most exclusive designer stores! At the Estates Group we believe that it is impossible to overdo luxury!!

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