Ms. San Francisco Real Estate (Janice Lee)

The path to success in real estate investing can be a short, straight one or a long, winding one. A lot depends on the individual. As real estate and home improvement television shows become more popular, more people are considering house-flipping as a lifestyle. In addition to questions about my hair and my bracelets, viewers have a lot of questions about the actual business of flipping. Is it as easy as it looks? How can I avoid a scam? Where should I begin? Is flipping a good career move for me? This is the first question every potential real estate entrepreneur needs to ask. You have to be absolutely sure before you start that flipping is a path you are going to want to continue on. It has to suit your personality and work style.

Recently, I've had the pleasure to work with a client who is the Power of Attorney for her 90+ year old mother. This is a reminder to everyone that we need to plan for the future. My client had foresight to get a power of attorney more than 10 years ago.

If you're tired of the same old look in your bedroom, there's a good chance you've thought about redecorating. Completely revamping a room can be an expensive undertaking, especially if going for a designer look similar to those featured in a magazine. Rather than shopping at high-end stores to create your ideal decor, whip up your own "thrifty chic" makeover using repurposed or inexpensive materials from salvage shops, craft stores and home improvement retailers.

Asking Price: $1,398,000 Exquisitely remodeled four bedroom four bath warm and inviting Richmond home. The open living room flows nicely into the formal dining room, family room and renovated kitchen with island and full bath on the second floor. This layout is ideal for entertaining. Top floor offers three bedrooms two baths on the same floor.  Renovated bathrooms with new lighting, vanity, medicine cabinet, shower, tub and beautiful tiling.  Master bedroom offers two closets, outlook to serene garden and private deck. The property has refinished hardwood floors, beautiful recessed lighting, fresh interior paint and double pane windows. The lower level features one bedroom and one living area and bathroom. There is a large garage with washer and dryer and a huge driveway that fits three additional vehicles. 675 34th Ave is an excellent location! Enjoy Golden Gate Park, eateries on Balboa, Clement and transportation.

Mike James is president of the Bay Area and Hawaii regions for Coldwell Banker, the real estate brokerage that was founded in San Francisco in 1906, in the aftermath of the great earthquake. We decided to ask James what's happening in Bay Area real estate in 2016. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q How has the market been behaving lately? And give us your predictions for the coming year.