San Francisco Real Estate - Janice Lee

Finishing 2013 and starting 2014 STRONG! TOP BCS Sales Associate in San Francisco Sunset Office! By the way, I'm never too busy for your referral.  Janice Lee 415-832-9151 International President's Premier Top Producer, Realtor JaniceFLee@gmail.com www.JaniceLeeHomes.com BRE #01720205 

Do not hesitate to contact me at (415) 832-9151 for any real estate purpose you may have. Janice Lee 415-832-9151 International President's Premier Top Producer, Realtor JaniceFLee@gmail.com www.JaniceLeeHomes.com BRE #01720205

The housing market has enjoyed a strong rebound over the past few years with sales and median prices steadily improving across the country and especially here in the Bay Area. For a variety of reasons, one segment of the market has not bounced back quite as fast: the “move-up” market. But that could change in 2014.   The recession took its toll on many homeowners, especially those who bought near the peak of the housing market. As property values dipped, many of these consumers found themselves “underwater” on their mortgage – that is, owing more than it is worth. But as home prices continue to climb and home equity levels steadily improve, more homeowners are once again in a position to trade up. The National Association of REALTORS® expects the median sale price nationally to be up 11 percent in 2013 from the previous year. And some parts of the Bay Area have seen median prices jump 15-20 percent or more. Move-up buyers are gradually coming...

So you’ve prepped your home cosmetically in every imaginable way and now you’re ready to hit the market! But before you proceed with putting the “For Sale” sign in the ground, there are several key pieces of information you should consider gathering that many of today’s savvy buyers are going to want to know. Survey – Do you have a copy of a current survey of your home? Buyers want to know about property lines, easements, conservation buffers, if there is room for a pool, if the property line extends to the water behind your home, etc. Having a survey will help eliminate potential concerns for prospective buyers  Floor plan or Appraisal Sketch – Buyers often want to know room dimensions as it helps with determining furniture placement in their new space. A floor plan sketch, or an appraisal with accurate square footage of the home, will be extremely helpful. Utility Bills – Buyers want to know what they can expect with their future heating and cooling bills. Review your bi...

Whether you’re able to make a big investment into cutting your energy costs or just looking for a few free and simple ways to save money, here are 10 helpful tips for keeping your energy bills down this winter.  No Cost Set your thermostat to 68 degrees. Your heating system will operate less and use less energy. By turning it down an additional five degrees at night, you could save up to $70 on energy costs each year. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Your water heater won’t have to work as hard if it’s set to a lower temperature. In fact, each time you lower it 10 degrees, you’ll save 3-5% on water heating costs. Open window coverings on south-facing windows. This will help warm your house during the day. At night, cover all windows to help keep the heat in. Use cold water when washing clothes. Washing clothes in cold water could save you around $40 a year with an electric water heater and $30 with a gas water heater. Some Cost Repl...

Before you buy a home and make what’s likely to be one of the biggest investments of your life, you owe it to yourself to receive quality information on your new neighborhood. Getting a deal on your dream home can quickly turn sour if the neighborhood doesn’t meet your expectations. Here’s how to research a neighborhood before you buy a home.   LOOK INTO THE CRIME RATES In addition to the U.S. Census Bureau’s city profiles that list crime statistics, you can try sites like CrimeReports. com, which offers local maps where you can access crime data in near-real time (the site has partnerships with more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies).You might also visit the local police department to ask about crime statistics and what neighborhood watches or alerts are in operation.  CHECK SCHOOL REPORT CARDS Even if you don’t have children, you should spend some time investigating the area schools (school districts are typically the largest beneficiaries of...

It is common for homeowners to think that selling a home is an expensive endeavor. From repairs to staging, the process can seem overwhelming. However, with the advice of a knowledgeable real estate professional, sellers often find there are ways to keep costs low and come out on top during the selling process. WORK WITH A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL Those who are unfamiliar with the selling process may try to take on everything themselves,which can lead to errors regarding documents, home staging, repairs and inspections. While many individuals initially opt for the “go-it-alone” approach to save money, working with seasoned professionals can help avoid costly errors. A real estate agent can provide sound advice on current market trends, accepting offers and enhancing listings to attract more buyers. A home inspector is another seasoned professional you should take advantage of, and can also help to save money. Remember, buyers w...

Two recent housing reports confirm what homebuyers and sellers already know: home prices have surged over the past year, especially in the Bay Area. But the bump in mortgage interest rates in recent months may be slowing those gains a bit and could lead to a more balanced market. S&P/Case-Shiller’s most recent home price index showed prices in the nation’s 20 largest cities rose 12.1 percent over last year. The San Francisco metropolitan area had the second biggest jump in prices, surging 24.5 percent year over year. Las Vegas at 24.9 percent led all cities. Others in the top five were Los Angeles (19.9 percent), Phoenix (19.8 percent) and San Diego (19.3 percent). According to the report, which was based on June figures, prices in Dallas and Denver hit all-time highs, while San Francisco housing prices turned in the biggest rebound, rising 47% from their low in March 2009. But analysts say the gains may be slowing as interest rates move higher. June marked the first time ...

Do not hesitate to contact me at (415) 832-9151 for any real estate purpose you may have. Janice Lee 415-832-9151 International President's Elite Top Producer, Realtor JaniceFLee@gmail.com www.JaniceLeeHomes.com BRE #01720205

433 Brazil Ave is an excellent investment and owner-occupier opportunity! Remodeled 3 Unit Building located in the  sunny Excelsior District with great city views. TOP TWO UNITS ARE VACANT. Approximately 3600 square feet. 433 Brazil, the top floor, features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a large remodeled kitchen with granite counters, living room with fireplace, laundry room, and beautiful city views.  435 Brazil, located on the second floor, boasts gorgeous Brazilian cherrywood floors,  more city views, modern fireplace façade, master bedroom overlooking the serene yard, 2 additional bedrooms and 2 baths. Spacious remodeled kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and ample room for entertaining. Separate pantry with washer/dryer hook-ups. The building has been well-maintained and has fresh exterior/interior paint, double paned windows and even more spectacular city views from the roof top. Two car side-by-side parking with two bonus rooms, li...

With foreign buyers flocking to places like San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles to invest in U.S. real estate, the trend is beginning to have an impact on the housing industry – everything from increasing sales and prices to changing how developers design new homes and how brokerages market to off-shore investors. According to the National Association of Realtors, U.S. home sales by international buyers grew an astounding 54 percent just in the past two years to $82.5 billion in 2012. Interestingly, foreign buyers spend almost twice as much on homes as domestic buyers. One of the fastest growing groups of foreign buyers has been Chinese investors, who now are second only to Canadian buyers when it comes to purchasing U.S. real estate. The percentage of Chinese investors has more than doubled since 2007 and now makes up 11 percent of all foreign buyers. Affluent Chinese residents are facing increasing limitations from their gove...