GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 44
Market Update | New Listing | Sustainable Holiday Shopping | Photo Contest
Adra Valentine was the lucky winner of our October photo contest! She quickly identified the unique street tree grates known as Muertos in the Mission, installed in 2012 as part of the first phase of the Valencia Streetscape Improvement Project. As many of us know, improving Valencia Street has been a long term project where not all changes are viewed as improvements. The original striped center lane (remember that?) was removed in 2012, eventually leading to the installation of a two way bike lane down the middle of the street in 2023 to accommodate both heavy bike traffic and the sidewalk parklets installed during the pandemic. The change has turned out to be bad for both cyclists and businesses, leading to numerous community meetings and a new plan to move the bike lanes back to the sides of the road, sometimes going between the restaurants and their parklets (can’t see any potential problems there, can we?) Click on this link to learn more about it.
Scroll to the bottom to guess the location of the November photo!
Market Update
Following the Fed’s rate cuts in September, October began with the lowest interest rates seen in two years, fueling a surge in demand and boosting market activity. This led to an increase in the number of properties sold. In San Francisco there was a rise in the median sales price and price per square foot for both single-family homes and condos. In Marin, the median sales price dropped a bit, attributed to more price-sensitive buyers entering the market in a time of lower rates, focusing on smaller or lower-priced homes. Interest rates began to rise again throughout October, while demand remained robust amid limited inventory. After the election we saw a rise in the stock market but a slowdown in local real estate. Historically, November and December see a significant drop in listings and overall sales activity, with more unsold properties being withdrawn from the market, particularly in higher price brackets. Nevertheless, this quieter period can be an ideal time for savvy buyers to secure some of the year’s best deals. Many agents use this period to prepare new listings for the spring market. It’s a great time to keep your ear to the ground because you might just find a hidden gem.
New Listing
1330 Stevenson Street, Unit C201, San Francisco
2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 739 sq. ft. | $549,000
This listing has been a long time coming and I’m grateful that it’s finally here! Polished up and ready for a new owner, this sunny, two bedroom/one bath condo is located on a quiet block of Stevenson Street between Duboce and McCoppin, close to the intersection of Valencia and Market Streets. It has easy, single-level access in an elevator building, located near shopping and transit. Newer appliances, new carpet and paint, private outdoor space, in-unit laundry and deeded garage parking all for a fantastic price! This unit is part of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing’s City Second Loan Program. The program allows income-qualified buyers to receive down payment assistance for particular properties. Unlike MOHCD’s Below Market Rate program, there is no limit to the price at which the property can be sold. Anyone is eligible to purchase this unit. You do not have to be in the program or have any income qualifications. However, property is subject to resale procedures. The City and County of San Francisco holds the right of first refusal. The City Second Loan Program is available for qualified buyers on a first come, first served basis. Visit https://sfmohcd.org/city-second-details for application and program information.
Sustainable Holiday Shopping
Interested in some sustainable holiday gifts this year? In addition to giving experiences, not things, and doing your own holiday DIY projects, we live in a region with an abundance of small, independent businesses ready to provide you with something unique and beautiful. Click the buttons below to find sustainable, hyperlocal shopping in San Francisco or special holiday offerings from West Marin’s farms and ranches from the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. If you prefer to shop online, DoneGood is a marketplace with over 120 vetted ethical brands that prioritize paying fair wages, using sustainable materials and ingredients, and empowering the local communities in which they operate. Now through January 31, 2025, DoneGood is offering an extra 15% off — use code ENERGYSAGE15 at checkout. Happy holidays to all!
Photo Contest
All of the beautiful photos in our contest are provided by Green Realtor News’ Artist-in-Residence, Esther Vermeer. Esther is a Mill Valley resident with a background in branding and graphic design. Originally from the Netherlands, she moved with her family first to Montreal, Canada and then to the Bay Area, where she has established herself in the world of interior design. She loves to journey around California and discover the lush natural beauty the state has to offer. You can reach her at esther@prevalentprojects.com.
If you know the location email me at lucinda@lucindaotto.com. The first person with a correct guess wins a $25 gift card to Sports Basement.
I hope you enjoyed the Green Realtor News! If you know anyone buying or selling, or if you are curious to hear more about the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you or your friends make moves. As one of my happy clients loves to say:
Everyone Needs A Lucinda!
