19Apr 2013 by Woolhouse
Bernal Heat

Bernal Heat

Community Events/News
If you have been into any open houses lately in Bernal Heights you would have a sense anecdotally that the real estate market has heated up. But, it's interesting to look at the statistics and see what that means in hard numbers: 154 sales in 2012 as compared to 171 in 2011, a reflection of low inventory. Median sales prices of single family homes in the neighborhood shot up in 2012 to $773,000 the highest level since 2008. The increase in median home prices in 2012 of more than 10% was the largest annual increase since 2004. But perhaps more notable is the activity at the upper end of the market. In the first quarter of 2013 there were eleven sales over a million dollars as compared to just four in the…
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27Feb 2013 by Woolhouse
Space Saving Tip Built-in Shelving

Space Saving Tip Built-in Shelving

Community Events/News
Transforming a Hallway or Stairway into a Library, Gallery or More There are so many great built-in shelving units in San Francisco houses that it’s easy to almost overlook them. The simple built-ins that grace the two sides of a living room fireplace and travel from floor to 10 foot + ceiling can hold a lot of books and knick-knacks. But it was the transformation of entry stairs into an ascending library that really caught my attention in Cole Valley. Instead of wasted space these built-ins turned an arduous climb to a top floor condo into a trip through the stacks; an insight into the owner, their interests and literary world-view, and a reminder of all those good books I have been meaning to get to. Another innovative idea from a San…
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07Feb 2013 by Woolhouse
Storage Tip #2 — Wall Beds

Storage Tip #2 — Wall Beds

Community Events/News
Perhaps the most timeless example of city dwellers maximizing space is the wall bed. For most people the term conjures up the image of a Murphy Bed that folds out of an over-sized closet. Most common in turn of the century buildings, the practical characteristics are undeniable but unfortunately many fold out beds are neither aesthetically pleasing nor are they conducive to a good nights sleep. Recently however, I have come across some great wall beds that combine modern design with luxurious sleeping. If they are done right wall beds really provide a practical way to create a multi-use room. I have seen some excellent wall beds that allow a room to work as both a bedroom/guestroom and a beautiful living and work space. Perhaps the best example is the space designed…
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02Feb 2013 by Woolhouse
Storage Tip #1 — Garage Storage

Storage Tip #1 — Garage Storage

Community Events/News
Do San Francisco abodes ever have enough storage space? With the answer to this rhetorical question in mind I have decided to highlight the top five creative storage solutions that I come across at open houses and brokers tours in the next two weeks. Tip #1: Maximizing Garage Space -- Look up When looking at garages most home buyers and home owners are first and foremost focused on whether the car can fit through the door. After that, evaluating the storage capacity tends to revolve around available floor space and figuring out where storage shelves can be installed. But many overlook all the unused air space above the car. Creative home owners turn that air space into storage space. I saw one easy upgrade in a Noe Valley garage: just…
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