Zephyr Blog

Video Walkthrough: 156 Duncan in Noe Valley

By Eileen Bermingham

Friday, February 3, 2012 - 6:00pm

If you're looking for a spacious, top-floor condo in a centrally located neighborhood with great natural light, parking, storage and an in-unit washer/dryer, look no further than my listing at 156 Duncan.

To get you in the door without actually making the trip, check out this video walkthrough. It will give you an excellent sense for the space and amenities:

156 Duncan: The

Low Interest Rates Expected Through 2014

By Diane Hourany

Thursday, February 2, 2012 - 4:58am

Although the economy is doing moderately well, unemployment remains high and housing in most of the country is still doing poorly. The Fed has announced that it will not raise interest rates until the end of 2014.

Getting a Loan - Step 3: Awaiting the Documentation

By Diane Hourany

Thursday, February 2, 2012 - 4:35am

Your offer has been accepted for your dream home and your mortgage broker has begun the process of getting loan approval for you. He's ordered the documentation the bank requires.

Now we're Awaiting Documentation.

New Mission & Dogpatch Condos on the Way

By Eileen Bermingham

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 2:00pm

Two new condo developments in the Mission and Dogpatch/Central Waterfront are on the way this Spring, with price points that don't scream "luxury."

299 Valencia will feature 36 one- and two-bedroom homes ranging in price from the $300,000s-$700,000s. The building is located on Valencia at 14th Street. (The lot was previously used for parking.) The immediate location is a bit transitional, but you're one block away from Pauline's Pizza and shops/cafes along Valencia. The 16th and

New Historic Districts - Planning Commission Hearing 2/02/12

By George Langford

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 6:47am

On February 2, the Planning Commission will act on updating and revising Articles 10 and 11 of the Planning Code. Articles 10 and 11 of the Planning Code govern how historic preservation is regulated in San Francisco. The passage of Proposition J in 2008 necessitates that San Francisco update its Planning Code.

Getting a Loan - Step 2: Ordering the Documentation

By Diane Hourany

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 5:21am

Yesterday we talked about the first step in getting a loan to finance your home purchase. After selecting a qualified, local mortgage adviser and providing him with your paperwork, he has issued a pre-approval letter for you to submit with the offer for your home. When your offer is accepted, things kick into high gear.


Find Out What It Takes to Get a Loan These Days

By Diane Hourany

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - 3:19pm

Before you even start your house hunting, you need a license! I liken the pre-approval letter from a qualified mortgage broker to a license to go house hunting. Without that piece of paper, you may think you know how much you can afford to pay for a home, but the banks may have a different idea of what you can qualify for.

SF Rent Board Announces Annual Rent Increase

By Diane Hourany

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - 6:07am

Every year, the SF Rent Board calculates the amount landlords can increase rent on rent-controlled properties. Effective March 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013, the allowable annual increase amount is 1.9 percent.

Zephyr Real Estate Lists 230 Ritch Street Property

By Melody Brown

Friday, January 27, 2012 - 8:30am

San Francisco, CA – January 26, 2012 – 230 Ritch Street, an architect’s dream home in the South Beach neighborhood, is now on the market and represented by Zephyr Real Estate. Designed by Santos Prescott and Associates under the direction of Adèle Naudé Santos, FAIA, it is a splendid amalgam of beauty and utility.

10 Steps to Successfully Buying a Home - Step 10: Celebrate!

By Diane Hourany

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - 5:16am

You've had your inspections and the loan has been approved. Now it's a countdown to the close and our final step, Close of Escrow.

Step 10: Close Escrow - When all of the conditions of the purchase agreement have been met, you will sign your loan documents and closing papers.  You will deposit the balance of your down payment and closing costs to escrow and your lender will deposit the balance of the purchase price.