Alisa Ruiz-Johnson Blog

Price Slightly Up: Luxury Homes

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:00:00 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – January 20, 2011 – Luxury home sales and the median sale price in San Francisco moved slightly higher once again in the fourth quarter of last year, according to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the Bay Area’s leading luxury real estate services company.

A total of 56 homes sold for more than $2 million during the quarter from October through December, up 1.8 percent from the previous quarter and the fourth quarter 2009. Additionally, the median sale price of multi-million-dollar properties rose 3 percent to $2,625,000 compared to the previous year. However the median was off 11.6 percent from third quarter of 2010.

Other market indicators improved in the fourth quarter of last year. It took an average of just 60 days to sell a multi-million-dollar home in the city, down from 91 days during the same period last year and 70 days in the previous quarter. And the upper end of the luxury market continued strengthening with 24 properties selling for $3 million and above, up from 17 a year ago.

“There definitely has been a lot more optimism in the market lately,” said Rick Turley, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Bay Area. “The stock market has shown strong gains over the past year or two and high-end buyers are starting to feel more confident about the economic recovery, both in the U.S. and here in the Bay Area.”

Turley added that buyers are realizing that there are unusually good opportunities in the marketplace as we enter the new year. “This is a rare situation where you still have interest rates near record low levels at the same time that home prices are extremely affordable and inventory is plentiful,” he said. “I think buyers understand that these conditions won’t last forever, especially as the economy gains momentum.”

Home prices on the rise

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:00:00 -0700

Home sales increased 12 percent in July in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home declined 19.6 percent, according to the latest sales and price report released by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

Many housing analysts believe the first-time home buyers tax credit has helped stimulate home sales in recent months. According to a survey of first-time home buyers, nearly 40 percent reported they would not have purchased a home if the tax credit was not offered. Don't miss this opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit!!

Are you eco-friendly?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0700

We are aware of different programs spreading the news about being eco-friendly. We can contribute to achieve this goal by buying and consuming products that are less harmful to the planet. Green represents life, vitality, nature, and environmentalism. You can support a greener life by taking little steps such as:

Bringing reusable fabric totes to carry your groceries and other goods instead of using plastic bags
Buy a reusable water bottle and start recycling to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution
Changing the cleaning chemicals at home for friendly products made without harmful ingredients
Even small steps can make a difference, such as reducing the time you spend in the shower, turning the water off when brushing your teeth, and using a cloth towel instead of paper towels to dry your hands
Ride your bicycle more often and reduce your carbon emissions (and you’ll be happy too seeing your waistline getting smaller)

When it comes to reducing your water bill for the upkeep of your beautiful lawn, consider other alternatives such as xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is creating a landscape design that has been tailored to be compatible with locally available resources, including water, soil types, and sunlight. It conserves water, provides lots of attractive planting options, presents minimal pest and disease problems and requires low pruning and maintaining.

We can change our environment by taking little steps towards a greener life.

Buy Now and Take Advantage of the Tax Incentives

Wed, 13 May 2009 22:00:00 -0700

Now is a great opportunity to become a home owner. Buying a home is part of the American Dream and you can make this dream come true. When you own a home, you gain the appreciation of the property's value, when you rent, you help the landlord gain the appreciation of their property.

As a first time homebuyer, if you purchase a home between January 1 and December 1, 2009 you are eligible to receive up to $8,000 in Federal tax credits. If you purchase a newly constructed home, you are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in a state tax credit.

If you are ready to buy now, there are some steps to follow such as getting pre-approved and using an experienced real estate professional to help you target your goals, and guide you throughout the whole process. The home buying process can be challenging and complicated, but being informed and educated is key in the current market conditions. After all, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime.