SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Nov 28, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
Last spring, Oliver Burgelman, Realtor with Zephyr Real Estate,
developed a new market-tracking website tool called PriceSquares.com.
The site originally covered properties in San Francisco, but the
demand for expansion quickly became apparent, particularly for the
North Bay. Consequently, the site now includes Marin, Napa, Sonoma,
Solano and Mendocino counties. The site also has undergone some
visual changes for a cleaner and more user-friendly interface.

The website instantly displays a map grid indicating whether the
average price per square foot is increasing or decreasing and shows
properties currently available for sale by MLS district, zip code,
neighborhood (in San Francisco), or by a customized “price square” of
the viewer’s choosing. The highest and lowest priced properties in a
given area are also clearly indicated on the map.

Originally developed for his own use and that of his clients, the
value of Burgelman’s website has received praise and recognition,
creating quite a stir in the blogosphere including noteworthy
mentions on Curbed SF and The Front Steps.

The website is easy to navigate with a fountain of useful information
and tips as well as convenient instructions for maximizing its
usefulness as a market tool. Opening a free user account is not
necessary to use the site. However, an account allows one to follow
properties, save information, analyze sold properties, receive
property updates and be alerted to new listings. Registered users may
also add comments to viewed properties, which are then visible to all
site visitors.

“The response to Price Squares has been very gratifying, from clients
and colleagues alike. I initially created this to save time searching
multiple websites to find this information, and it’s nice to see so
many others appreciate its convenience as well,” commented Burgelman.
“I am already working on expanding into more market areas.”

Burgelman, who partners with Mike Ackerman at Zephyr Real Estate, is
one of the company’s Top Producers and is an e-PRO Internet
Professional. He is a Certified Residential Specialist, a member of
the San Francisco, California and National Associations of
REALTORS(R) and is fluent in English, Dutch and French.

For more information about PriceSquares.com or information about
other market areas, please contact Oliver Burgelman at
oliver@zephyrsf.com.

About Zephyr Real Estate
Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San
Francisco’s largest independent real estate firm with $1 billion in
annual gross sales in 2010 and a current roster of more than 200
full-time agents. In 2010, Zephyr launched its new website, which has
earned three web design awards, including the prestigious WebAward
for Outstanding Website from the Web Marketing Association. Zephyr
Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network,
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate
network, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate; and the local luxury
marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco.
Zephyr has six strategically located offices in San Francisco, a
business center in Marin County, and serves a large customer base
throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit

www.zephyrsf.com .

Image Available:

http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1813252

        Contact:
        Melody Brown
        Zephyr Real Estate
        San Francisco, CA
        415.729.3555
        Email Contact

SOURCE: Zephyr Real Estate

http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=BE5CC27F46565942

Copyright 2011 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.

Article source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pricesquarescom-goes-live-in-the-north-bay-2011-11-28

The Obama Administration is vigorously defending its mortgage bailout programs, from the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to the FHA Short Refi.

They’ve taken to the blogosphere, the reporter conference call and to a hearing room in the House of Representatives, where Republicans are bent on scrapping it all.

Interestingly, the Administration also released the “Monthly Scorecard” for the programs today. The HAMP in particular offered some pretty lackluster results. While totals continue to rise, the number of trial and permanent modifications made in January were fewer than the number made in December. New volume has been falling steadily.

Neil Barofsky, the Special Inspector General for the TARP, opened today’s hearing with strong criticism of the Treasury’s transparency, or lack thereof, in reporting the number of borrowers who can be helped. He called it “disturbing,” “shameful,” and “inexplicable.”

When the vote to abolish these programs was announced last week, and Administration spokesperson blasted, “If enacted, this legislation would close the door to struggling homeowners seeking relief in the face of the worst housing crisis in generations.”

Page 1 of 2 | Next Page
Show Entire Article

ECB’s Trichet Says April Interest Rate Hike Possible

Oil Falls on Talk of Peace Plan for Libya

Jobless Claims At 2-1/2 Year Low; Productivity Rises

Most Retailers Top Estimates, Some See Weak March

Jobs Go Unfilled Despite High Unemployment

More Top Stories

Article source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/41874934?__source=RSS*blog*&par=RSS