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San Francisco stats like you’ve never seen them

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:45:30 +0000

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San Francisco gets called diverse, liberal, wealthy, and over-educated– often. And apparently, such adjectives are verifiable, thanks to these handy graphs developed by Paragon Real Estate (view the original post with more slides at The Frontsteps blog). Note that the data crunched here is predominately that of the 2010 census, so some figures will be less than current, and perhaps not completely accurate as they are subject to that which is (and is not) reported to the census.

Still, overall, kind of cool stuff. And to most residents, these slides seem to tell of a version of San Francisco that’s pretty close to the real story.

Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest, and writes for SFGate and CurbedSF. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert

Article source: http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2013/06/18/san-francisco-stats-like-youve-never-seen-them/

10 of San Francisco quirkiest homes

Wed, 01 May 2013 01:22:36 +0000

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The city of San Francisco enjoys fame for many reasons. Being boring isn’t among them. Should we be surprised then that within the pool of our spectacular, highly valuable, historic architectural masterpieces are a few quirky homes? Strange paint jobs, unique design features, political statements and more adorn several local homes in every neighborhood from the Outer-Sunset to Bernal Hill and beyond.

Today we feature just 10, knowing full well readers will have their own examples. The collection comes to us via Urban Hiker SF, a San Francisco based business run by Alexandra Kenin. On her many forays with and without clients hiking the city’s many stairways, parks, and hilly streets, Alexandra has seen these homes first hand.

But these are probably only the tiniest slice of the true number of eccentric abodes in this creative, self-expression rich city. Tell us where to find your favorites, readers, in the comments below.

Article source: http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2013/04/30/10-of-san-francisco-quirkiest-homes/

REMI’s Luxury Market of the Week is San Francisco Bay Area

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:59:05 +0000

The Real Estate Marketing Insider announces its Luxury Market of the Week as the San Francisco Bay Area, which saw a boom in luxury home sales in 2012.

La Jolla, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2013

The Real Estate Marketing Insider named the winner of this week’s Luxury Market of the Week award following a news release in the SFGate. The award for the domestic market with the most potential for realtors went this week to San Francisco and its Bay Area.

Realtors and real estate leads experts report that the Bay Area saw a surge in sales of luxury properties in 2012. In addition to anecdotal reports from realtors that focus on luxury properties, SFGate reported on some inspiring numbers from the Bay Area’s luxury market. In 2012, 162 properties sold in the Bay Area for over $5 million. In the 9 counties of the Bay Area, over 11,000 $1 million-plus properties were sold. Among the reasons being cited for the boom are the recent successes of the tech industry in the area, as well as increased attention from foreign buyers.

California has always been a prime starting point for luxury property. All along its lengthy coastline, the Golden State offers pristine views, great tourism opportunities, and major urban areas within reach. Thanks to the tech industry and the Asian population in San Francisco, luxury buyers are starting to concentrate in the San Francisco area. Everything from beach front vacation rentals to Humboldt-area beach properties has attracted big money. Any realtor who lists a few luxury properties around the Bay Area should see them sell quickly, easily, and for a hefty price. Realtors looking to expand their luxury portfolios should take a closer look at REMI’s Luxury Market of the Week, before available listings in the area decrease.

The Real Estate Marketing Insider named the San Francisco Bay Area its Luxury Market of the Week. San Francisco enjoyed a huge push in the luxury market in 2012, with several $5 million-plus sales and over 11,000 million-dollar sales.

About the Real Estate Marketing Insider:

The Real Estate Marketing Insider is a valuable resource for realtors, home buyers and investors. REMI provides up-to-the-minute news, market analysis, and trend watches.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebluxury-housing-markets/02/prweb10407152.htm

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/business/prweb/article/REMI-s-Luxury-Market-of-the-Week-is-San-4266428.php

REMI’s Luxury Market of the Week is San Francisco Bay Area

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 16:48:02 +0000

La Jolla, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2013

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Article source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/luxury-housing-markets/02/prweb10407152.htm

REMI Announces Bay Area as “Toby’s Choice” Market of the Week – Virtual

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 08:37:47 +0000

The Real Estate Marketing Insider named its weekly “Toby’s Choice” market for mid-range home sales as the San Francisco Bay Area, based on recent sales and price numbers.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 26, 2013

The Real Estate Marketing Insider announced this week’s recipient of the “Toby’s Choice” award for the best market for middle-income homes and properties. Following news from SFGate of a surge in home sales and a price spike in late 2012, the winner of this week’s award was the San Francisco Bay Area.

Over the course of 2012, the Bay Area saw its home sales accelerate steadily with prices keeping pace. By the end of 2012, according to research firm DataQuick, the market looked completely different from one year earlier. The price median among the nine counties of the Bay Area ended the year at $442,750. That marks a 32 percent increase from 2011, a record-setting spike. The total sales of homes and condos touched 7,800 in December, a 4.5 percent year-over-year increase. Meanwhile, home sales that resulted from foreclosures and short sales decreased from over 50 percent, to about a third.

These new numbers are great news for home sellers in the Bay Area. The numbers show that the area is popular with buyers, with high turnover for new properties. Sellers that arm themselves with online marketing campaigns can easily uncover real estate buyer leads and find high demand for Bay Area listings. The market in the Bay Area represents a great opportunity for real estate agents. Realtors looking for new mid-range listings should take a close look at this week’s “Toby’s Choice”.

The Real Estate Marketing Insider named its “Toby’s Choice” Market of the Week, an award that recognizes outstanding real estate markets for mid-range homes. REMI chose the San Francisco Bay Area as the Market of the Week, after DataQuick released figures showing record sales and price increases in 2012.

About Real Estate Marketing Insider:

The Real Estate Marketing Insider provides up-to-the-minute news, real estate tips, and insider analysis of the real estate market. An invaluable resource for home buyers, home sellers, and real estate professionals, REMI is based in La Jolla, Calif.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebreal-estate-market/bay-area-san-francisco/prweb10365181.htm

Article source: http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2013/01/26/remi-announces-bay-area-%E2%80%9Ctoby%E2%80%99s-choice%E2%80%9D-market-week

S.F. civic leader Walter Newman, 91, dies – SFGate

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:25:28 +0000

Walter S. Newman, who devoted a lifetime to championing a variety of civic and cultural causes in San Francisco and played a vital, yet unsung role in such developments as the Transamerica Pyramid and Mission Bay, died Saturday night. He was 91.

Mr. Newman, a third-generation Californian who in 2009 received France’s highest civilian honor for his role as a U.S. Army captain in the Allied invasion of Normandy, collapsed at his home while watching a high school football game on TV.

“He was a remarkable man who never made an enemy,” his wife of 62 years, Ellen Magnin Newman, said Sunday. “And he was known for his smile.”

His community involvement included being president of both the San Francisco Planning Commission and Redevelopment Agency. He headed so many civic and cultural organizations that Ellen Newman, the daughter of iconic San Francisco businessman and philanthropist Cyril Magnin, said she liked to call him “Mr. President.”

Friends and family remembered him for the unwaveringly positive attitude he brought to a wide variety of projects, whether it was pushing for a new resource center for veterans, working behind the scenes with business leaders over major real estate developments, or bringing Bay Area residents their first view of King Tut artifacts three decades ago.

Never a bad word

And all the while, “he would never say anything bad about anyone,” said Merla Zellerbach, who knew Mr. Newman for about 50 years.

“His accomplishments are legion,” said Zellerbach, former Nob Hill Gazette editor and Chronicle columnist. “Mission Bay would never have happened without him. He was instrumental in getting University High School built. He was the one who got the Veterans Center at City College. He was a jewel of a man, he’s a prince,”

When his son Robert died of a malignant brain tumor, Mr. Newman co-founded and became president of the National Brain Tumor Foundation to help others with the disease.

“When he saw a need, he didn’t just fill it, he made things happen,” Ellen Newman said. “He never sought any accolades for it. He just liked to do it.”

Mr. Newman was an Army infantry captain who was awarded a Purple Heart after he survived being shot in the chest on Aug. 1, 1944, while leading his troops into Normandy. On the 65th anniversary of D-Day, he returned to France to accept the Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor, that country’s highest civilian honor.

Retired Marine Maj. Gen. Mike Myatt, president of the Marines Memorial Association, recalled when Mr. Newman spoke about D-Day to students the French-American International School of San Francisco.

“It was wonderful how he would interact with these kids,” Myatt said. “One of them asked, ‘Mr. Newman did you have to kill someone?’ ‘Yes, I did,’ he said. The kid asked why. ‘They were trying to kill my soldiers.’ ”

Newman was also on the board of the NCIRE – the Veterans Health Research Institute, a nonprofit that administers health research at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Francisco.

Many causes

“He was a prime mover to create a veterans resource center at City College,” Myatt said.

Mr. Newman was also a member of the Board of Governors of UCSF. Mission Bay, where UCSF has a major presence, will soon be home to a 42,000-square-foot San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

“He never wasted a minute,” Myatt said. “He was always trying to do some good.”

He also headed organizations like Temple Emanu-el and was a member of the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation board. He was credited with bringing the King Tut exhibit to the city while president of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

“That was a defining moment for the importance of the Fine Arts Museums because we look back and refer to that as our first great exhibition,” said Dede Wilsey, current president of museum’s board of trustees.

Mayor Ed Lee said Mr. Newman “gave our city the benefit of his experience and leadership. I extend my condolences to Mr. Newman’s entire family who, together, represent our city values of service and philanthropy.”

Ellen Newman said she was first introduced to Mr. Newman by a friend who described him “as the best dancer in San Francisco.”

“She wrote my number on a cocktail napkin,” said Ellen Newman, who headed the fashion end of her father’s business, the Joseph Magnin department store. Walter Newman joined the family firm and became a senior vice president.

Devoted couple

The couple became inseparable, traveling the world from Africa to Nepal. They also attended spring training every year with their favorite San Francisco Giants and also had San Francisco 49ers season tickets.

“He and Ellen were at everything, all the ballgames, everything that was an event,” said Nancy Bechtle, a civic activist and supporter of culture and medical causes. “He always had the best attitude about everything. He was so enthusiastic. He was always supportive of everybody, of every event. And he and Ellen, to me, had probably the greatest marriage of anybody I know.”

Connie Mardikian, who with her husband, Haig Mardikian, had been friends with the Newmans for 40 years, said they often traveled together.

“Wherever we went, he would love to regale the locals and our tour guides with local songs, like ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’ ” Mardikian said. “He’d start in, do all the hand motions, and pretty soon everyone was laughing and singing. They got into it because he was singing with such passion. It was like he was a cheerleader, sharing something from San Francisco with everyone else.”

Mr. Newman is survived by his wife, sons Walter Newman Jr. and John Donald Newman, and brother-in-law Jerry Magnin of Beverly Hills.

Funeral services are pending.

Benny Evangelista is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer and Leah Garchik is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. E-mail: bevangelista@sfchronicle.com, lgarchik@sfchronicle.com

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-civic-leader-Walter-Newman-91-dies-4103921.php

Bay area man facing jail after real estate scam

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 08:15:08 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A San Francisco man has been sentenced to five years in prison for an investment scam involving foreclosed properties.

The San Francisco Chronicle (bit.ly/RcvqiL) says 56-year-old Keith Wilson told investors that his Tribecca Properties and Lone Cedar Corp. bought foreclosed properties in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties and resold them for profit.

Wilson pleaded guilty last month to the $347,000 scam.

District Attorney George Gascon says Wilson used most of the money on shopping sprees and political contributions.

___

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com

Article source: http://www.ksby.com/news/bay-area-man-facing-jail-after-real-estate-scam/

Hundreds attend Bay Area vigil in memory of Sikh temple shooting victims

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:51:43 +0000

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Hundreds attend San Jose Vigil

Mourners gather at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, for a candlelight vigil in memory of the six Sikhs killed Aug. 5 by a white supremacist in Wisconsin. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Junaid Shaikh, president of the Northern California Islamic Council, attends the vigil with his family at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Pradeep Singh (left), of San Jose, attends the vigil with his cousin Jasmeet Singh (right). (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Bay Area residents gather in front of the Sikh Gurdwara temple during a candlelight vigil in memory of the six Sikhs killed Aug. 5 in Wisconsin. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Gurpreet Singh, 5, of Sunnyvale, attends the candlelight vigil with his family. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Various religious groups, including Muslims, Jews and Christians, gather at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose for a candlelight vigil in memory of the six victims fatally shot Aug. 5 in Wisconsin. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Julie Celebi, who represents the First Unitarian Church of San Jose, says that, even though she is not a Sikh, she can understand the senselessness of the tragedy and show her support. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

People put candles around a fountain during a candlelight vigil at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Manjot Longia, 15, of San Jose, places candles around a fountain during a candlelight vigil at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Mohinder Singh Bajwa, the priest at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose, leads the crowd to pray for the victims of the Sikh temple shooting. (Erchi Zhang / SFGate)

Hundreds of people gathered at Sikh Gurdwara San Jose Wednesday night for an interfaith vigil to remember the six victims fatally shot Sunday in Wisconsin.

“We have had hate crimes against the Sikhs since 9/11,” said Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal, one of the directors of the Sikh Temple in San Jose, referring to the murder of a gas station owner in Arizona on Sept. 15, 2001. “But we never thought a big tragedy like this would hit the Sikh community,” Bainiwal said in an interview.

As one of the organizers of the vigil, Bainiwal said the message the Sikh community wants to deliver is that all Americans should “come together” and “get that hatred out of us.”

He estimated that more than a thousand people had come to the temple Wednesday night, partly because of the close tie between the Sikh communities in Wisconsin and San Jose. Two priests who died in the shooting had preached in San Jose in previous years.

In the crowd, many come from various religious groups other than Sikhs. Julie Celebi, who represents the First Unitarian Church of San Jose, said she had no idea there was such a large Sikh community in the Bay Area before attending the vigil. But she said that it’s “inspiring” to see so many people come together to show their support.

“Even though I’m not a Sikh,” Celebi said. “I can understand the senselessness of the tragedy and show my support for their loss, regardless of my faith background.”

At least two other cities in the Bay Area, Fremont and Hayward, held similar vigils Wednesday night, as part of a nationwide remembrance for the shooting.

Bainiwal admits that there is still a lot of work to do to educate Americans who the Sikh Americans are. Sikhs have been in California since the 19th century. They helped build California railroads, and many settled in Central Valley, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

Now at a big price, “a lot of Americans do know who the Sikh community is,” Bainiwal said. “And hopefully the misconception that who the Sikhs are will be subdued.”

Article source: http://blog.sfgate.com/stew/2012/08/09/hundreds-attend-bay-area-vigil-in-memory-of-sikh-temple-shooting-victims/

Bay Area health and fitness events

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 05:00:45 +0000

Hike and Hoop

A hike-and-hoop through North Berkeley for hula hoopers of all levels. 10 a.m. Sat. Free. Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. sfg.ly/Nvn0AE.

Do you have an event you’d like included? Post listings at events.sfgate.com and send press releases to listings@sfchronicle.com. Please be concise and specific about event times, prices, contact information and location. We will print as many listings as space allows.

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Bay-Area-health-and-fitness-events-3732340.php

Vanguard Properties San Francisco Real Estate Firm Awarded 750 Second Street …

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:45:34 +0000

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/04/06/prweb9378666.DTL