What is trending now in real estate?

We know the times “they are a changing” in real estate. I recently listed a property in Pacific Heights and for the first time in my 30-plus years of real estate sales,... Read More

Real Estate

Own real estate? You should feel twice as wealthy!

Homeowners are borrowing less against their equity than they did before the market crash

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

Thanks to rising home prices (and we know they have been rising in San Francisco), homeowners (and investors) are getting wealthier, according to a recent study from real estate da... Read More

Real Estate

Home improvement value and preparing to sell

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

Real estate agents are often asked by homeowners what, if anything, they should do to improve their home’s value prior to putting it on the market. It is smart to consult with ... Read More

Real Estate

So many reasons to love San Francisco

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

San francisco was recently ranked number two among top-performing real estate markets in the country. In fact, California dominated the top 20 list, with 11 markets in our state be... Read More

Real Estate

Going green: Not just for energy saving anymore

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

There is more and more talk about “off the grid,” “going green,” and “energy efficiency” these days. It applies to cars, appliances, devices, an... Read More

Real Estate

Why you need title insurance when purchasing a home

It’s all about learning all that can be known, and protecting you from the unknown

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

Why do I need title insurance?” This is a question that often comes from first-time home buyers or buyers who are moving here from other states that might handle searching th... Read More

Real Estate

When you’re hot you’re hot

The state of the San Francisco real estate market

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

The National Association of Realtor’s magazine reported on Feb. 1 the top 20 hottest housing markets in the country, and it turns out that San Francisco is number one. That i... Read More

Real Estate

How smart is your home?

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

If there’s one term I keep hearing repeatedly from consumers, it’s “smart house.” People in the market for a home are now adding smart features to their hou... Read More

Real Estate

Is the sky the limit? Prices are high, but are they a bubble?

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

A question I am asked frequently by San Franciscans is, “With prices this high, are we headed for a bubble?” I know prices appear to be rising to levels that cannot be ... Read More

Real Estate

These shoes are made for walkin’: What Millennials want

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

Ihear this repeatedly from today’s Millennial buyers: “I want to be able to walk to things — stores, wine bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.” These sorts of n... Read More

Real Estate

Sprucing up your garden with drought-resistant plants

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

We are all well aware by now of our four-year drought and the state-mandated water use cutback. Among other things, it means shorter showers and not letting the water run when we w... Read More

Real Estate

Home prices vs. wage growth and the Millennial buyer

How does the real estate market function with the disconnect between earnings and prices?

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

City living has so many pluses: fun neighborhood shopping, theater, music, abundant restaurants, and much more. Most people want to live in a “walk-to” neighborhood, wh... Read More

Real Estate

The spring real estate market

A little open-mindedness and buying savvy will help you get a place even in a tight market

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

The traditional real estate spring market is heating up — but not just in San Francisco proper. Daily Real Estate News recently reported that inventory is increasing just in time... Read More

Real Estate

Marketing your home in 2015

Even in a hot market, your home might need some easy and common-sense help so it can attract the right buyer

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

When speaking with my real estate colleagues around the country, there seems to be a common thread: lack of inventory. However, that does not mean that all properties will sell. Wh... Read More

Real Estate

Prepare your home for winter: How to enjoy your home for the holidays

By Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg

During the holidays, we get together with family and friends. We often decorate our homes to add extra cheer. However, there are some important steps to take to winterize your hous... Read More

Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg