After our Holiday Letter went out, we realized we missed a few highlights of the year. Not wanting to overlook anyone, we noticed we'd forgotten to mention having dinner with our friends and past clients, Tim and Alicia Matuszewki while we were in New York. They treated us to a wonderful restaurant in the SoHo district and then walked with us through Washington Park (for protection?) where we picked up a cab. 

While we were on the Big Island in Hawaii we saw the latest project of our friend and developer, Rick Bicardo. It is a gorgeous ocean view home in the hills above Kailua-Kona going on the market soon for about $1.5 million. Anyone interested? I'm sure it won't be around long!

Finally, I wanted to thank Mick's sister, Marjie Orton, for being generous with her time and taking a trip with us to Sacramento to visit my eight unit property. Marjie is a realtor in Marin county so if you have real estate needs there she is the best.

Now let's talk about the market. December is typically a slow month for real estate in San Francisco.  It was busy for me as I put several into escrow. I also have a list of clients ready, willing and able to buy. Hopefully sellers will not delay in getting their properties on the market. It can be the best time for sellers before the rush of properties come on the market in the spring (supply vs. demand). Last year (2008) I sold more properties for all cash than I had in any year in my career. And for listings where there was more than one offer, many of that did not prevail were also all cash. So there are many people who can buy when the right property comes on the market. The clients that are buying now are getting great value compared to just one year ago--or even 6 months ago. I know that many people are fearful, but the market will turn around and when it does it will be too late to take advantage of the negotiating power you have now....not to mention the low interest rates. 

Our December market report is now online at our website.

Remember, we know GREAT AGENTS to whom we can refer with confidence. We have already sent some happy buyers and sellers outside of San Francisco. So if you or someone you know needs to buy or sell property somewhere else in the country, keep us in mind. In return for the lead, we'll give you a chance to win our Rewards contest for a weekend in Tahoe.

Know someone who needs a long term rental in North Lake Tahoe near Tahoe City after April 2009? Our unit in St. Francis Lakeside Condominiums is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ground floor condo with a lovely wooded outlook. The kitchen has been upgraded with new counter tops and appliances. We are looking for reliable tenants to rent either fully furnished, or vacant. Includes off street parking and amenities like pool, spa, tennis courts and direct beach access. Close to the Marina Launch, this spot is perfect for someone with a boat. We're offering a referral fee for bringing us the right person or persons!

Need to get away??? Vacation in North Lake Tahoe? We have a Lake View condo -- a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium available for rent in Tahoe City at Tahoe Marina Lodge, a lake front complex. This unit has panoramic lake and mountain views yet is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Tahoe is an excellent place to get away from the fast pace of city life and enjoy nature. This is the condominium we use for our Rewards for RE-ferrals.

Need to get even further away?? Sit on the beach on the Big Island of Hawaii by staying in a fabulous 3 bedroom, 3 and 1/2 bath beach front condo at Kolea in the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island available for rent with ocean views and steps from the "A" Bay beach. Kolea is a gated community close to all of the amenities of Waikoloa-- swim with the dolphins, golf, swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sun. Send us an e-mail or call for details on special rates! We just visited for Thanksgiving and the surf and golf were fantastic!!!

Interest Rates

See what Foster Weeks says every Monday about interest rates in his weekly newsletter and on Blog. With all the turmoil in the stock and bond markets, it changes day to day!

Giants Tickets

It's too early to start taking baseball, but remember that soon we will begin offering our season tickets to friends, associates and clients! Stay tuned!

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