Friends and associates!

Well, we made it through July with record temperatures for the Bay Area. Even the fog wasn't around all that much to cool things down for us.

From now until September 1, Coldwell Banker is sponsoring Habitat for Humanity. "Coldwell Banker is proudly joining forces with Habitat for Humanity in our annual fundraising raffle. Our Sales Associates are joining forces in an effort to raise more than $500,000 for Habitat for Humanity, bringing our total funds raised in the last eight years to a remarkable $1.7 million. Tickets for the raffle are just $2 and all monies raised benefit local Habitat for Humanity chapters. Call or email us today if you would like to purchase a raffle ticket to help make the dream of home ownership a reality for one local family in need. You may also contact Kacie Ricker at 925.275.3085  for questions relating to Coldwell Banker Northern California's support of Habitat for Humanity.

The San Francisco Real Estate Market for July showed signs of slowing in the numbers of properties sold, but not in the selling prices. As average selling prices continue to be over 100% of the listing prices, it indicates that values are still holding strong. There have been more price reductions recently, but we suspect that it is more from overly enthusiastic sellers, conditioned by past market conditions, who insist that their agents list their property higher than what is reasonable for the market.

 

The market has definitely changed. In addition to our usual summer slowdown, increasing interest rates and other factors are causing this to become a more balanced market where buyers have more of an opportunity to negotiate. It may take some time for sellers to come to this reality, but we are already seeing price reductions and listings expire as a result of the changing market. With over 31 years of experience in San Francisco, we have seen this happen before and can help buyers and sellers navigate this market. If you are a seller NOW is the time you need an agent who is experienced with ALL types of markets and knows how to get your property SOLD! If you are a buyer you need someone in your corner who knows how to talk to sellers during this changing market to get you the home you desire at the price you want! 

We are very excited to announce several additions to our "arsenal of information". First is our new Blog where we answer questions about buying property in San Francisco. We hope you will take a look and participate in the discussions. Second is our link to a website called Zillow that gives quick and easy estimates of your home's value along with a satellite view of the lot.   

As always, Avram Goldman, President and Chief Operating Officer of Coldwell Banker, San Francisco Bay Area does a weekly market update on our website. His experience and insight give some great perspective to our ever-changing market.

Coming up at the end of August is the Elite Retreat in Chicago where we meet with Realtors from all over the world to whom we can refer friends and family in other areas. Remember, if you or someone you know needs a property in San Francisco or a good agent in another area of the country, call or email us for an experienced agent. As a "thank you for thinking of us", we will give you a chance to win our Rewards for RE-ferrals contest.