Real Estate News

Solar Panels & San Francisco

Did you know that San Francisco is the nation's first city to require solar panels be installed on all new buildings that are 10 stories high or less? This new requirement was passed with a unanimous vote by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in recent weeks.

“By increasing our use of solar power, San Francisco is once again leading the nation in the fight against climate change and the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels,” Supervisor Scott Wiener, who is sponsoring the legislation, said in a statement. “Activating underutilized roof space is a smart and efficient way to promote the use of solar energy and improve our environment."

All new buildings 10 stories or less in San Francisco will need to install solar panels as of January 2017.

All new buildings 10 stories or less in San Francisco will need to install solar panels as of January 2017.

The law makes it mandatory for all new construction to have a minimum of 15% of rooftops 'solar-ready', which means they aren't shaded and as such can capitalize on the maximum effects of solar panels. Thought the rule doesn't go into effect until January 1, 2017, but buildings still under construction will have to add panels retroactively if their aren't already installed or in the plans.

Smaller California towns like Sabastopol and municipalities in the Central Valley have already enacted solar panel requirements in keeping with the green movement toward achieving zero-energy buildings.

A Look Inside San Francisco's Luxurious 181 Fremont

181 Fremont is making history in San Francisco as one of the City's most iconic, sophisticated, and most architecturally significant buildings in the last decade. We invite you to look inside the most luxurious new residential high-rise on the West Coast.

Developed by Jay Paul Company, 181 Fremont’s interiors were conceived by internationally-renowned architect and designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, his final achievement before retirement.  Solidifying his legacy as one of the world’s greatest design talents, the building includes 55 residences occupying the top sixteen floors of an 800’ glass and steel saw-tooth tower (which will be the third tallest building in the Bay Area), 181 Fremont is about to reset San Francisco’s standard for luxury real estate and the future of California residential high-rise development forever.

Click on images to see slideshow.

These are the first renderings ever released by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy of 181 Fremont’s final interior features and finishes, based on years of traveling to dozens of countries to source the finest materials available. Diaz-Azcuy’s goal was the fusion of old-world craftsmanship with modern luxury that speaks to the global influences of buyers who expect only the finest things in all aspects of their lives.

“I found inspiration in timeless materials, natural luxury, and the history of San Francisco,” said Diaz-Azcuy. “The care and quality that went into even the smallest details of this building make the greatest impact – it is the ultimate expression of luxury.”

If there is a defining space that captures Diaz-Azcuy’s vision it’s 181 Fremont’s lobby. Diaz-Azcuy spent three years thoughtfully conceiving the grand 25-foot high entrance, which is anchored by an open seating area that he personally designed. Suspended overhead, a flowing fabric shade casts an ethereal light that changes throughout the day. Says Diaz-Azcuy, “To enter the lobby of this building is like walking into a living sculpture.”

At the other end of the spectrum, Diaz-Azcuy spared nothing when it comes to the most minute design elements including the lobby, hallway, and lounge scones that required an artisan manufacturing process. As a result each one is completely unique.

Polished Italian Calacatta Carrara marble throughout the residences’ interiors was selected for its rarity and cut against the grain to bring out a signature deep veining in every room. To achieve this rebellious sense of individualism in the marble, Diaz-Azcuy and his team spent months in Italy, selecting and pulling each slab from the seaside quarry cliffs by hand—which also ensured continuum with 181 Fremont’s sense of absolute architectural perfection.

Even the most palatial residences in the world, however, must still feel like home. For the residents of 181 Fremont, Diaz-Azcuy envisioned them walking through their front doors into another world. As such, the front door hardware were one of the first items handpicked by Diaz-Azcuy. A polished brass handle custom-crafted by Parisian artisans Série Rare will grace the entrance door to each residence, making it feel as if you were entering an old-world, European cathedral.

One thing Diaz-Azcuy didn’t have to envision or create are 181 Fremont’s views of the San Francisco skyline and the surrounding mountains, which are the most coveted views in the city—if you’re lucky enough to be one of the rare custodians of these 55 residences.

Now 30-stories out of the ground sales for 181 Fremont began in May. If you'd like to schedule a private showing of this or any other residence in san Francisco or Marin County, contact The Costa Group!

Article excerpt and images from Forbes. 

 

San Francisco Development Report April 2016

Click here for complete Development report.

Click here for complete Development report.

News & Highlights

  • Sales have begun at One Mission Bay, 350 units located on the Channel.
  • Sales have began at The Harrison, a 49-story tower on Rincon Hill. Initial pricing is approximately $1,700 per square foot.
  • Just over 20 market-rate units remain at The Rockwell, with first closings projected in August.
  • Over 1/3 of market-rate units are in contract at 388 Fulton. Initial pricing averages $1,400 per square foot.

Market Performance 

The Harrison

Ken Fulk-designed The Harrison, located at 401 Harrison Street, is now selling.

Ken Fulk-designed The Harrison, located at 401 Harrison Street, is now selling.

Ken Fulk's much-anticipated 49-story residential complex went on the market in April. The 298 units will offer four unique floor plans for one and two-bedroom residences. One bedrooms start at $1 million and two bedrooms start at $1.75 million. 

Selected signature touches include diagonal-planed Siberan oak wood floors, gray cabinetry with polished white slab Carrara marble countertops, custom brass and casted-glass wall sconces, and brass fixtures in the bathrooms. There are 298 units available with 12 already in contract. 

If you're interested in scheduling a private showing at The Harrison or elsewhere, The Costa Group can help!  Its our goal to provide extraordinary service to elevate your life and bring you home. 

60+ Apartments Coming to San Francisco's Upper Market

Earlier this month, San Francisco's Planning Commission overwhelmingly approved the construction of a new, 7-story building at Market and 14th Streets. The building will include 62 residential apartment units and will take advantage of the location's proximity to public transportation by offering parking for bicycles but not vehicles. 

The complex will be on the site of the former Home Restaurant, which closed in 2011 after declaring bankruptcy. It has taken 5 years for the future of this unused parcel to be decided upon. The parcel is an odd triangular shape and includes challenging slopes but city planners felt it would benefit from substantial development, especially because of the 5 Muni lines all within a block of the property.

This is an important corner, as you kind of enter into the Castro at two major intersections,” stated Commissioner Rich Hillis.

Enter Brian Spiers Development, the San Francisco-based real estate firm that is spearheading the mixed use complex that includes 62 residential units and ground-level retail. Though the building's proposed design underwent some reworking of the exterior as well as the floor plan of the retail space, the planners unanimously decided to approve Spier's project.

        Brain Spiers Development rendering of approved building at 2100 Market Street.

        Brain Spiers Development rendering of approved building at 2100 Market Street.

To those who were critical of the building, one group said it wasn’t dramatic enough…others said it didn’t fit in with the Victorians…but I think it strikes a good balance,” said Commissioner Michael Antonini.

Because of the vicinity to multiple Muni lines all within a one block radius, the building will not include any parking areas for motorized vehicles. Instead, it will offer bicycle parking to encourage residents to take advantage of public transportation.

Commission President Rodney Fong noted that San Francisco needs new housing immediately, and further delaying this project could prevent the construction of new homes.

 

 

 

 

San Francisco Headlines

Click here to read the complete Vanguard San Francisco Headlines in their entirety.

Click here to read the complete Vanguard San Francisco Headlines in their entirety.

Cow Hollow Condo Offers Incredible Rooftop Views

If you're looking for great rooftop views of Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands and the Bay, this Cow Hollow condo at 2916 Fillmore is the place to be. With only 6 residences, this condominium affords a perfect location as well as peace and quiet.

The unit itself is on the ground floor of the 1906 building and offers 1,074 square feet of living space in the 2 bed, 1 1/2 bath residence. Gorgeous hardwood flooring, in-home office and modern kitchen as well as a ideally situated with an abundance of shops, bars and eateries. 

The stunning views offered from the rooftop deck.

The stunning views offered from the rooftop deck.

If you're interested in scheduling a private showing of this or any other property in San Francisco or Marin County, contact The Costa Group.

Construction Commences on $6 Billion Treasure Island Redevelopment

One of the largest mixed used projects in the Bay Area, the $6 billion redevelopment of Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island has kicked off with initial infrastructure work. This includes demolition of 40 existing buildings as well as creation of new roadways, utilities and parks. The first phase will include approximately 2,100 residential units, up to 500 hotel rooms and 90 acres of parks, built on 45 acres of Treasure Island's western shoreline and the 80-acre Yerba Buena Island.

Vertical construction of new housing could begin in 2017, beginning with around 250 townhomes on Yuerba Buena Island, followed by 400 to 500 units in four to five story buildings on Treasure Island. The project's planned 8,000 residential units are expected to be constructed over the next 10 to 15 years, depending on market demand.

3 Home Buying Trends That Will Hold True in 2016

Today's home buyers are poised to move and are equipped with more knowledge and information than ever. Buyers are searching for homes on the Internet and using different communication methods than they did 20 years ago. But there are 3 real estate trends that will continue into 2016 and beyond.

1. Buying costs less than renting

Based on data from Trulia, it is 35% less expensive to purchase a home than to rent and for Millennials, its 23% cheaper says CNN Money.

If recent trends continue (and it appears they will), rents will continue their upward spiral. If you've been considering buying a home, now is the time to start your search. Take advantage of still historically low interest rates and take advantage of the tax benefits home ownership affords.

 

2. The Internet is king

The first stop for both buyers and sellers, the Internet is the go-to information source. 43% of all buyers began their home search online prior to contacting an agent or looking for specific information about the home buying process. This percentage increases for younger buyers as this group has grown up with access to technology.

3. Having an agent is still necessary

Technology hasn't made real estate agents and brokers obsolete. In fact, 88% of buyers would use their agent in the future and would recommend them to others, states a National Association of Realtors profile of home buyers and sellers. Even though they have tremendous access to real estate information, both sellers and buyers still rely on knowledgable agents to guide them through the real estate transaction.

Buyers want an agent to find them the home that meets their needs, negotiate a great price and help them through the escrow process and the documentations that entails. Sellers want their agent to market and showcase their home, sell it within a certain timeframe and get the best possible price.

When its time to buy or sell, being armed with information from the Internet is great but having an experienced agent that understands your requirements and can guide you through the process is still crucial.

When you're ready to make a move in Marin or San Francisco, contact us. The Costa Group can help. 

Excerpts from Inman Real Estate Trends by Brian Buffini.

 

 

Fall San Francisco Real Estate Market Performs

The number of closings in October increased by nearly 40 percent versus the prior month, while total dollar volume increased by over 50 percent. The majority of properties (74 percent) sold in under 30 days and received 12 percent over the list price, on average. Tech Sector performance continues to fuel the steadfast demand. As an example, it is estimated that Bay Area venture capital funding is up approximately 25 percent year-to-date. Stock Markets have also made strides, with Reuters reporting that “The gains on the first trading day of the month followed the best monthly performance of the major indexes in four years in October.” The prospect of a December rate hike remains a possibility.

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

OCTOBER 2015 MEDIAN

CONDO/TIC | $1,100,000 | + 10% year-over-year

Single Family | $1,300,000 | + 9% year-over-year

 

MEDIAN NEIGBHORHOOD VALUES

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Please Contact Franck Costa & Sara Werner Costa of The Costa Group, for your next home purchase or sale in San Francisco or Marin County.

San Francisco and Marin County Real Estate | Top 1% of Realtors | Award Winning |  415.730.2604 | costagroup@vanguardsf.com


Boutique Brokerage Sets the Standard in Real Estate Office Design

SAN FRANCISCO – September 22, 2015 – Always at the forefront, Vanguard Properties is once again setting the standard for Bay Area Real Estate with the unveiling of its newly reinvented office at 555 Castro Street in San Francisco. Known for its fresh and exciting approach to buying and selling homes, the boutique firm’s redesigned space is a dramatic departure from traditional Real Estate workspaces. It reflects Vanguard's innovative thinking and collaborative team approach that have made it one of the most successful and influential brokerages in Northern California.

“Our company culture has always been about great style matched with open communication, sharing information and supporting one another’s success,” said Vanguard Properties CEO, James Nunemacher. “Our offices epitomize these values.”

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Creative Director Mitch Laufer and Rohan, Wallace & Aherne contractors have created a friendly and welcoming environment for clients, visitors and agents. The interior features an open floor plan, multiple conference rooms and meeting spaces, and an outdoor sun deck. A recycled white glass reception desk and a suspended steel and American white oak staircase lead to California Space Organizer workstations equipped with Herman Miller chairs. 3-D recycled paper wall tiles by Inhabit, Saarinen conference tables, Shade Store NY window treatments, and lighting fixtures by Sonneman, Excel and Kartell highlight the multi-level space. Downstairs, the intimate lounge is an informal gathering place to meet with clients.

Established in 1986, Vanguard Properties is a market leader in buying, selling, and leasing Real Estate. With more that 300 licensed agents in its 10 offices throughout San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties, and Palm Springs, it is highly regarded for its distinctive design and marketing of homes. More information is available at www.vanguardproperties.com.

Infographic: 12 facts about millennial homebuyers. Do you Agree?

Like all generations, the experiences millennials had in childhood and while in college have influenced their home buying decisions. Here are 12 facts about millennial homebuyers that are unique to this demographic. Are you a Millenial home buyer?  Do you agree?

Embedded from The Propcy Blog

 

Welcome to REAL News - The Costa Group Real Estate Blog!

We are excited to share inspirational ideas, relevant real estate news, best in class LOCALES and fun events.  Journey with us through the beautiful city of San Francisco and Marin County to experience the incredible Bay area lifestyle.

The Costa Group blog hopes to inform, delight, and provide you with resources and information about the lifestyle and opportunity that await those of us who are currently living, or those who want to live in San Francisco or Marin County, California. We look forward to serving you. 

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