realty round up: san francisco, ca

Today's edition of realty round up is a little different in that I have a client! The client aka my friend is moving to the San Francisco in April and is looking to rent (ideally) a 2 bedroom apartment. I volunteered to help her in her search and of course feature my findings here. So instead of doing homes for sale across four price categories, I have found four apartments that are potential candidates for them to rent. Their criteria is as follows:

- $2500 - $3500/month with parking included
- 2 bedrooms although a 1 bedroom isn't necessarily a deal breaker
- A dishwasher
- Laundry in the unit or in the building
- Located either in Nob HIll, Cow Hollow, the Mission District or Hayes Valley

House #1: $2,950/month

information and images via Zillow

This one bedroom - one bath apartment is not so appealing from the outside but it has garage parking, is in the budget and has laundry in the building. I selected it mainly because the spaces seem bright and open and the kitchen has space for a small table. 

House #2: $3,500

information and images via Zillow

This house seems too good to be true. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms! Plus a roof top deck! Oh and parking! Downside is that it is at the top of the budget...

House #3: $3,325

information and images via Pinnacle

I am not generally one for new construction or big complexes but I think it could make a lot of sense for my friends. They are going to be new to the city so having a sort of built in community could be really nice. Also the building features such amenities as a fitness center, concierge services, garage parking as well as a more professional rental situation (maintenance, management etc.). 

House #4: price unknown

information and images via The Marlow

This is a brand new building with occupancy starting at the beginning of April. There are no actual pictures (just renderings)  and the price is not disclosed. However, judging by the comparables I am going to guess that the units will be at the top of their budget. I like this building for much of the same reasons as the last. The extra bonus with this one is that most units have their own balconies. 

Have a good weekend everyone! Happy Mardi Gras!

realty round up: buckhead, georgia

Key Information:

What: Buckhead is a highly sought after area to live in Atlanta. It is known for its busy commercial center, historic estates and great shopping. It offers both more urban living options (condominium high rises) and more suburban neighborhoods with single family homes. 

When: In 1838, Henry Irby purchased 202 acres that make up a large chunk of present day Buckhead. The name comes from a story that Irby killed a large buck on the property and mounted it in a prominent location. 

Where: Buckhead is the uptown district of Atlanta encompassing roughly the northern fifth of the city. 

Why: Atlanta has been all over the news this week but also some family friends are moving overseas after living in Buckhead for almost 10 years and I am sad that we never got the chance to go visit them. 

How many: 78,676 (2010)

Local attractions: 
- SEVEN LAMPS - this place looks like it has really cool decor and delicious, casual fare
- Lovie's BBQ - a brand new BBQ place opened by Atlanta natives
*Check out the Blissful Glutton for more reviews and recommendations 

House #1: $210,000

information and images via Zillow

This one bedroom condominium is located on the 13th floor in a desirable building. The amenities include a rooftop pool, gym, shared patio space and a private deck. I particularly like the big windows and the view.

House #2: $479,900

information and images via Zillow

This is my favorite house of the bunch. The home was originally a hunting lodge that was converted to a single family home. I love the outdoor living space, wooded lot and all the windows.

House #3: $799,900

information and images via Zillow

This home has really nice curb appeal. I like all the porches on the front and back and how the indoor living spaces blend into the outdoor. 

House #4: $999,900

information and images via Zillow

Originally built in 1938 this home was completely renovated in 2000. It features an open floor plan, chef's kitchen, master suit and new systems and windows. Oh and a pool which would be quite nice in HOT-lanta. 

Have a good weekend everyone!

realty round up: encinitas, ca

photo by samwellsphoto.com via Coastal Living

Key Information:

What:  A coastal beach city known for being the "flower growing capital" as the growing of ornamental flowers particularly poinsettias is the largest industry in the area. Coastal Living named it one of its "coastal dream towns" and Surf magazine named it as one of the top ten places to surf in the United States. 

When: Incorporated as a city in 1986 from the communities of  historic Encinitas, new Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivehain. 

Where: Located within San Diego County, 25 miles north of San Diego and 95 miles south of Los Angeles, Encinitas stretches along 6 miles of Pacific coastline.  

Why: We have some friends that live in San Diego who have been raving about how beautiful the area is and on a day like today I am dreaming of someplace warm and sunny as opposed to raining and 38 degrees....

How many: 59,518 (2010)

Local attractions:
- Bull Taco - looks like a go to place for "inauthentic mexican" (their tagline)
- Q'ero Restaurant - highly reviewed Peruvian and South American cuisine restaurant
- VG Bakery - or Very Good Bakery specializes in what they call old fashion style of baking - looks yummy!
- Jorge's Mexicatessen - looks like the real deal and a place I would definitely want to try

For this edition of the realty round up, I decided to think BIG and embrace how expensive the real estate market is in Southern California. As such, I thought I would just skip to the million dollar listings...

House #1:  $4,650,000

information and images via Zillow

This is a stunner. Right on the water, lots of space and nice finishes. I can only imagine how incredible it would be to wake up to this view every morning.

House #2: $5,900,000

information and images via Zillow

This grand estate features 6  fireplaces, a 1200 sq.ft. guest house, pool & spa w/waterfall, putting green/sand bunker, zoning for 3 horses with 3 stall barn, riding ring and 4 pastures -just to point out a few details....

House #3: $11,500,000

information and images via Zillow

This 11,200 square foot home is described as the perfect family retreat....It has 8 bedrooms and 8 baths, a theater room, a pool house, tennis court and stables.

House #4: $27,000,000

information and images via Zillow

Finishing of the list is this $27 million dollar home. This 16,305 square feet house has 8 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, grand living spaces with exposed beams, a separate gym and spa area, stables, a pool, tennis court and over 15 acres of land. Wow wow wow!

Happy dreaming and have a good weekend!