Melanie Narducci's Blog

Appraisals Aren't Always Equal San Francisco's housing stock is so varied in style, age and condition, that it can be a challenge to appraisers and agents alike in pricing properties.  Developers of new buildings set their own prices with their preferred lenders, but sellers of existing homes nee...

Follow these points to be successful with your San Francisco offer, whether you are in a multiple offer situation or not.  We continue to be in a seller's market for homes in great condition, as well as the major fixer category.  The new construction is selling well, the Marlow has only 2 units l...

  In San Francisco while it has become customary for the listing agent to open a pre-escrow account readying the seller for success, this is negotiable and a buyer may request another escrow company and negotiate this point within the purchase contract.  Closing costs vary by escrow company and a...

These before and after photos really show what it takes to get a home prepared for the market.  They highlight what Realtors commonly describe as "de-cluttering,"  Dorie outlines the steps she advised of cleaning the carpets, rather than putting in hardwood flooring.  And staging.  Scroll down to...

I'm still surprised at how buyers are unable to see a space beyond the paint colors, or old wallpaper.  And it's not just first time buyers, it's experienced buyers as well who can't see how their own furniture will fit into a particular space.  Staging is almost a "paint-by-numbers" strategy tha...

Understanding how much home you can afford in San Francisco is a necessary first step for buyers. This check list for the documents you'll need to show a loan officer to be approved for a loan is invaluable.  Don't forget that the lender will also ask you for updated documents right before closin...

Every year we wait for the waves.  When the conditions are ideal, then the word goes out that the Mavericks surfing contest will begin in 24 hours.  The big wave contestants congregate from all over the world arriving in Half Moon Bay ready to ride.   There are 24 contestants this year.  The outl...

As a seller you have no control over the market. Period. But as a seller you do have control over pricing, the condition of your property, and how easy it is for prospective buyers to tour your home.  Incorrectly pricing your San Francisco home when initially putting it on the market can mean you...

Here in San Francisco, one of the most important roles your real estate agent plays for you is in being a problem solver.  From preparing to sell your San Francisco home, or preparing to buy your first property, the best agents will guide you in ways that prevent problems down the road.  And whil...

There's few places I'd rather be than San Francisco, but Vermont has it's own charms that focus on the outdoors with hiking, great skiing and small town Americana that makes it my virtual visit entry for this month's Active Rain contest.  And no one captures Stowe Vermont living like Lisa Friedma...