Even the hottest markets eventually cool

As of May 5, mortgage rates were up 69% in 2022, and the scale and speed of the increase make it difficult to predict precise effects; inflation is at a 40-year high; the S&P 500 is down 14% and the Nasdaq, 22%.  Escalating interest rates initially fueled demand in early 2022 as buyers rushed to avoid further rises, but at a certain point, big increases, especially if coupled with peak prices, batter affordability. And all buyers – even all-cash buyers – can be affected financially and psychologically by stock market declines and economic uncertainty.  The combination of swift home price growth and the fastest mortgage rate increase in over forty years is finally affecting what Buyers can and will pay The housing market is beginning to show preliminary, but not universal reactions: Fewer buyers at open houses. Fewer agents on tour. Fewer offers in general. Some buyers are dropping out or becoming more selective; some sellers are moving listing dates forward. Even the hottest markets eventually cool  This does not necessarily imply a large “bubble and crash” (terms much overused). Over the past 4 decades, a cooling shift has typically meant a gradual decline in sales activity, then either a leveling off in appreciation or price declines of 5% to 10%: More like a slow leak in an over-pressurized tire than a blowout at high speed. In SF, it appears the condo market might be seeing the first shifts in softening demand.  When hot markets shift cooler, effects are typically first reflected in reductions in multiple offers, overbidding and the number of homes going into contract; gradual increases in active listings and time-on- market; and gradual declines in year-over-year appreciation rates.  Historically, after a down cycle runs its course, the market moves into the next upcycle and home prices climb (often relatively quickly) above previous peaks. Over the longer term, past appreciation trends – magnified by tax breaks & financing options – have typically made Bay Area real estate an excellent, and often spectacular investment. Complete Market Report Is someone you know, ready to move? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

San Francisco Real Estate - May 2022 Report

Maggie Visser DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

The fact that my mother was exceptional…..is not exceptional

My mother is a truly remarkable woman — and I know I wouldn’t be here today without her. She’s a loving, caring, compassionate, generous, and hardworking individual who carried our family through ups and downs. She was the implementer of my father’s visions. She is and was always there for us. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that the fact that my mother was exceptional… is not exceptional. I have met so many mothers over the years who’ve amazed and inspired me that I’ve come to believe that all moms are extraordinary. Although I never imagined having a child, I feel like the greatest gift I ever got was my husband convincing me to have a child.  I’ve learned so much and been so impressed by all of the mothers in my world The mothers with grown children who share their kids’ struggles and triumphs with me. The mothers who’ve had young children at home during the pandemic and had to care for and teach them. The new mothers whose lives have been transformed. The mothers with a supportive partner at home, the mothers who have to do more than their fair share and the mothers who do it all on their own. The mothers who’ve given birth, who’ve adopted, who’ve step-mothered, who’ve foster-mothered and who’ve acted as mother figures to young people who needed it. The mothers who are just as entrepreneurial in their home lives as they are in their professional lives: taking a huge risk, believing in a better future, being solutions driven every day and bouncing back with passion. If your mom is still in your life, I encourage you to find a way to honor and celebrate her. And for everybody whose mother is no longer with us, or who has a more complicated relationship with their mother, or whose personal journey towards motherhood has been challenging, I want you to know that I see and celebrate you as well. Happy Mother's Day! Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Climbing the corporate ladder or El Capitan?

California has its fair share of troubles: the population declined for the first time in history in 2020. The state lost a congressional seat last year. Housing prices, homelessness and drug addiction continue to skyrocket. Tesla, HP, and Oracle are few of the high-profile companies that have relocated their headquarters. Yet, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or El Capitan.......  The West Coast is the Best Coast - despite high taxes!  Here's some of what California has to offer: "Concert of Compassion" to aid Ukraine Join me in attending the "Concert of Compassion" to aid Ukraine on Monday, May 9th at Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street Buy Tickets Is someone you know, ready to move to the Best Coast? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Maggie’s Market Minute — April 2022

Spring has officially sprung and the real estate market results for Q1 are in!  Here are the latest real estate trends kicking off Q2: Strong demand, high velocity, low inventory Sales in Q1 of 2022 were robust for all property types, but the supply of single family houses was especially low. The number of active listings were down 4.4% compared to Q1 2021 and overbidding continued to climb.  However.........there's a wrinkle By the end of Q1, mortgage interest rates skyrocketed 50% since the beginning of the year, with a particularly large jump in March.   Housing (un)Affordability gets a double hit When both interest rates and home prices soar, home affordability takes a double hit. The increase in mortgage rates caused a 34% jump in monthly payments compared to Q1 2021 (outpacing the jump in housing prices).  Rapidly rising interest rates typically cool the market Housing statistics are a lagging indicator - buyers who closed in March typically locked in their interest rates in Jan or Feb. So the effects of the jump in interest rates are just beginning to filter into the market.  In the 2nd half of 2018, we saw a cooling market after a rapid rise in rates. Can we expect the same thing to happen in Q2? Complete Market Report Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

San Francisco Real Estate - April 2022 Report

Maggie Visser DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 O: 415.738.7000 maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Where Can Your Money Take You?

Are you in the market to buy a home and wonder where your money can take you? See below for a curated list of homes that sold in the last 30 days at different price points.  Up to $1M $1M - $1.5M $1.5M - $2M $2M - $3M $3M - $5M $5M+ Visit here for details Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

The Next Big Real Estate Boom

There’s a real estate rush happening — and it’s not in SF or NYC or LA Early speculators, professional real estate agents, and celebrities are buying up land that doesn’t exist in the real world. They are investing in metaverse real estate, a concept mind-boggling to most people.    Who is investing in metaverse real estate, and why? Celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton are diving into the digital land grab. High end luxury fashion brands like Gucci and Balenciaga are selling digital-only clothing and accessories. Samsung recently launched a metaverse store in Decentraland in hopes to feature live music events. The Sandbox also announced multiple Hong Kong partnerships to create what's known as the Mega City in the metaverse which it predicts will become the next big cultural hub. But as of now, transactions in the metaverse segment is still miniscule compared to the amount of real estate sold in the real world. According to NonFungible.com, a platform specialized in tracking markets since 2018, there have been about 133,000 transactions in the metaverse segment in 2021. In comparison, there were nearly $6.18 million existing home sales in December 2021 according to the National Association of Realtors. How do you pay for virtual land? You need a digital wallet to buy and store cryptocurrency. Once you convert money to cryptocurrency, you can buy virtual land on various metaverse platforms. How much does it cost? The average real estate parcel in the Sandbox was worth $2,620 in mid-October. After Fakebook’s announcement of a $50M investment program to ensure the metaverse is built responsibly, that price skyrocketed to $11,042. Recently, Tokens.com bought $2.4M of virtual land and what's known as the fashion district of Decentraland. It hopes to develop properties on the land which it will then rent out to fashion companies as event and retail space. Republic Realm, another active investor in the Metaverse real estate space, spent $4.3M on virtual land in the Sandbox metaverse.  Is it risky? Real estate sales in the metaverse surpassed $500M in 2021 and is projected to double in 2022. Despite the hype around the metaverse real estate, all of this comes with risks: The virtual land that you buy may not become a popular destination in the future. The price of your metaverse real estate property relies heavily on the price of cryptocurrencies. If the price of whatever coin you use to buy real estate falls dramatically, so the value of the property, making it a highly risky investment.  Skeptics warned that putting your money in these highly speculative investments is a risk people shouldn't take lightly. Simon Powell, Jefferies' Global Head of Thematic Research said, "And say you might buy land in the Metaverse that nobody else buys land and or doesn't want to or even in the worst case scenario, you might buy land in the Metaverse that doesn't exist in the future." Mark Stapp, Professor at the Arizona State University said, "If it continues the way it's going to be it is most likely going to be a bubble. You're buying something that isn't tied to reality. It doesn't make a lot of sense except it may satisfy somebody's desire  to participate in some gaming activity. So, is the Metaverse real estate boom the next big thing or is it the latest bubble ready to pop? Read more on CNBC Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next (real or in the metaverse)? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Maggie’s Market Minute: An “Insider Snapshot”

So far in 2022, Bay Area real estate markets appear largely unfazed by higher interest rates, volatility in financial markets, and troubling international events.  The prevailing dynamic remains the same Strong buyer demand competing for an inadequate inventory of listings for sale: crowded open houses, multiple offers, fierce overbidding, and fast sales remain common, especially for houses.   Here is an “Insider” snapshot of a few select houses All this exuberance is not to say there hasn't been some fallout There haven't been buyers negatively impacted by higher loan rates and/or recent declines in stock portfolios; and some buyers and sellers have become more hesitant or paused their plans, awaiting more clarity amid recent developments. But not enough to move the needle on the fundamentally high-demand/low-supply conditions which dominated 2021. There's good news for buyers As typical at the start of the year, the number of new listings coming on the market and the number of listings going into contract continue to rise. These normally climb rapidly through spring, characteristically the biggest selling season of the year.  For a complete market report, please visit this link. Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

San Francisco Real Estate - March 2022 Report

Maggie Visser DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 O: Enter Office Phone maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

The Lucky Ones

Last week was a bit challenging On Tuesday my daughter recovered from Covid and the main sewer line at our rental collapsed, on Wednesday she was in ER for an unrelated issue (all good), on Thursday we moved back to our house where the plumbing was not hooked up yet, the painting was not complete and the closets are delayed…….dust has found a permanent home between my teeth. The Lucky Ones I awoke this morning in my warm bed and for a moment imagined the absolute dread and fear so many in Ukraine are experiencing. Overnight, their world was turned upside down. Their lives are in tumult. They have no idea what their future might deliver. So today, let's pause for a moment to acknowledge our extraordinary fortune. Maybe not Elon-Musk-style fortune, but the fortune that truly matters most: a roof over our heads, being able to remodel our house, food, safety, lights, heating, freedom, good health, etc.   We are indeed the lucky ones. Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Maggie’s Market Minute: February 2022

2021 was one of the most frenzied real estate markets ever, with home price appreciation trends reflecting a severe imbalance between supply and demand. As is the normal seasonal trend, we experienced very low sales volume in January as a result of a substantial drop in listings mid-November through early January. What’s in store for the rest of 2022? Below are a few economic indicators that could have an impact on the real estate market. Doom and gloom? Employment, GDP, and household-wealth indicators are quite positive; by historical standards, interest rates remain very low and stock markets very high; and COVID infections are falling fast. The Bay Area is home to many of the world’s most innovative and successful companies; there is an enormous concentration of local wealth; and a staggering amount of money sloshing around the economy looking for somewhere to invest. Many believe real estate to be an excellent hedge against inflation, and an excellent long-term investment generally (heightened by tax advantages). 2022 started off very strong The number of new listings for sale is at the highest level since 2010. ……but what comes on the market sells very quickly. Demand has become so strong, and the listings have sold so fast for so long……… We have a velocity issue  So if you're in the market to buy, it's now more important than ever to get your financing sorted out if you'd like to compete. For a complete update on market activity, please click this link.  Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

San Francisco Real Estate - February 2022 Report

Maggie Visser DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 O: Enter Office Phone maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Don't wait......take the risk

It had been 3 years since I've last seen my family in South Africa.....so when Covid subsided last Fall, I booked my trip to go visit.   Two weeks before I was scheduled to leave..... The omicron variant was identified in South Africa Amidst fear, an onslaught of omicron-related travel bans from S-Africa, conflicting covid testing requirements, and flight cancellations, I took the risk and went. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made Spending time with family and feeling the sun on my face were just what I needed after a banner, but exhausting, year. And to boot, thankfully nobody in my family got sick. Meanwhile Back in SF Our friends and colleagues were getting Covid by the dozens and the city was getting pummeled by atmospheric rivers and rain storms. The lesson for me has always been the same……… You have to take a risk in order to get something good Don't wait for things to get better. Life will always be complicated. Take the risk. Whether you want to change careers, skydive, buy a home, go back to school, do it now or otherwise you'll run out of time.  “If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes. If you don’t wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes.”  - Senegalese Proverb Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Don't wait - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

6 Hottest Neighborhoods in the City

6 Hottest Neighborhoods in the City San Francisco has a diverse real estate market, with certain neighborhood experiencing bigger demand than others. Here are the 6 neighborhoods that had the highest overbidding in 2021 (Sales Price vs List Price Ratio) Curious about your neighborhood values? Click on the map below.  Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievis marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Maggie’s Market Minute: Strong Demand + Limited Supply = New Highs for 2021

Strong demand + limited supply = new highs for 2021 SF Real Estate Snapshot 2017 - 2021 2022 Time for a change?  If you're ready for a new home in the new year, let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievis marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

2021 — A Year of Milestones

2021 A year of milestones Thank you for helping me get here. Last year I reached 2 huge milestones that I’m absolutely thrilled about: completing my 100th transaction and having my best year ever. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude to my clients who have trusted me from the very beginning – from my very first client, Melanie, to my most recent clients, Romi & Brian.  All of this couldn’t have been possible without the support of you – my family, friends, clients, referral partners, vendors, assistants, mentors, managers, and more. I cannot thank you enough for getting me here and look forward to the next phase of the journey - it's going to be even better!  100 is just the beginning! A very special thanks to the following for recommending me to friends and family: Cheers to a Happy & Healthy 2022! Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Maggie's Market Minute: November 2021

Competing for a home may just have gotten a bit more challenging The pandemic travel ban has put a stop to most overseas buyers from purchasing properties for almost 2 years.  After travel restrictions to the US were lifted this week, wealthy foreign home buyers are anticipated to rush back in During the pandemic, buyers from abroad have gained much from investing in stock markets. The anticipated upside in demand will be especially beneficial to the high-end and luxury markets - such as San Francisco. California is second to Florida as the largest market for buyers outside the US, with 16% of the country’s total. If the thought of more competition makes you feel like throwing in the towel, there is good news..... Foreign buyers ideally want recently built properties and they like to be close to water.  This is great news for neighborhoods such as SoMa & Mission Bay - where the bulk of new construction is concentrated. Pre-Covid, approximately 30% of the home buyers in these neighborhoods were foreigners.  Office closings and Covid measures resulted in a disproportionate decline in demand in these neighborhoods.  Lifting the travel ban, t he surge of foreign buyers, and offices opening up next year, offer a great opportunity for a comeback of the neighborhoods south of Market. Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser Top 4% SF Realtor DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 O: Enter Office Phone maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Maggie's Market Minute: October 2021

One of the most common question I get...... Is the market slowing or cooling? All indications are that the real estate market has reverted back to seasonal norms pre-pandemic:   • A super-heated spring selling season • A cool-off and slowdown in the summer • A  bump-up in the fall, likely to be followed by  • A plunge mid-winter The early autumn rebound began with a surge of new listings in September This surge in new listings typically fuels a big jump in listings going into contract, which usually hits its peak in October. The market then rapidly slows to its mid-winter nadir. Since the pandemic hit, single family houses have seen a significant median sales price increase that accelerated and peaked in July while condo median sales price appreciation is basically unchanged since 2018 Are you, or someone you know, ready to move to what's next? Let me know - I can help. Keep well, Maggie Maggie Visser DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 O: Enter Office Phone maggie.visser@compass.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper

Discomfort

My daughter, Zoe, and I recently got back from our annual backpacking trip with a group of girlfriends. This year we hiked the Trinity Alps – a stunningly beautiful mountain, with crystal clear lakes and water that was warm enough that even I took a dip.  Our trip got off to a rocky start At 10pm the night before we hit the trail, I discovered that I left our tent at home. “Just come home” my husband advised “Do you really want to sleep outside and expose yourselves to mosquitos or worse, a bear?” Granted, our superlight tent offers protection against rain and mosquitos, but not much else…… So we set off on our trip as planned.  We all need our moments of blissful comfort (lots of them!), but.....while taking the safe route is always tempting It is the moments in our life where we are uncomfortable that we think, learn, change and creatively grow. Discomfort helps us build our inner strength and avoid regret. Even if we fail—which often happens—we will have an experience that we can draw upon in the future.….and avoiding regret is perhaps the most compelling reason we need to move out of our comfort zone. Happy Camping (with or without a tent)! -Maggie Maggie Visser DRE #: 01925742 M: 415.793.3470 O: Enter Office Phone maggie.visser@compass.com © Compass 2021 ¦ All Rights Reserved by Compass ¦ Made in NYC Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. Equal Housing Opportunity. marketingcenter-sfbayarea-sfcityproper