As a student of real estate my entire life, 2024 holds special interest for me as we are currently going through a market in transition. Normally in September I write about what we can expect in our fall real estate market because it marks the start of our second selling season of the year in San Francisco. 

This is the question I get asked almost every day: “Is this the right time to buy real estate?” People ask this for several reasons depending on who they are.

As I write this column, the first half of 2024 is just about over. Each year has its own challenges and this year we have been dealing with rising inflation, stubborn interest rates, the seemingly never-ending battle with crime, homelessness, drugs in San Francisco, and contentious mayoral and presidential races. So, what is the status of our local real estate market now?

Every day I get asked: “How can I sell my home for the highest possible price? What can I do to maximize the value in my home?”

As most of the readers of this column know by now, I tend to write on what I feel is the most relevant real estate topic at the moment. I get my ideas from the people I talk with every day. If certain questions come up often, then that becomes the column of the month!

Have you ever tried solving a complex problem and had unintended consequences after it is all said and done? What did you do? How did you go about resolving it?

2024 is here, and like any other year, people are preparing for the big push in the spring real estate market. However, unlike every year, there is uncertainty and anxiety in the air.

What should you consider before buying your first home? This is an extremely important question. For most people, this is the largest financial investment they will ever make in their lives. Buying a home can be extremely exciting and owning a home is still considered to be achieving the American Dream by many.