Source : http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfcarnaval/5797557214/

The 35th anniversary San Francisco Carnaval Parade on May 26th, 2013, is the city’s largest multi-cultural event and a breathtaking display of community and colors, drummers and dancers, traditions and fellowship. This Latin inspired moving party celebrates global heritage with this year’s theme of “Spanning Borders; Bridging Cultures.” From music and dancing of the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Polynesia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad to African and Japanese drumming, the Memorial Day Weekend happening blossoms with intricate costumes, fantastic floats, stilt-walkers and thousands of people out to celebrate culture and international friendship.

Making its way through the Mission District with a simple message of love and peace through diversity, the Carnaval Parade is sure to awe and delight with its flashy dancers, passionate music, artistry, diversity and amazing percussion performances. Free to attend and family friendly, the Parade is a sensual intoxication both in spectacle of sight and sound and in the dynamic array of food from Latin America and the Caribbean. The Parade is the grand finale of the San Francisco Carnaval celebration and welcomes all who seek a message of peace and joy from the whole world.

May 26th, 2013 from to PST.
Mission District –
Free to attend, donations welcomed.

319 Paiute
Zephyr Cove, 89448
Offered at $5,495,000

For more information about this property or a referral to other areas of Northern California, please contact me.

173 SNUG HARBOR
Glenbrook, 89413
Offered at $4,250,000

For more information about this property or a referral to other areas of Northern California, please contact me.

The 102-year old Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k is one of the world’s largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, California. The name reflects the traditional course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of downtown near The Embarcadero (the bay side of the city) to the west end and the breakers of Ocean Beach. Originally started as a spirit-lifter of civic morale after the devastating earthquake and fires of 1906, the 7.46 mile race features world-class athletes, costumed runners and fun loving participants out for a great day of running or walking through beautiful San Francisco.

This historic event is USA Track & Field certified and registration is required, but this isn’t just a race for the serious runner. In the true spirit of San Francisco, the race is a celebration for everyone. Families, weekend runners and walkers, and thousands of costumed participants (there’s a contest for the costumes, too!) make their way through the heart of the city cheered on by 100,000 spectators, cheering and bursts of live music. Throughout its long history, Bay to Breakers has been a showcase for the City’s irrepressible color, spirit and affection for eclectic traditions. This is a quintessential San Francisco experience and a true reflection of the heart of the city.

Sunday, May 19th, 2013 at 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST
Start location: See website for appropriate placement.
Registration fees: $53.00 per adult and $48.00 per child (must register to run/walk)

For more information go to www.baytobreakers.com

Cooking demonstrations by renown Bay Area chefs, seminars, musical entertainment and food and wine purveyances will take place throughout the courtyards of Ghirardelli Square as well as extend onto the adjacent Beach Street. Tasting tickets for Uncorked! are $50.00 and include a souvenir wine glass and unlimited tastings to satisfy your Bacchanalian desires. There is no admission fee to enter the event. Revel and sip while learning wine basics, pairings and profiles.

Saturday, May 18th, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
Tasting tickets: $50.00
Event entry: free

For more information go to www.ghirardellisq.com/events/uncorked-wine-festival/

Paragon’s May 2013 Snapshot

April’s market was basically more of the same of what we’ve been seeing for the last 12-16 months in San Francisco. Virtually all of our statistics are at historic or near-historic readings: number of homes for sale way down, months supply of inventory way down, percentage of listings accepting offers way up, days on market way down — all leading to overall house and condo median and average prices climbing to perhaps the highest points they’ve ever reached. We will add the usual caveat that no one or two months of data should be considered definitive until confirmed over the longer term: though there is no doubt that San Francisco is experiencing a red hot market, prices can fluctuate for various reasons, including seasonality.

We will have to wait and see if the current heights reached in home prices are the new baseline, a springtime blip, or a way station to even higher real estate values.

786 Burgundy
Incline Village, NV
Offered at $2,195,000

For more information about this property or a referral to other areas of Northern California, please contact me.

Details

• Panoramic North and North-East Facing Bay Views
• Two Bathrooms
• Open Living-Dining Area
• Hardwood Floors
• One-Car Independent Parking Space
• Two Bedrooms (Master has Ensuite Bath)
• Chef`s Kitchen with New Appliances including Gas Cooktop and Oven
• Woodburning Fireplace
• Large Private Storage Room
• H.O.A. Dues: $750.00/Monthly

Macondray Lane has long captured the hearts of San Franciscans and their visitors, as well as the imagination of well-known novelists and poets. What could be more enchanting than arriving home by means of a brick and cobblestone path lined with gardens and unique buildings representing many eras? This condo is one of thirteen in a complex that has two buildings uniquely connected by a hillovator. The front building is known as 945 Union Street and has an entry from Union Street while the upper most, rear building, which contains 4 East, is most easily accessed from Macondray Lane.
This condominium has a contemporary open living and dining area showcasing magnificent, expansive bay views. The kitchen has new appliances featuring a gas cooktop and oven with well-laid out work surfaces and excellent storage.

The bedrooms are to the rear of the unit providing a peaceful and private atmosphere. Along with plentiful storage within the unit, there is an additional nicely-sized, private storage room within the complex.

Macondray Lane is also ideally situated for quick access to several interesting commercial districts providing varied shopping experiences and world class dining. Life is good on Russian Hill!

Please visit: www.ViewOnMacondray.com

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Below are 3 maps delineating recent median home sales prices and/or average dollar per square foot values for San Francisco neighborhoods and communities around the Bay Area. These statistics are generalities which may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, but still give an idea of comparative home values in and around the city.

Generally speaking, home price appreciation is continuing and indeed accelerating in 2013, extending the upward swing that began in 2012. This is being supercharged by increasing demand meeting inadequate supply. For more information about current market conditions and trends, please click on the “Market Dynamics Charts” link above.

In the maps below, “k” signifies thousands of dollars; “m” signifies millions; “$/sf” means average dollar per square foot; and “N/A” means there wasn’t enough data to generate a reliable number.

Home Values around the San Francisco

San Francisco Neighborhood HOUSE Values

San Francisco Neighborhood CONDO Values

Real estate statistics in the Bay Area are based upon that relatively unique basket of homes that happen to sell within any given period, so instead of being exact measurements applicable to specific properties, they should be considered indications of the direction and approximate scale of market trends.

Median price is that price at which half the sales occurred above and half below – a single additional sale can sometimes make a 3-5% difference in overall median price, especially when the number of sales is low. Dollar per square foot is based on “livable space”, which should not include decks, patios, yards, garages, unfinished basements and attics, or rooms built without permit (“bonus rooms” and “in-law apartments”). Square footage figures are often unreported, measured in different ways or simply unreliable. Both these statistics can be affected by other factors besides changes in value, such as seasonality, available inventory, variations in buyer profile, changes in the distressed and luxury home markets, and variations in average home size (all things being equal, a smaller home will have a lower sales price but a higher dollar per square foot value than a larger home).
These analyses were performed in good faith with data derived from sources deemed reliable, but they may contain errors and are subject to revision. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Urban Air Market is a curated marketplace for “green” sustainable design. Held twice per year, this is the largest outdoor design festival in the country and the only independent fashion show. Focusing on quality, originality, cleverness and methods of sustainability,over 150 local artists and independent designers of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and home décor gather together to push fashion in the direction it should be going.

Previously known as the Capsule Design Festival, launched in 2003, the Urban Air Market has grown to attract over 1,500 attendees per show. Live music and open marketplace atmosphere make this block party a refreshing treat to see and experience. The free outdoor event is currently in its 9th year of success.

May 5, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM PSt
Hayes Valley – Octavia Boulevard at Hayes
Free to attend.

For more information go to www.urbanairmarket.com/

Note: The numbers on the 2 charts below are based upon the January 2000 value of homes being calculated at 100. Thus the number 144 signifies a value 44% above that of January 2000; the number 184 signifies 84% above January 2000. However, a decline from 184 to 144 equals a 22% decline in value from one point to the other.

Before trying to apply Case-Shiller Index trends to specific cities, neighborhoods and homes — which can be deeply misleading — please read the explanation of how the Index works: http://www.paragon-re.com/Case_Shiller_Index_Deciphered_for_SF

San Francisco home values have significantly out-performed the overall Case-Shiller Index metro area over the past 12 to 18 months.

San Francisco’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration is one of the City’s most spectacular traditions, showcasing the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of music, dance and artistry for the whole family to enjoy. Sure to draw thousands of guests, the ninth annual celebration is an alcohol-free, family friendly cultural event. Featuring delicious, diverse foods, nearly 50 booths where vendors will offer fine arts and crafts and important information that empowers the community through greater awareness of important topics, the SF Cinco de Mayo Festival will be whirling with culture, spirit and fun.

The Festival is produced by Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Since 1959 the Mission Centers, a non-profit organization with 13 community centers, have provided quality programs that promote self-sufficiency and community growth for San Francisco though their Child Development Programs and Youth and Senior Services Programs.

124 San Aleso Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Offered at $1,795,000

For more information about this property or a referral to other areas of Northern California, please contact me.

Known as the greatest street faire in the galaxy, Weirdi Gras focuses on peace while transforming the San Francisco streets into a celebration of creativity and encouraging friendship, cooperation and unique perspectives. This year, the How Weird Street Faire will encompass Howard Street between 1st and New Montgomery, 2nd Street between Mission and Howard, all four blocks of Minna and Natoma Streets off of 2nd as well as Tehama Street. There will be an urban crop circle at the center intersection of Howard and 2nd which will house the Paxorium (place of peace). Join in the strange and wonderful of the How Weird Street Faire and help support understanding, acceptance, love and the World Peace Through Technology Organization.

April 28th, 2013 from to .
13 blocks of San Francisco
Fee: $10 donation encouraged.

For more information go to www.howweird.org/

This is a festival with a great cause, as the SFIBF is the sole fundraiser for the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery school. The event is entirely produced by the parents of Tel-Hi’s preschool students and the money raised will fund the teaching and learning programs at the school for an entire year. Consider it drinking (responsibly) for a better tomorrow. The families thank you, and the kids thank you. Meanwhile, raise your mug and tickle your homebrew fancy with over 200+ craft beers.

Saturday, April 27th, 2013
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST
Fort Mason Center – Festival Pavillion

Tickets: $65 (get them quick, this party sells out fast!)

For information and tickets go to www.sfbeerfest.com.

87 Sea View Avenue
PIEDMONT, CA 94611
Offered at $5,990,000

For more information about this property or a referral to other areas of Northern California, please contact me.