San Francisco is currently suffering from a housing availability crisis. With low inventory available and an almost constant influx of newly hired employees looking to buy or rent, it is next to impossible to find a decently priced home in a good neighborhood.  According to the city planning department only about 4,000 housing units have been added in the past three years, for roughly 10,000 new households, rent is up 17%, and there doesn’t seem to be a solution in sight. The four main reasons for the current housing debacle are as follows:

1. Years of insufficient housing production coupled with a booming economy have finally caught up to the city

Affordability will be key in the 2014 Housing Market. With new inventory coming on and a plethora of buyers already looking for their dream homes, there will be plenty to go around for everyone, as long as buyers can get financing.  The economic experts have been predicting a rise in mortgage rates for 2014. That forecast is due to a few different aspects of current economic trends in the US. New laws surrounding Qualified Mortgage loans were enacted the tenth of this month in order to create safer loans by prohibiting or limiting certain high-risk products and features. Housing groups worry that changes meant to shield Americans from abusive lending practices that contributed to the financial crisis will make it harder for many to buy homes. But experts…

Housing Market Changes in 2014

The rise in the price of homes, particularly in the Marin County area, mirrors the seller’s market that is currently being maintained here in Marin. Inventory was down due to the holidays and if that trend remains steady there will be a greater escalation of home values in 2014.

Our experts predict an 8% to 12% mean increase in home value in Marin, while experts at Zillow and Trulia are expecting lower numbers between 3% and 8% nationally. Houses should start coming on the market more rapidly now that most people have returned from vacation and are anxious to get on before the springtime.

As this occurs, home prices in 2014 will likely rise more slowly than in 2013. Surpassing the expectations of many economists, the…

Modern living - Magnificent views - Mill Valley

www.16Escalon.com

This ridge-top home has 180-degree views encompassing the entire Bay Area. Breathtaking panoramas of San Francisco, East Bay, Angel Island, Bay and Richmond Bridges, and Azure Bay are clearly seen from almost every room in the house.

With a striking design by Polsky Perlstein Architects, this home assaults your senses immediately upon entry.  The open floor plan magnifies the setting, leaving you to constantly gaze at the surrounding magnificence. The spectacular views, gardens, and outdoor entertaining areas convey a perfect balance of luxury and comfort.

Great care has been taken so that this four bedroom, three and a half bath home is the essence of tranquility and wonder.…