Compass NorCal April 2019 Real Estate Update

While pace of sales in April still trends below last year’s levels in most Bay Area regions in which Compass (reflecting the company formerly known as Pacific Union) operates, there are signs that buyers are returning, and sales activity is picking up. Click on each of our regions below for an expanded look at local real estate activity in April. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY April median...

Bay Area housing market shifting in anticipation of IPO demand

Executive Summary: IPO expectations are already showing up in home sales activity, particularly in San Francisco and San Mateo Sales of homes in San Francisco, San Mateo and Alameda have solidly exceeded last year – up 7 percent, 4 percent and 2 percent respectively year-over-year in AprilSanta Clara, Wine Country and Contra Costa remain slower compared to last yearHomes priced between $1 million and $2...

Home of the Week: Queen Anne meets Alameda’s Gold Coast

915 Grand Street is one of the finest examples of preserved Queen Anne Revival architecture in Alameda. Built in 1891 by acclaimed architect A. W. Pattiani, it is a showpiece of this distinct, yet short-lived, architectural style. True to the period, this stunning home features an asymmetrical facade, a front-facing gable, carved medallions, and shake shingles. The side-sitting porch enhances a stately front door. Step...

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jack London Square

It’s a historic neighborhood with a fascinating past and unparalleled waterfront access—so why isn’t it more in-demand? The truth is, Jack London Square had gotten little bit stale over the last few decades, but that’s changed in a big way. An influx of new restaurants, bars, and housing in recent years has helped reinvigorate the area into one of Oakland’s most lively destinations. Combine that...

March U.S. Jobs Report: Are we in a Goldilocks Economy?

A Goldilocks Economy is an economy that is neither too hot or cold, in other words, it sustains moderate economic growth and has low inflation, which allows a market-friendly monetary policy. Today’s national employment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics once again outpaced expectations by posting a 263,000 increase in jobs added in April. The strong gain adds to the upward revisions of...

The Real Deal ranks 4 Compass teams among LA’s top luxury agents

Congratulations to Aaron Kirman Partners, Smith & Berg Partners, Sally Forster Jones Group, and The Fridman Group on their ranking in The Real Deal’s highest-performing luxury brokers. The Real Deal‘s methodology analyzed single-family home sales priced above $4 million between March 1, 2018 and Feb. 28, 2019. Compass teams took 4 spots on LA County’s top 20 luxury broker list, with Aaron Kirman Partners coming...

Home of the Week: The Strawberry House, Benton & Park A.I.A

Step into this impressive space where wrap around glass walls showcase stunning and unobstructed hillside, mountain, and city views from nearly every room. Beyond the gorgeous over-sized front doors and the original terrazzo floors, pause to take in every architectural line, angle. A swimmer’s pool overlooks the breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley. The remodeled kitchen features custom walnut cabinets, Heath tile, Wolf cooktop...

Home of the Week: Beautifully updated 1928 Hancock Park estate

The easy grandeur of California’s Golden Age is treasured and sensitively updated in this majestic Mediterranean estate. The home is located in one of the most desirable enclaves in Los Angeles, Hancock Park, at 511 South Arden Blvd. All of the public spaces encircle a grand European courtyard, bathing the home in daylight and offering a setting for unparalleled entertaining. Tall casement windows and doors...

SF sellers take homes off the market in anticipation of IPO

Executive Summary: Home sales activity continued with annual declines posting a 10 percent year-over-year (YOY) decline in the first quarter.However, San Mateo and Santa Clara see an increase in sales of homes priced below $1 million for the first time in 26 months, helped by the increases in inventories from previous months.Sales priced over $2 million have slowed notably compared to 2018, down 25 percent...