All Forum Posts by: Wen Chuang

@David S. Yes. For the first house 1377 14th Ave SF CA 94122, the rest was increased for 9.2% from $1619.13 to 1768.08, on 10/1/2023. The tenant is over 60 years old and is the sole occupant of the house.

For the 2nd one (1949 23rd Ave, SF, CA 94116), I don't know the current rent. Only know that the tenant has been living there for over 10+ years.

Thanks!

Sorry to wake up such an old discussion thread (7 years ago). Has SF regulation changed during the past 7 years? Just curious. Thanks!

If it's a single family home in San Francisco, with someone who has been living there for 15+ years (single women, likely in her 60s who happens to be a realtor and knows a lot about real estate law, etc.), would you take the risk to buy it with under market price (knowing that the existing tenant can live there for another 20+ years?), and how would you deal with such situation (calculate the risk, etc.)? An example like this is https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1377-14th-Ave-San-Francis...

Another example is https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1949-23rd-Ave-San-Francis...

This house was sold for $1.1M (way under current SF market), simply because there is an protected tenant inside.

Just want to pick up everyone's brain and experience here. Thanks!

@Luka Milicevic: Thanks for your feedback.

We have seen some big houses here in SF that are still getting good rent by renting to tech working professionals (singles), like communal living. However, for this house, we have never done that before. Have anyone here on this forum done that in the SF rental market, and if so can you please share your experiences (especially about what these working professional tech renters are looking for)? Thanks!

Dear all,

We have a family-owned house (built in 1935) which has some old world charm and we decided to keep the vintage master bath (green color) that's still in great condition. The house is about 3,000 sq ft (considered as a big house in SF), 4BR and 3BA (with one big sunroom and huge formal dining room that can be converted as a 5th BR). The current tenant just moved out and we have a window to fresh it up a little bit. The previous rent was $6,600/mo.

Over the years, we had done some minor upgrades to the kitchen. However, currently the kitchen still has the original formica countertop. Although still in great condition, it's starting to show its age. Here are some photos:

How would you remodel this kitchen to get the top dollar by spending the right amount of $$ on the most needed areas?

We are considering to do the following:

1. Replace the formica countertop with granite (new venus galaxy), replace backsplash with tiles (subway tiles?)

2. Replace the sink to be under-mount sink. Replace the faucet to a high-end one.

3. Replace the wooden chandelier with recessed light? (not sure if this would still kind of maintain the old world charm). our master bath is a well-maintained vintage green bathroom.

Any thoughts or comments?

Here is the granite countertop that we are considering (we want to keep the current cherry kitchen cabinets which is solid wood and great quality):

It seems to be very competitive on the rental market in SF now. Here is a comp which is smaller and in a less desirable neighborhood, but looks brand-new remodeled. Thanks!

As of June 2021, in SF Bay area, which city or zip code (other than San Francisco) has the strongest rental demand that would be best for investors? We live in SF and just focus on BRRRR (no flipping etc.), thinking of buying another investment property (mainly for long term investment and tax benefits), any recommendations? Thanks!

Good job on the kitchen remodeling! The design, style, everything! Wish more people can share such before/after stories. Thanks!

@Anthony: No it's not a trick question. I was seriously asking the question.

I like Ellen Lee Zhou as well. However, I don't think she has a chance to win the election (IMHO). So as much as our big family want to support her, we don't want to waste our precious votes on her if she doesn't have a chance.

@Amit: Why do you think Alioto doesn't have a chance? When I drove by 19th Ave (between Noriega and Taraval), I saw several houses put up the sign supporting Alioto? I suppose that the Alioto's restaurant at Fishermans Wharf is owned by the same family? Thoughts?

Dear all,

A relative of mine recently purchased a single family home in SF, and intend to remodel and rent it out as a single family home (no APU, no rent control). There is a bonus room downstairs in the garage (not sure if it's warranted). The room does not seem to be inhabitable, and we think it's not suitable to be used as a bedroom (it is right next to parked cars). He is worried IF the future tenant use that room for AirBnB purposes or a guest room, and if something happened, whether he (as a landlord) would have any liability for that. Any thoughts or comments on this?

If he specifically add this policy (no AirBnB or use downstairs bonus room as a bedroom) in the lease, would it be enforceable? 

Thanks!