Environmental History and Real Estate

Business Insider SF Real Estate Market Explosion 

It's no secret that San Francisco Real Estate is hot hot hot, and Marin is not far behind in terms of multiple offers well over asking. The bidding war is just part of life now, alas. If you are focused and can afford to compete, I can help get your offer accepted, or if you want to sell I can help you do so smoothly and efficiently. Don't sell with out a good plan in place, as selling is soooo much easier then buying right now. My esteemed colleagues and reporters have covered the changing real estate landscape  very well, so I'll stick to my obsession with earth based real estate.

This fabulous article, via Richmond Blog from the wonderful Outside Lands folks, sums up how water shaped the development of the western side of the city. Of course water and topography also shaped the development of the rest of the city and Marin, and historical development across the globe.

Topography has a powerful influence on microclimates, on earthquake risk, tsunami risk, underground creek issues, even how well your plumbing works. Location is the one thing you cannot change when you buy property, and it is easy to forget that the earth is still underneath all this built environment we live in.

So, as you gird your loins to enter the fray, pull focus a little on that property you are so excited about. Will the climate suit you when the dust of the escrow settles? Is it in a landslide or flood zone? Will you be able to grow the things you want to grow, or will you have to spend extra on earthquake or flood insurance? Flood insurance rates are rising fast, but that's for another post.

Bold Italic - Microclimates

If you already own property here, and are staying put but curious, or renting and curious, the San Francisco Library has tips for researching buildings, and Nature in the City put together a wonderful nature map of the city. If you are in the market, though things are moving fast and furiously these days, do be sure review the Natural Hazard Disclosures, to be sure you know about long term environmental realities you may not notice underneath the fresh paint and newly refinished floors.

SF Rec and Park, Nature in the City

Happy Spring!

Trees and Plants Deter Crime, Make Us Happy

So it seems time to give trees some credit. They don't mean to create neighborhood strife. Assuming they are right sized and appropriate for their locations, trees offer shade, oxygen, beauty and habitat. There is evidence that trees can reduce crime, as well as increase property values, keep our children healthy, and generally contribute to a great feeling neighborhood.

Robert Schlegel

"Defensible space" refers to space around homes for protection from wildfire or from crime. The latter definition came from Oscar Newmans work beginning with the publication in 1972 of Defensible Space.  Trees and/or other appropriate plants can be a key part of crime deterrance through environmental design.

Palas por Pistolas

Just before I had a chance to publish this post, I was blessed with an invitation to this event (my photo from the mezzanine below). This project is one of so many inspirational ways people are improving their homes and neighborhoods with strategic plant life (which I shall continue to highlight and rave about in further posts!)

Kim Cooper

It was great to hear Willie Brown in wax poetic about plants improving the neighborhood, and how great they are for people and butterflies in the city.   In the country, well, trees/plants are one of the main reasons people like to live in the country, though they may not realize it. Plants plus people in community equals high quality of life!

World Changing NY