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        <title>Herth Real Estate Blog</title>
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            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/love-where-you-live.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/love-where-you-live.html</link>
            <author>markdmchale@gmail.com (Mark D McHale)</author>
            <title>Love Where You Live</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Art of Lingering


I know I won’t fool anyone so
I’ll admit it right from the start. I’m just not a natural lingerer. In fact, I
pride myself on being a bullet pointed, task driven, get-it-done doer. As doers do, I take great satisfaction
organizing my days into a larger-than-life task list…and even more in crossing
off each item as it is completed. I stride through my checklist brushing past
everything in my path and chanting “I do, I did, what’s next?” It’s how I’ve
learned to maintain control of each day….and you know what? There are more and
more times when I get to the end, and feel like I’ve missed out somehow. Like I
really didn’t connect to anything that day.


To create moments of
connection, my spouse is trying to teach me how to linger….how to “hang out” he says, in a conversation,
with a view, in a space, with a friend, without having to do anything or go anywhere.
Not the most natural of habits for me. “Put the list down, and just linger for
a minute- there’s so much to see all around you” he says. I choked at the
thought. I’m not ready to put my list down, so instead I just added the notion
as a to-do. It’s a start….


Lingering can mean a lot of
different things; it can mean slowing down, observing without influencing, idle
chit-chat or savoring a fleeting sensation. Lingering can also be an indulgence
of time, an investment, or a gift of self to self and others. It can happen in
a lot of ways, too: in a random location, during a conversation, even
witnessing something with new eyes. I’ve found lingering is more of an
awareness than anything else, and yet it has the power to restore the soul, build
connection, change a mind, and fortify a friendship. When lingering involves
others, I’ve noticed the simple act of lingering can strengthen bonds, build
community, and even forge coalitions.


I’ve
found that there are such amazing opportunities, people, and an infinite number
of places to indulge a desire to linger around Eureka Valley. There’s a remarkable
panoramic view of downtown and the bay from 16th from Castro Streets
that I finally noticed while walking the dogs. I found out something new about the
clerk at Cliff’s by just chatting for a second rather than just taking my
change and leaving. And it’s actually really fun spending an extra coffee
talking with a good friend while seated at Samovar on 18th; enjoying
the company, the breeze, the warm sun on my face. When I do it, lingering fills
my day with a sense connection to others, and reminds me just how lucky I am to
be here. 


I’ve
lived in the Castro for most of 25 years now, and have to admit I didn’t start
feeling connected until I made an effort to reach out and participate in the
neighborhood. Among the many ways to engage, lingering might be just a small
effort, but it’s a really important first step to becoming more aware of those
around me and their needs and contributions, and it gives me a chance to become
a better neighbor and friend in the process. Asking a visitor who looks lost if
they could use some direction, or waving at Ken in front of Castro Cheesery to
say “Good morning!” fills my heart with a sense of belonging and connection to
others who all help to make our little piece of the world so unique and
wonderful…
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:25 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/san-francisco-housing-market-continues-to-gain-momentum.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/san-francisco-housing-market-continues-to-gain-momentum.html</link>
            <author>markdmchale@gmail.com (Mark D McHale)</author>
            <title>San Francisco Housing Market Continues to Gain Momentum</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
I wanted to share this with you…yes, right on the heels
of the SF Market Focus update last week. We all know the SF real estate market
is moving at an exceptional pace, and we’re dealing with factors that are quite
unique to San Francisco. 


Here’s a great article on Home
Pricing Projections for
the area- you won’t want to miss reading this.


 


What’s going on in the
market?


The forces and effects of supply and demand are evident
and obvious in our market. There has been a HIGH buyer demand since January
2012 that is coupled with an historically LOW supply of properties for sale.
And, to make the San Francisco housing market even hotter, let me pour a little
bit of jet fuel on top by adding tons of CASH deals and AMAZINGLY low interest
rates on loans.


Property values and prices are quickly escalating,
multiple bidding scenarios are common, and there’s a super-quick sale time to
make it a strong seller’s market. If we took all the properties for sale today,
it would take less the 27 days to dry up the inventory- a balanced market is
considered to occur when there’s 6 months
of inventory.


 


What does this mean for you?



If you currently own property, you're asset is again
appreciating nicely. In addition, the value of your home is projected to
increase by double digits into the foreseeable future.  So, what are your 5 year plans? If you have
other assets to invest, or if you want to diversify, or want to trade up soon,
now is a great time to buy. 


If you're contemplating selling a property , there are
some interesting options in the area of loan products, one of which acts
similar to a bridge loan (remember those?). If you haven’t refinanced, or want
to pull equity out from one to buy another, I recommend talking to my mortgage
broker. If you’ve found you need to sell your home due to a life change: job
transfer, retirement, family status, changing financial situation, or even a
lifestyle change, NOW is a great time to cash out on your property and move on
to the next chapter of your life.


If you're in the market to purchase, I strongly urge you
to jump on that escalator NOW. It’s a wise decision, and for my home buying
clients, I've witnessed the painful adjustments in their expectations in the "what do I get for my money, and will the place even be worth that much?”
categories. But, if you can find a property that fits your needs for
right now AND you can be aggressive about your purchase strategy, you can still
get in and ride the market up. This will allow you to gain equity quickly, and
even allow you to sell in the short run to hop into another property that ultimately
fits your lifestyle and investment objectives better.


 


You can help!


I need inventory to sell….I am asking for you to keep
your ears and eyes open at work, in your circle of friends, or with those you
are connected to in life....owners need to know it’s a great market out there,
and buyers need to know there is still hope. I'm asking you to connect me with
those you know who are thinking about jumping into or out of the market... I
welcome your business and your referrals. 


I make a promise to stay connected with my clients no
matter what the market is doing. If you need the latest in the San Francisco
housing news, please ASK. Whether you're moving or not....I am always grateful
to be your professional resource in the field! I can be reached at 415-735-8037
or mark@markdmchale.com.


 


 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:12:56 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/realtor-mark-d-mchale-elected-to-eureka-valley-neighborhood-associations-board-of-directors.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/realtor-mark-d-mchale-elected-to-eureka-valley-neighborhood-associations-board-of-directors.html</link>
            <author>markdmchale@gmail.com (Mark D McHale)</author>
            <title>Realtor Mark D. McHale Elected to Eureka Valley Neighborhood Associations Board of Directors</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
January 30, 2013, San
Francisco, CA
– Mark D.
McHale, a San Francisco resident and successful real estate professional for
Herth Real Estate in the Castro District, was recently elected to the EVNA
(Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association) Board of Directors for a term of two
years. 


Originally
from Davison, Michigan, a suburb outside of Flint, Michigan, Mark McHale grew
up with a sense of family that was deeply rooted in community. McHale has lived
and worked in San Francisco since moving to the Bay Area in 1990 and is
currently a member of MUMC (Merchants of Upper Market and Castro). He continues
to dedicate numerous volunteer service hours to help make ensure the
neighborhood is safe, vibrant and enjoyable to residents and visitors alike.


EVNA
provides a public forum for people living, working and playing in the greater
Eureka Valley area of San Francisco. The group gathers to discuss the
protection and enhancement of the neighborhood’s overall historic character. In
addition to ensuring growth, development and public access is harmonious to
residents and business, EVNA also focuses on improving public health and
safety.


For
more information on Mark D. McHale you can follow him on Facebook, call 415-735-8037 or
email him at markdmchale@gmail.com. For more information on
EVNA contact them at ENVA.org.


 


 


###


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:51:11 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/contractors-top-off-san-franciscos-cruise-ship-terminal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/contractors-top-off-san-franciscos-cruise-ship-terminal.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>Contractors top off San Francisco's Cruise Ship Terminal</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
San Francisco's $90 million Cruise Ship Terminal is steaming toward completion. On July 18, contractor Turner Construction topped off the 65,000-square-foot terminal, which was designed by KMD Architects and Pfau Long Architecture.


 


The two-acre site on Pier 27-29, being developed by the Port of San Francisco, will include a new public park that will spill over onto the Embarcadero promenade on one side and border the bay on the other.


The cruise ship terminal addresses the long term needs of the cruise ship industry, terminal operators the Coast and border protection while also allowing for use as “for rent” event space during the cruise ship off-season.


The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in time to provide space for the Race Village for the 2013 America’s Cup Finals and the Challenger Series in late summer and fall 2013, according to Pfau Long Architecture.


The project embraces green building strategies and targets a minimum LEED silver certification.


San Francisco Business Times by J.K. Dineen, Reporter



Date: Thursday, July 19, 2012


 




 


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:44:38 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/harvey-milk-day.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/harvey-milk-day.html</link>
            <author>info@herth.com (Admin Account)</author>
            <title>Harvey Milk Day! </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Herth Real Estate's Ray Herth leased Harvey Milk his apartment at 575 Castro Street in 1973, right above what would be his famous camera shop. Today we honor his legacy and the hope that burns alive in all of us. To Harvey Milk.





 


Harvey's Speech:



 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 14:22:22 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/flowers-on-castro-street.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/flowers-on-castro-street.html</link>
            <author>info@herth.com (Admin Account)</author>
            <title>Flowers on Castro Street!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 15:39:57 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/herth-is-breaking-all-the-records.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/herth-is-breaking-all-the-records.html</link>
            <author>info@herth.com (Admin Account)</author>
            <title>Herth is breaking all the records!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 15:05:57 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/herth-volunteers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/herth-volunteers.html</link>
            <author>info@herth.com (Admin Account)</author>
            <title>Herth Volunteers </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This week Herth helped out by trimming the hanging flower baskets on Castro Street. Check out the photo below. Also coming up is our second annual fundraiser for our Castro community. More info coming soon. 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 14:58:36 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/we-are-feeling-loved-part-2.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/we-are-feeling-loved-part-2.html</link>
            <author>info@herth.com (Admin Account)</author>
            <title>We Are Feeling Loved! Part 2</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Another awesome recommendation from our clients:






"Bernie Katzmann and Mike Shaw at Herth Real Estate are very, very experienced and sophisticated at marketing and then negotiating the sale on personal residences.  Their attention to detail as well their strategy to create anticipation and buzz was key to getting the final, extraordinary price.  They should teach a master class on estate sales" - Recent Seller




 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 18:03:30 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.herth.com/blog/upcoming-event.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.herth.com/blog/upcoming-event.html</link>
            <author>info@herth.com (Admin Account)</author>
            <title>Upcoming Event</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Last year, Herth Real Estate showed their commitment to the community by showcasing local artists and holding a fundraiser for the beautification of our Castro neighborhood with hanging flower baskets. The event was an amazing success and this year we plan to do it again! Stay tuned for more info.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:30:52 -0700</pubDate>
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