Flashback Friday: That Dapper Swagger on Pine Street, By Fred Lyon
I didn’t know who Fred Lyon was when I first saw this photo, I just knew it hit me. It’s one of those black-and-white masterpieces—Nob Hill, Pine Street—with a dapper Joe mid-step, hat at the right, The swagger is undeniable. The backdrop? Cars parked at an impossible angle, clinging to the hillside like they might slide off into oblivion at any moment. (If you know the stress of getting in our out, parked at than angle, you know!) .I just knew it hit me. The City’s hills, the parked cars hanging on for dear life, that guy striding down the stairs like he owns the block—it all felt so familiar, like a memory I never actually lived but somehow still knew.
So I looked the photographer up. I saw the rest of his photos. And suddenly, it all made sense.
FREE TOILETS!!! Hurry—Time Is Running Out!
How did I not know about this? Probably because all my bills are on autopay and I avoid opening my mail like it’s a jury duty notice. But the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is giving away FREE TOILETS!!! Yes, FREE TOILETS!!! And not just the toilet itself—they’ll even install it for free with a licensed plumber.
Home Insurance in SF: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You
For San Francisco homeowners, home insurance isn’t just about coverage anymore—it’s about whether you can even get a policy in the first place. With major insurers pulling out of California, canceling policies, and refusing to write new ones, many property owners are left scrambling. If you haven’t checked your policy lately, now’s the time. Because surprise—just because you had coverage last year doesn’t mean you still do.
Home Insurance in California: Who’s Still Writing Policies (and What You Need to Know)
If you’re a homeowner or a buyer in The City, insurance is no longer something you can take for granted. Between major insurers pulling out of California, canceling policies, and refusing new coverage, plus older homes with “red flag” features like knob-and-tube wiring, trying to secure a policy can feel downright intimidating.. If you haven’t checked your policy lately, you should.
Flashback Friday: Mountain Lake Park – Where We Risked It All (And Loved It)
Mountain Lake Park was one of my absolute favorite places to play as a kid growing up in The City. Back in the day, playground safety was more of a suggestion than a rule, and we thrived on it.
From Listings to Keys: Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent in San Francisco
From our recent Instagram posts, it might look like the team at LubaSF is all about listings, but we love working with buyers, too. (Two of our upcoming listings were once my buyers, and I’ve helped them through multiple chapters of their real estate journey!) Helping people find the right home is just as exciting as helping them sell it—and if you’re looking to buy in The City, you’re going to want the right person in your corner. 💪😎
More Than a Realtor: The Many Hats I Wear for My Clients
People often assume that being a real estate agent is all about sales. But here’s the thing—I don’t see myself as a “salesperson.” Never have, never will. My job isn’t about pushing a deal through. It’s about guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives with expertise, care, and strategy. (Obviously using AI to generate cutesy images is NOT one of the hats that I can pull off wearing. 🤣)
San Francisco’s 2025 Luxury Real Estate: Trends for the Discerning Buyer
Ah, The City—where the fog is as thick as the competition for prime real estate. As we move into 2025, San Francisco’s luxury property market continues to evolve, and if you think you can just waltz in and snap up a trophy property without strategy, think again. The landscape is shifting, and those who understand the nuances will come out ahead.
Speeding in SF? Say Cheese—And Get Ready for a Ticket
If you feel like Big Brother is watching lately, that’s because he is, Between red-light cameras, bus lane cameras, and now speed cameras, The City is keeping a very close eye on its streets. And for the lead-footed among us, things are about to get a little more expensive.
How Climate Change is Reshaping Real Estate (And What It Means for San Francisco)
Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue anymore—it’s a real estate issue, with an estimated $1.5 trillion in property value at risk across the U.S., according to a recent report from Inman. Rising sea levels, intensifying storms, wildfires, and extreme weather events are reshaping not just landscapes, but the housing market itself. So, what does that mean for us here in San Francisco?
How to Pay Off Debt Faster (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s face it—debt can feel like that annoying ex who just won’t leave you alone. But with the right strategy, you can kick it to the curb once and for all. Whether it's credit cards, student loans, or car payments, here’s how to reduce your debt in record time.
Flashback Friday: The Holy City Zoo, Robin Williams, and the Magic of San Francisco
Welcome back to Flashback Friday—a series where I share some of my favorite weird, wonderful, and occasionally hidden stories from San Francisco’s past. This City is full of history, but beyond the landmarks and famous addresses, it’s the people who have made it truly special.
Lately, everyone’s been buzzing about the recent sale of Robin Williams’ former home at 540 El Camino Del Mar in Sea Cliff for $18 million. But while the headlines focus on the price tag, I can’t help but think about the man himself—his legacy, his impact, and the magic he brought to San Francisco. Long before he became a household name, Robin Williams was just another comedian trying to make people laugh. And he did that in one of the most legendary, yet under-appreciated, spots in San Francisco history—The Holy City Zoo.
Getting Real – Truth in Advertising
I was going through some old notes, and I found the gem below and had a little chuckle. II remember how refreshing it was to see a little listing that put the “real” back in “realtor!” 🙂 I can’t seem to find where this advertising gem was listed - but I wish we saw more like this.
Real estate agents are known for some serious fluff in our marketing pieces. We use words like “cozy” when we mean “tiny”. Or we say it has “potential” when we mean “once you rip out the kitchen, the bathrooms, the wallpaper, and that hideous statue it’ll be exactly what you want.”
9 Home Improvement Projects That Add the Most Value in San Francisco
In San Francisco’s real estate market, upgrades are less about following trends and more about smart investments. The City’s buyers are savvy—they value functionality, design, and unique features that enhance their lifestyle. These 9 home improvement projects are proven to add value while appealing to San Francisco’s discerning buyers.
Introducing: Lauren Mirov - The LubaSF Team’s Secret Weapon (Well, Not So Secret Anymore!)
We’re beyond excited to introduce you to the newest (and honestly, most organized) member of the LubaSF team—Lauren Mirov, our rockstar Transaction Coordinator! 🎉
If you’ve ever wondered how we manage to keep every deal on track, every document in place, and every deadline met—well, that’s all thanks to Lauren. With her unparalleled attention to detail and an uncanny ability to create order out of chaos, Lauren is the glue that holds it all together behind the scenes.
Flashback Friday: Herb Caen’s Take on “Frisco” (But Never, Ever ‘San Fran’)
Caen famously granted “permission” for folks to call it Frisco—but don’t get it twisted. “San Fran” was an absolute no-go in his book. He once wrote, “I’m sorry, but you can’t call it San Fran. You just can’t.” His love-hate relationship with Frisco went from outright disapproval to begrudging acceptance, as long as it was used with a little reverence and understanding of the city’s rich history.
FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Which One’s Right for You? 🏡
So, which loan works best for you?
FHA Loans: A solid option if your credit isn’t perfect or your savings are limited.
Conventional Loans: A better fit if you have strong credit and can put more down upfront to avoid long-term costs.
Every homebuyer’s situation is different, and finding the right loan is key to achieving your dream home. Let’s figure it out together!
Buying a Home in San Francisco: Are You Ready for It?
So… you’re contemplating buying a home in San Francisco, huh? It’s a big step, and whether you’re 25 or 75, it feels like the ultimate adulting move. Your mom’s already dreaming of grandkids (because owning property obviously leads to that 🙄), your dad’s holding out for those mythical 2% interest rates, your accountant’s eyeing tax benefits, and your mortgage broker’s assuring you that current rates are “pretty average”—whatever that means. Meanwhile, your realtor keeps reminding you about that SoMa loft you liked 131 days ago, which, after five price drops, just went under contract yesterday. For less than the latest asking price. Typical. 😒
The Price of Prestige: Exploring SF's Most Exclusive Real Estate
It was a Tuesday morning, which for me means broker’s tour—one of my favorite things about my profession. There’s nothing quite like exploring properties all over San Francisco and discovering the unique gems this city has to offer. I stepped into 2121 Webster, and from the moment I entered, I was captivated
Flashback Friday: From Tombstones to Textbooks – The Fascinating History of Lone Mountain at USF
Let’s talk about Lone Mountain—the hill, the legend, and the quad that defined my legs during my time at USF. Running (fine, speed walking) from McLaren Hall to Lone Mountain in under ten minutes was like competing in an Olympic event. And those stairs? I still don’t know how many there are—I was always too out of breath to count by the time I reached the top.
But once you got there, Lone Mountain made it all worth it….