There seem to be many buyers hunting for San Francisco single-family homes in District 4. In Realtors’ terms, District 4 is the area that encompasses Sunnyside; Miraloma Park; Westwood Park/Highlands; Mount Davidson Manor; Balboa/Ingleside Terraces; Monterey Heights; Sherwood Forest; Diamond Heights; Forest Hill/Extension; West Portal; Midtown Terrace; Forest Knolls and St. Francis Wood.
Many of these neighborhoods have homes that are worth less than $1M, and for single-family home buyers, that’s the sweet spot. I’m seeing a significant uptick in homes sales in the area, as evidenced by the number of properties that have gone into contract or are pending (in contract, with sale conditions removed).
No less than 37 single-family homes are on their way to closing sales, with an average list price of $1,001,451. Most were listed in the $700,000-$900,000 range. And many reportedly saw more than one offer. A total of 37 homes have closed escrow in the area since the beginning of the year, with eleven homes selling for above their asking prices (244 Santa Paula in Forest Hill was listed at $1,395,000 and sold for $1,520,000). But most sold for less than asking (most dramatically, 69 Amber in Diamond Heights listed at $1,250,000 and selling for $905,000, and Sunnyside’s 266-68 Monterey listed at $1,049,000 and selling for $700,000.)
There are 64 active listings in District 4, some of which have had significant and attractive price reductions. If you’ve been sitting on the fence for the past year but long to have a single-family home in the city, District 4′s neighborhoods will likely have something for you.
The latest property to hit the market on the heels of a slew of Chenery Street listings is 
The Potrero Hill vs. Glen Park 
Consider 
Last listed in March 2007 for $760,000 and sold amidst multiple offers for $900,000, 145 Swiss in Glen Park is back on the market for $799,000.
First up is 350 Hearst (above), a pint-sized cottage that features one bedroom off the kitchen, a living area, kitchen and a large yard with a workshop. At $478,000, this could be a nice abode for a single, first-time home buyer.
Over at 142 Hearst, you’ll find what’s being billed as a “fixer upper.” In reality, it’s a teardown best suited to a contractor who’ll renovate the property and resell it as a new single-family home. List price is $312,000, so all you contractors out there can make your bids and see who ends up in court. (Jury’s out on whether the car and the truck are included.) This is a probate sale, meaning the best offer will be chosen, a court date will be set, and a first overbid will be established. Those who are willing to bid above the court price can duke it out and win the right to renovate.