Big Type for your wall

I bought a Douglas Wilson print for Eric's holiday present this year from Keep Calm. Wilson is an multi-disciplinary artist and teacher out of Missouri. He made this with an antique wood type from the collection of John Horn. (it's now sold out, sorry!)

But, while I was checking out Wilson's website, I also found his blog (or "meanderings" because he hates the word blog) and it is quite good! Today he mentions being a recent convert to This American Life, which I find so cute. Anyway the blog is full of his favorite things related to type and graphic art. I just loved these Polish match box covers he found on Flickr by Maraid.

Sunny January Day

Sunny days in January are my favorite. They make me feel like I'm getting away with something! Mostly they remind me why it's so expensive to live in this little town. Take a quick walk around the block and soak up the sun!

New cellular phone laws for California

I was just passed a note regarding the new cell phone laws coming into effect July 1, 2008. Basically it will be illegal to use your phone in the car, including the speaker function. Dang. Now I have to buy one of those godawful ear pieces?! Here is the Q&A page from the DMV website:

Q: When do the new cellular phone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.

Q: What if I need to use my phone during an emergency and I do not have a hands-free device?
A: The law allows a driver using a wireless telephone to make emergency calls, including, but not limited to, calls to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency.

Q: What are the fine(s) if I am convicted?
A: The base fine for a first offense is $20, and $50 for each subsequent conviction. The courts will impose additional administrative fees.

Q: Will I receive a point on my driving record if I am convicted for a violation of the cellular phone law?
A: No. The violation is a reportable offense; however, DMV will not assign a violation point.

Q: Will a conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but a violation point will not be added.

Q: I drive a commercial vehicle and my phone has a “push-to-talk” feature that does not require me to place the phone to my ear, will I still be required to use a hands-free device?
A: No, only class “A” or “B” licensees operating a truck tractor as defined in Vehicle Code (VC) §655 or a motor truck as defined in VC §410 are allowed to use a “push-to-talk” feature.

Q: I drive a commercial pickup truck, may I use a two-way radio while driving?
A: No. The exemption does not apply to drivers of pickup trucks with commercial plates, even if the pickup truck is used for commercial purposes, for example, a contractor, landscaper, or other business.

Q: May I use a speaker-phone feature and hold the phone in my hand, but not next to my ear?
A: No. The law requires you use a hands-free device with your phone. A “push-to-talk" feature is not allowed.

Q: My car has a built-in hands-free mobile phone feature. Is this adequate or do I have to buy additional equipment?
A: No. You do not need to purchase additional equipment. You may use your vehicle’s hands-free mobile phone feature.

Q: Can I send a text message on my phone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) while driving?
A: No.

Q: Are passengers covered by this law?
A: No, this law applies to the persons driving a motor vehicle.

Here I am!

My poor lonely blog. I haven't written anything since July, that's terrible. I was too busy with work and travel to update. But, along with everyone else, I have a New Year's Resolution---to blog more. This year will be a mix of real estate, design and some of my favorite things to do around San Francisco. Basically, a bit of work and a bit of life.

2008 will be a difficult year for some people to get a loan. I have experienced the tightening of mortgages already this year, some TIC loans are now requiring as much as 25% down. Banks are going to be particularly hard on those of us who work as independent contractors. Stated income applications are going to be very restrictive if at all allowed. So, I will work closely with a few mortgage brokers to give you the best advice on how to get around all the new complications.

The market has changed. It is officially a buyers market, in most cases. Carol Llyod on SFGate's, Surreal Estate I think said it best in A Tale of Two Friscos. Sellers need to be prepared to negotiate and pay for closing costs. This year, I'll try to give some insight into creative negotiation. The winners in this market are those that can give and take.

Hello, my name is Nikki Gunn and I'm a TIC specialist. There I said it. For years, I've been holding back on being the TIC expert because they are so complicated and squirrelly. I kept saying to myself "okay, this is the last one", but I've come to realize I'm one of the few agents who knows my stuff around this redheaded step child. So, I'll post what I know here for you to peruse. TICs are doable and give you more square footage for your buck, however be warned. Think of them as the black diamonds of real estate. They should not be attempted without serious experience. Call or email me direct with your own questions.

And lastly, if you don't have to sell in this market, don't. Remodel! I recently went through my own remodel this year and have learned many many things that I wasn't expecting to learn. This year, I'll share design resources, contractors, cost/benefit analysis and more. Stay tuned!

Happy 2008 Yall!