The American Dream in San Francisco
2744 Bush Street, San Francisco by Laura Ann Studio for Liz Corrigan Branham, J.D., Compass.
September 2020
Window to The Bay #6
Happy Friday, and Happy Patriot Day. This September 11th marks 19 years since the tragic events of 2001. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the orange skies of unprecedented California wildfires, and the final stretch of a major election year, let’s take a moment of silence to remember the lives lost that day, and to express gratitude for first responders, then and now. No matter how divisive the political headlines, this remains a country where people yearn to live out the American dream, with the hope and promise of liberty and justice for all.
So what does the American dream of home ownership look like in San Francisco? I joined the “5am Club” this week to eek out an extra hour of studio time each day (though clearly the founder of this concept did not have a 2 year old with sharp ears for tip-toeing feet). As I crept out the front door I was shocked to discover a person bundled up in blankets sleeping at my own front door. It’s no secret that the Bay Area is an expensive place to live. I’ve started reading The Color of Law to understand the history of home ownership in the U.S.
I experienced first hand one journey of home ownership through my sister and her wonderful Compass agent, Liz Corrigan Branham, J.D. Through Liz’s steadfast partnership, they put in one offer after another until the one that was meant to be came through! In the process I painted three homes for their offer letters, which looking back was the inception of the Window to The Bay watercolor house portrait square painting offering with personalized blue and white architectural borders. Read on for the full story behind the portraits, an interview with Liz Corrigan Branham, J.D., and a printable coloring book.
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Capturing Memories, Building Relationships
The things we do for family - in my case as an artist of custom watercolor house portraits, I wanted to do what I could to help my sister in the bidding wars for the Bay Area home of her dreams. In collaboration with her real estate agent, Liz Corrigan Branham, J.D., we wanted to see if custom artwork might give them the edge with a personal offer letter where the dollars might or might not match the highest bid (this had worked for my husband and me when we REALLY wanted the home with the detached art studio!). While in the end the top dollar won out, in each portrait we evaluated and highlighted the personal details which made each home bring their future dreams to life:
226 Moraga Street. A 1920s home in Inner Sunset called for an art deco inspired fashion illustration, complete with the Golden Gate bridge view in the background, the couple pushing a stroller, and the seller’s cat in the window.
239 Noriega Street. A beautiful blue Crafstman cottage in Inner Sunset with a lemon tree in the backyard had big appeal for the gourmet loving potential owners. A farm basket complete with lemons, plates, and wine showed how much they would love to host their friends there. The Craftsman style windows inspired the watercolor blue and white border.
1746 12th Ave. The disclosure package of this Inner Sunset home included a personal statement from the nostalgic owners and their love for their apple tree. We included a basket of apples, an apple pie, and a hot cup of coffee on the stoop. A grill and tricycle also captured the potential buyer’s hopes for enjoying the home.
I loved how Liz patiently stayed by their side with a smile through the trials of a long three year search. With Liz’s and their persistence, their efforts finally paid off and a wonderful home just right for their family came through! While we decided not paint this one for the offer letter, Liz graciously commissioned a painting of 2744 Bush Street as a closing gift, and what a fun surprise it was! The farm basket and hat captured their love for farmers markets and hope for future vegetable gardening in the back patio. Their Heath vases and favorite fresh flowers are prominently featured in the front window. The hockey stick and tricycle capture how they enjoy spending time as a family.
The painting now hangs proudly in of all places…their bathroom! I laughed at first, but almost every guest they invite to their home makes a stop there at some point. They get so many comments and questions about the art from visitors, which brings up the story of their home purchase and the thoughtfulness of their real estate agent, LIz!
Meet Liz Corrigan Branham, J.D.
1. What’s the “why” of your business?
LCB: My mom was a real estate agent growing up in Southern California, so there was a wonderful level of familiarity when I decided to move from being an attorney to real estate. It just felt so comfortable! There is much I love about my job: spending time with buyers and sellers, viewing beautiful properties, helping clients attain their dreams. Being an agent is so much more than just the transaction itself, and I make sure I am there for my clients each step of the way, and thereafter. I am blessed to maintain friendships with my clients long after we close escrow.
2. What is the key to developing a relationship with a client?
LCB: The best relationships are built on honesty and trust. I am straightforward from the very beginning - buying or selling a home is a complex process so there is no room for anything but transparency. I also believe that being responsive is a critical component of a successful relationship. Every relationship is different, and there are always varying factors at play, so it is important to be flexible, accessible, and provide the best level of service, no matter how novice or seasoned the client.
3. What do you love most about where you live?
LCB: I am beyond blessed to live in the Presidio. I am surrounded by trees and am able to walk out my door and be on a trail within minutes. I can see the Bay from my windows and hear the foghorns at night. Nighttime in the Presidio can also mean hooting owls, yelping coyotes and raccoons scavenging through the trash too- how cool is that?! I love the fact that my three kids have grown up in a national park too. Beyond my neighborhood, I truly love San Francisco - I love being in a forward-thinking city full of innovation, creativity and culture, that has incredible restaurants, outdoor life, and sports. Of course, right now all of this has been sadly overshadowed by COVID, but I look forward to when the vibrancy of the city returns, and I know it will!
lizbranham.com
liz.branham@compass.com
What’s Your #WindowtoTheBay?
Take a moment to restore your spirits with therapeutic coloring. I’ve transformed Liz Corrigan Branham’s house portrait commissions into a “Color-On” Coloring Book (DOWNLOAD HERE). Print, color, post, and tag @LauraAnnStudio with the hashtag #WindowtoTheBay so that we can see and repost your work.
With love for the every day and special days,
Laura Elbogen
PS Do you know a friend or realtor who could benefit from these relationship building tips or closing gifts? Share this page!