GlobeSt.com: Are there any recent noteworthy changes or trends in the San Francisco multifamily market?

Swann: On the investment side, I'm seeing lots of investors who are wary of the stock markets, despite strong numbers. They want to put their money into multifamily unit investment properties. There has been a sense of uneasiness–they are asking when the other shoe may drop with the political climate. The real estate market feels safe to them and they are pouring money into it.

GlobeSt.com: What is the multifamily and commercial property outlook for the close of 2017? Any early 2018 predictions?

Swann: I think we will have a strong finish to the year. I've been bombarded with calls in the last month with a lot of investors ready to trade up and out of other properties with 1031 Exchanges. With the institution of soft-story retrofit regulations and the impending due date, you are seeing a lot of owners off-loading units, it was a bigger cost than they imagined and it is too cost prohibitive for them to keep the buildings. The alternative is just not to comply. I'm thinking the city may expand the soft-story requirements to two- to four-unit buildings in 2018, which may increase the inventory as well. My guess is there will be investors ready to buy them up.

SAN FRANCISCO—Boutique firm, The Agency, an affiliate of London-based Savills, has opened an office in Noe Valley at 3848 24th St. The team specializing in multifamily properties, vacation rentals and new development projects will be led by industry veteran, Rachel Swann, managing partner.

Bringing more than a decade of local real estate and mortgage experience, Swann is a former principal at The Swann Group, a partner group of agents at Vanguard Properties. She recently discussed the San Francisco market and multifamily investments in this exclusive.

GlobeSt.com: Why did The Agency expand to San Francisco?

Swann: Demand drove our decision. We are the tech capital of the word and I am thrilled to bring The Agency's innovative approach to the real estate industry to San Francisco.

GlobeSt.com: Are there any recent noteworthy changes or trends in the San Francisco multifamily market?

Swann: On the investment side, I'm seeing lots of investors who are wary of the stock markets, despite strong numbers. They want to put their money into multifamily unit investment properties. There has been a sense of uneasiness–they are asking when the other shoe may drop with the political climate. The real estate market feels safe to them and they are pouring money into it.

GlobeSt.com: What is the multifamily and commercial property outlook for the close of 2017? Any early 2018 predictions?

Swann: I think we will have a strong finish to the year. I've been bombarded with calls in the last month with a lot of investors ready to trade up and out of other properties with 1031 Exchanges. With the institution of soft-story retrofit regulations and the impending due date, you are seeing a lot of owners off-loading units, it was a bigger cost than they imagined and it is too cost prohibitive for them to keep the buildings. The alternative is just not to comply. I'm thinking the city may expand the soft-story requirements to two- to four-unit buildings in 2018, which may increase the inventory as well. My guess is there will be investors ready to buy them up.