After having worked for ten years in the video production business, Suzanne Frank felt that it was time for a change. She read an ad in a newspaper—she thinks that it might have been the San Francisco Bay Times—to attend an informational seminar about becoming a real estate agent. The idea of helping a young couple to find their first home seemed very appealing to her. She also loved the architecture and design of San Francisco. She says, “When I visited friends’ homes, my first reaction was to check out the house and see how they decorated.”
Fast forward five years, and she was working for Zephyr Real Estate after receiving her real estate license. Frank says, “When I first got my license, I thought I would have to wear dresses and pearls like those women in the little free real estate magazines. After joining Zephyr, I soon realized that business casual was the norm. Zephyr had about 85% gay and lesbian agents and the only people wearing pearls were a few of the guys when they did drag. Zephyr soon became my family and I was building a successful business as a Realtor.”
Her office then was in Noe Valley with work coverage of not only that neighborhood but also Glen Park, Bernal Heights, the Castro, the Haight and South of Market. She and her colleagues additionally sold homes all over the 7×7-mile City.
Frank loved being in Noe Valley back in the early 2000s. She recalls, “There were all the conveniences of a perfect neighborhood—a shoe repair store, the Noe Valley bakery (where I devoured their blueberry scones), the post office and great little restaurants. There are so many lunch options, like the Casa Mexicana Taqueria to Fresca, a Peruvian restaurant with amazing ceviches. As the real estate prices skyrocketed in Noe Valley, these eateries have survived, which speaks well of their consistent quality.”
Her real estate business was thriving until the Great Recession hit. Many Realtors were impacted by the shifting market and had to learn about short sales and foreclosures. Frank says, “I was a victim of this time too, and had to sell my condo in Diamond Heights in a short sale. It was a tough time and I ended up moving in with friends in Oakland. As I tell the story, I went kicking and screaming, ‘I don’t want to live in Oakland! I’m a San Franciscan!'”
Well, fast forward again and she is happily living in Oakland, which she calls the West Coast Brooklyn. She explains that Oakland has a diverse population, world-class restaurants, and tons of outdoor recreation possibilities including biking, hiking, and sailing.
Wanting to work closer to home, and to reduce her carbon footprint, she joined the team of Anthony Riggins of Sotheby’s International. Frank says, “Anthony is among the top 25 agents nationwide. He specializes in Crocker Highlands, one of Oakland’s historic neighborhoods with large unique 3–5-bedroom homes close to Lakeshore village and Lake Merritt.”
She adds, “While Crocker Highlands is considered an affluent area, compared to San Francisco prices, one can get so much more home for less money.”
Frank and her team currently have a 2400-square-foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Tudor style home at 853 Paramount Road ( www.853Paramount.com ) listed for $1,675,000. She says, “For a similar home in Noe Valley, you’re starting at $3,000,000 and probably less square footage.”
Another home that she has listed is 751 Longridge Road ( www.751Longridge.com ), an elegant 4 bedroom Colonial with huge rooms, four bedrooms on the same level, and an expansive yard with decks.
Frank walks the talk, given that the East Bay is now her own home sweet home. She says, “To me, Oakland is a no-brainer. Warm weather, lots of variety, and price points for housing and abundant commuting options to San Francisco. I wouldn’t want to live or work anywhere else!”
For more information concerning Riggins and Frank, as well as the mentioned houses for sale and additional properties available in Oakland, go to: https://anthonyriggins.com/
Published on November 14, 2019
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