DOGS AND REAL ESTATE

Better than Cookies in the Oven (and gluten-free): Raffi

Being memorable is what most agents strive to be — cookies baking in the oven anyone? We have something better in mind. 

Real estate and dogs go hand in, well, paw, which is where Raffi McNarry-Ho comes in. There are anywhere from 70 to 90 million dogs in America (more than half of American households have a pet as a denizen according to the Washington Post) it should make perfect sense as to why Raffi, Guide Dog turned real estate super dog, is a memorable part of any property that Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry, top producers at San Francisco’s Vanguard Properties, list and sell for their clients.

More eco-friendly and memorable than cookies (not to mention gluten-free) Raffi is a conversation starter and something that will make our listings stand out from all the others. Being remembered fondly and positively is the rare combination that can be elusive for many real estate agents. This is something we have handled. Of course having two enthusiastic, knowledgeable and charismatic agents working on your behalf is one thing, but our third team member who goes to open houses, escrows and photoshoots  — Raffi McNarry-Ho — is someone no other agents can offer. 

In a time where setting yourself apart in a disarming, positive and reassuring way is difficult, Raffi’s mellow nature, affable mannerisms and handsome looks are a true asset and fringe benefit for our clients. Whether he’s in a property video, in a 3-D tour or at an actual open house, Raffi makes a positive, warm and welcoming impression that stands out in people’s minds so when agents and buyers ask about our listings, the response you’d overhear would go something like this: “Yes, that’s right. the house with the (big) dog.”  

Are There More Dogs in SF than Kids?

Yes, according to media reports, there are more dogs in San Francisco than kids. 

According to the American Community Survey, in 2016 there were about 115,000 children under 18 living in the city. At the same time, San Francisco Animal Care and Control estimated there were about 120,000 to 150,000 dogs in the city.

Read and listen to the KQED story here.

A Team of Three for Me?

Wait Until He Gets His Paws On It

Our listings regularly sell faster, better and stronger than so many other properties in San Francisco. Part of this success has to do the efforts of our third, four-legged team member, Raffi. 

Raffi’s Property Tour Videos

Forget the boring, stilted and dry property video that is just a photo montage playing over and over and forget the camera-shy agent muffling something about a bathroom. Instead, take a look at the power of Raffi’s disposition and you’ll understand why our listing videos have more engagement that lead to discernible results. 

The Videos

FROM THE SUNDAY SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE REAL ESTATE SECTION

How much does a buyer’s pets factor into the equation when it comes to making a decision on where to buy?

We are regular contributors to the Chronicle’s Sunday Real Estate Section and here is what we wrote in response to their question about pets and real estate

As proud Dog Dads ourselves of the best-ever real estate super dog Raffi (who you can meet at our open houses), taking pets into account when looking for a new home can be deal breakers. Just as many folks will have children (actual or future) in mind when home buying so will people with pets. This is a trend to stay. The pandemic placed a renewed emphasis on having multi-legged companions at home — as pandemic puppies become family members, they’ll influence housing preferences for years to come.

If a condominium is being considered we’ll need to see if an HOA limits the number, weight, and type of pet per unit, which is common. Many newer developments, however, will tout dog baths and dog runs — woof.    

What else do animal lovers look for? If a home has a yard, proximity to parks/dog parks and pet food shops — the basics. We’ll also be on the lookout for pet-friendly neighbors and, if a property is in a multi-unit building with other animals onsite, a pre-offer doggy meet-and-greet may not sound as far-fetched as it once did. 

Some Examples of Raffi’s Work To Date

(aka, shameless dog photos in pretty real estate)

2020 + 2021

Earlier

(Note how Raffi, despite his stature, fits into every context)

  • All
  • Bernal Heights
  • Buy Now
  • Condos
  • Eureka Valley
  • Glen Park
  • Golden Gate Heights
  • Great Opportunity
  • hi end
  • Hot Property
  • Listing
  • Lower Pac Heights
  • luxury real estate
  • notable homes for sale
  • Open House
  • Potrero Hill
  • Raffi
  • San Francisco Real Estate
  • Something Special
  • Vanguard Properties
  • Victorian
  • Views
The Front of the House

Now Selling: 4367 21st Street, San Francisco | Listed By Kevin Ho + Jonathan McNarry, Vanguard Properties | MLS 421600325

4367 21st Street, San Francisco, CA, A wonderful, corner-lot home with a white picket fence, jasmine-scented private front yard that’s fully detached and one where the garage is on the side of the home, which allows copious amounts of natural light to pour into a newly updated kitchen with tile, quartz, walnut and stainless steel appliances including a new gas cooktop, electric oven and warming drawer. The are other features throughout the just-updated home such as new millwork in the formal dining room that offer a subtle countertpoint to the dramatic polished nickel chandelier or the backlit colorful stained-glass window. The pair of upstairs bedrooms each have vaulted ceilings, dramatic designer light fixtures and outdoor space including a 200+ sqft south-facing patio. The ground floor of this concrete-foundation home has an en suite bedroom and internal access garage where you can plug-in your electric car into the home’s 240-V outlet. Set above the Castro and Noe Valley in a quiet and warm pocket of this part of town, 4367’s proximity to some of the city’s best public schools may come in handy in 2024, which is when proximity will play a role in determining where kids can go to school. Visit www.4367-21st.com

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SOLD: 119 Prospect Avenue, San Francisco, Exclusively Listed By Kevin K. Ho + Jonathan B. McNarry, Vanguard Properties | MLS 421580361

Listed and now for sale with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry is 119 Prospect Avenue, San Francisco. The home is a truly special one set on the west slope of Bernal Heights. A blend of London-meets-California, this home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 outdoor area, a garage with 1-parking parking and room for storage and a workshop with seismic updates too. The 1902-era Victorian has just been updated with all the finest details where they count the most — the kitchen and bathrooms. $1,795,000. A must-see. MLS 421580361 Learn more at www.bernal-elemental.com

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SOLD: 2155 12th Avenue, San Francisco, Listed with Kevin Ho + Jonathan McNarry, Vanguard Properties, MLS 421572637

2155 12th Avenue, Golden Gate Heights view home w/3bds, 2baths, sweeping view patio, yard, 1,690 sqft, updated for sale. Listed with Kevin+Jonathan, Vanguard Properties, San Francisco. SF MLS 421572637. Stylishly updated with sweeping ocean views and deck to enjoy them from on a block that rarely sells. There are 2 beds and 1 full bath up with an open-layout living, dining and kitchen and the lower level has 1 bed, 1 bath, a wet bar/kitchenette and direct access to the back garden.

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875 Vermont - Raffi in the Dining Area

SOLD: 875 Vermont St., No. 204, San Francisco Listed By Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry, Vanguard Properties | Bight Modern Mint Hill Home

sted with Kevin Ho + Jonathan McNarry: 875 Vermont Street, No. 204: Just-updated 1-bed, 1-bath, 1-car parking, Potrero condominium with in-unit laundry that’s comfortable, bright and relaxed. San Francisco MLS 421534716, www.875-vermont.com

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NOW SELLING: 1631 Pierce Street, San Francisco | Listed with Kevin Ho + Jonathan McNarry, Vanguard Properties | MLS 421572650

Fall in love with this beautiful Victorian home with a blossoming, oversized yard in Lower Pacific Heights with yoga next door and tennis courts at either end of the block among the many shops, restaurants and attractions that surround 1631 Pierce Street. 1631 is a sophisticated and stylish, 3-bed, 2.5-bath, 1-car garage parking updated Victorian condominium that with rich details, updated chef’s kitchen, laundry, 2 outdoor areas, and an adaptable layout that allows for public and private spaces to coexist comfortably. The home is envy-worthy but not overly pretentious either. Tour virtually, watch the sweet video and see the floorplans at www.1631-Pierce.com or visit in person. Before we forget, 1631 is part of a self-managed 3-unit HOA with invested co-owners who are committed with ensuring 1631 shines on for another 135 years and love the building and its amazing yard. Homeowner dues include earthquake insurance and 1631 has ≈ 1,504 sqft of living area (per appraiser).

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201 Mateo

SOLD: 201 Mateo Street, San Francisco | Listed By Kevin+Jonathan, MLS 421524593

201 Mateo Street KEVIN K. HO + JONATHAN B. MCNARRY PRESENT SOLD (WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS) EXCLUSIVELY BY: Kevin K. Ho, Esq. Jonathan...

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