In this episode of The Bay Insider, Amanda and Ying take a closer look at Southern Hills and its close neighbor, Crocker Amazon, two hillside communities in the southeast corner of the city. Joined by longtime resident Liz Cong, they talk about how Southern Hills came about after World War II as a quiet, residential pocket known for detached homes, wide-open views, and some of the sunniest weather in the city.

They also head just downhill to Crocker Amazon, where you’ll find a similar sense of neighborhood, its own collection of historic homes, and easy access to large, well-loved parks. Along the way, they touch on daily life, family routines, and why hillside living continues to appeal to both longtime residents and new buyers.

With nearby access to San Bruno Mountain’s trails, open space, and landmarks like the Cow Palace, plus the convenience of being minutes from Daly City, this episode offers a thoughtful look at two often-overlooked parts of San Francisco that quietly balance nature, views, and city living.

Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this special episode of The Bay Insider, we sit down with Teresa Van Woy: author, podiatrist, world traveler, and former resident of Raphael House. Teresa shares her remarkable childhood story, from growing up with eight siblings on the road to eventually finding safety, structure, and a sense of home at Raphael House, a San Francisco organization that has supported low-income and homeless families since 1971.

We talk about how Raphael House has evolved over the years, from its early days run by nuns to the comprehensive, family-focused program it is now, offering shelter, education support, job training, and long-term stability through its Bridge Program. With a 95% success rate in helping families secure permanent housing, it remains one of the city’s most meaningful resources.

It’s a heartfelt conversation about resilience, community, and the impact real stability can have on a child’s life.

If you’d like to dive deeper into Teresa’s story, her book, Wildflower, is available on Amazon and at local bookstores. Tune in and learn how you can support the work Raphael House continues to do.

Episode Youtube Link: Raphael House - Inspiring Families and Illuminating Hope Video

Raphael House Information
Website: www.raphaelhouse.org
Email: info@raphaelhouse.org
Black & White Gala: event.auctria.com/503b1f03-0cd9-4901-a665-5cdbe41ec74a/

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Teresa Van Woy’s Social Media Accounts:

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCtuiOk4GxTQiLWdJeuYg0Aw
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drteresamvanwoy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drteresavanwoy/
Twitter / X: x.com/drteresavanwoy

Wildflower Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1734382724?fbclid=IwAR1CsKA218rGMm_qLet1fNqCJ04F686pRGnRvKdMXLTN6l56CvBlPHNqehc

Teresa Van Woy’s Contact Information:
Podiatry: www.drteresavanwoy.com/podiatry

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this episode, Amanda and Ying take on a topic that’s been getting a lot of attention lately: the idea of a 50-year mortgage. We structured the conversation as a debate.

Ying argues for the potential for affordability especially for renters who feel locked out of the market and need another pathway into homeownership. Amanda takes the other side, calling out the long-term tradeoffs: higher interest costs, slower equity, and what this could mean for the housing landscape overall.

We are hoping this episode will show you the potential impact of the 50 year mortgage and how it should be utilized if passed.

You can access the slides here: 50 Year Mortgage Debate

Episode Youtube Link: 50 Year Mortgage Debate

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this episode of The Bay Insider, Amanda and Ying head to Mount Davidson Manor, a quiet gem on San Francisco’s west side with deep roots and undeniable charm. Joined by resident Deepti, they explore what makes this 1920s neighborhood so special: its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, detached homes, ocean views, and that rare sense of calm you don’t often find in the city.

They also trace the legacy of Fernando Nelson, the builder behind much of western San Francisco, and share a few local favorites along the way, from Charm Café and Ambrosia Bakery to Ocean Ale House and Aptos Park.

History
Fernando Nelson
George Davidson
Seven Hills of San Francisco

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Ambrosia Bakery
Champa Garden
Charm Café
Cherry Blossom Café
Fruit Barn
Lucho’s
Ocean Ale House
Ofena
Pakwan Restaurant
Philz Coffee
Sakesan
The Plant Lady

Shops
Stone’s Town / Stonestown Galleria
Target
Trader Joe’s
Walgreens
Whole Foods

Recreation
Aptos Park
Balboa Park
British Swim School
CC Arts and Crafts
Mount Davidson
Little Oceanauts
Terrace Green Park
Vibo Music
West Portal Park
YMCA
24 Hour Fitness

To see the full list, visit thebayinsider.com

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this episode of The Bay Insider, we’re unpacking what’s really happening in San Francisco real estate right now, from new policies with big ripple effects to one of the largest industry acquisitions still awaiting approval.

After a slower summer, the market’s showing more movement. Interest rates dipped, buyers are easing back in, and single-family homes are holding steady. Condos are starting to wake up again too, especially in SOMA and Mission Bay.

The bigger story? Policy shifts. The new ADU conversion law could open the door for homeowners to sell newly built units as condos, while the city’s proposed upzoning plan may reshape the west side altogether. Both raise real questions about density, access, and how the city evolves.

And on a national scale, Compass’s move to acquire Anywhere Real Estate is sparking plenty of conversation about what’s next for the industry and for independent brokerages like ours.

You can access our data file here: Q3 2025 Market Update Data

Episode Youtube Link: Q3 2025 Market Update Youtube Video

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this episode of The Bay Insider, we’re heading to San Francisco’s Inner Richmond, a neighborhood with deep roots and a strong sense of community. We sit down with Patty, a longtime resident who’s called the Richmond home for more than 45 years.

Together, we talk through the neighborhood’s history, from its Irish, Russian, and Chinese influences to the diverse mix of restaurants, bakeries, and family spots you’ll find today. Expect plenty of local tips, like where to find the best produces and pastries.

We also dig into the architecture, the neighborhood’s connection to Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, and why so many people are drawn here. Whether you’re curious about the history, looking for hidden gems, or just wondering what life in Inner Richmond feels like, this episode gives you a personal look at it all.

History
Bay District Racetrack
Ingleside Racetrack
Playland at the Beach
Sutro Baths
“Richmond Specials” architecture

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars
Arsicault Bakery
Brother’s Restaurant
B-Star
Burma Superstar
Cinderella Bakery
Chapeau
Koja Kitchen
Little Vietnam Café
Lily
Mandalay
My Tofu House
Spanish Table
Toy Boat by Jane
Sakesan
Wako Japanese
Wooden Charcoal Korean Village

Shops
April in Paris
Green Apple Books
Kamei Housewares & Restaurant Supply
Park Life
Tantrum

Events
Band Shell in Golden Gate Park
Inner Richmond Farmers Market

Recreation
Flower Piano Event
Golden Gate Park
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival
Neck of the Woods

To see the full list, visit thebayinsider.com

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this episode of The Bay Insider, we sit down with longtime Potrero Hill resident and neighborhood historian Peter Linenthal to uncover what makes this hillside community so special. Peter shares personal memories of moving to the neighborhood in the 1970s, the quirks of his century-old home, and stories passed down about local legends and everyday life on the hill. We talk about the resilience of Potrero Hill through the 1906 earthquake, the transformations brought by public housing and community activism, and the way the neighborhood has always been a mix of longtime families, newcomers, and creative voices.

Along the way, Peter reflects on music, art, and the small businesses and gathering spots that shape daily life, as well as his work to preserve the neighborhood’s history through the Potrero Hill Archive Project. This is a conversation about memory, place, and community, about how a hill in the middle of San Francisco has managed to keep its own identity while continuing to evolve.

History
Bethlehem Shipyard
Potrero View Newspaper
The Farm
The Flower Market
Union Iron Works

Restaurants, Cafes & Bars
Breadbelly Bakery
Bottom of the Hill
Chez Maman
Connecticut Yankee
Cracked & Battered
Farley’s Coffeehouse
Ganim’s
Goat Hill Pizza
Mochica
Papito
Plow
Po’Boy Restaurant
Standard Deviant Brewery
Thee Parkside
Umi Sushi

Shops
Christopher’s Books
Good Life Grocery
Whole Foods

Recreation
Crane Cove Park
Jackson Park
McKinley Square
Potrero del Sol Park
Portrero Hill Archives Project
Potrero Hill Community Garden
Potrero Hill Festival
Potrero Hill Recreation Center
Pier 70

To see the full list, visit thebayinsider.com

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

In this episode of The Bay Insider, Amanda and Ying dive into one of San Francisco’s most talked-about neighborhoods: Dogpatch. They sit down with locals John, Mindy, and Sam to talk about what makes Dogpatch so unique, from its industrial roots and the history of Irish Hill to its growing real estate market and close-knit feel.

They cover everything from Victorian cottages to sleek new construction condos, along with neighborhood favorites like Moshi Moshi sushi, Dogpatch Boulders, Third Rail, and Crane Cove Park. There’s also a stop at Minnesota Street Project, where art and community come together in a way that’s distinctly Dogpatch. You’ll get local history and a window into the kind of lifestyle that’s kept Dogpatch on the radar for good reason.

If you’re curious about San Francisco real estate, looking for a sunny, walkable spot to call home, or just want to understand the layers behind this evolving neighborhood, this one’s worth a listen.

Restaurants & Cafes
Breadbelly
CoffeeShopSF
Giuliana’s Just For You Cafe
Happy Cow Creamery
Long Bridge Pizza
Moshi Moshi
Neighbor Bakehouse
Piccino
Plant Cafe
Sea Star
Souvla
The Ramp SF
Third Rail
Ungrafted
Wooly Pig Café

Breweries & Bars
Bar Piccino
DIG Wine SF
Dogpatch Saloon
OlFactory Brewing (formerly Triple Voodoo)
Standard Deviant Brewing (moving to Pier 70)
Together/Gather Wine Lounge

Shops
Body Manipulations
BRYR Clogs
Dogpatch Games
Mainstay Markets
Rickshaw Bagworks
La Fromagerie
Olivier's Butchery
Restoration Hardware
Revel Shop
Shipyard K9 Supplies
Velocipede Cyclery

To see the full list, visit thebayinsider.com

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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group