Sound Off: How does a commute factor into a deal?

A: Freeway commutes are commonly frustrating in the Bay Area. More than a few of my Silicon Valley clients ride shuttle buses avidly, which allows them to work, read the news or take a nap. Of course, the market took notice and reacted—and home prices have surged near tech shuttle stops where these young professionals live.

Millennials are the biggest driver in the real estate market right now because of their numbers and life events. The 30s are a logical age to form households, get married, start a family, and buy a first home — maybe even move into a bigger home.

BART, MUNI, buses and bicycles offer alternatives to stop-andgo driving. Personally, I love seeing the river of bicyclists pedaling on Market Street and other streets with bike lanes. What an invigorating commute in balmy San Francisco.

John Solaegui, Paragon Real Estate Group, (415) 738-7232, jsolaegui@paragon-re.com. A: I always mention access to transit in my listings and I believe that homes near public transit will continue to increase in demand and value.

It is definitely a real concern. As traffic increases year over year, buyers are seeking homes closer to convenient commute corridors. Others move closer to their offices.

City centers and Caltrain go hand-in-hand on the Peninsula, resulting in premium prices for land and rentals. Here, the lots may be smaller and the cost high, but homes and rentals move quickly as residents seek convenient amenities near public transportation.

Highway 280 is also the commute of choice for those heading to San Jose and San Francisco. The lots are larger and the prices higher as people pay a premium for an efficient, scenic commute. Many local companies offer increased benefits for employees who move closer to their campus. Kristin Cashin, Pacific Union International, (650) 378-2603,

kristin@kcashingroup.com. A: There is no question that access to transportation adds tremendous value to a property. This rule applies whether the transportation is public or private.

For example, property within a reasonable walking distance of tech shuttles commands a higher price tag, regardless of whether that property is for sale or rent. Those tech shuttles are often maligned, but they take a lot of vehicles off the road.

In the East Bay, proximity to casual car pool locations also adds to the desirability of a property.

When working with sellers in recommending a listing price. I make sure access to transportation and shopping is part of the equation.

If these criteria are not included, the result can be the property is overpriced and will sit on the market. When working with buyers, I point out the amenities of each location, and how those amenities, transportation included, will affect the pricing of the winning bid.

Astrid Lacitis, Vanguard Properties, (415) 860-0765, astrid@vanguardsf.com.