Al Gore's Move to San Francisco Generates Real Estate Buzz

Brought to you by

Al Gore's Move to San Francisco Generates Real Estate Buzz

When Al and Tipper Gore move into a neighborhood, the place suddenly has a whole new buzz.

San Francisco, California (PRWEB) December 28, 2005 -- Following news that Al Gore and wife Tipper have purchased a multimillion dollar condo at the new St. Regis highrise in San Francisco, well-heeled home buyers throughout the city are clamoring to join the neighborhood.

"Ever since people learned that Al and Tipper Gore were moving into the St. Regis, I've had three times as many inquiries about the place," says Damion Matthews, a realtor specializing in San Francisco's luxury condo market.

"There's something about living near a person so powerful and important that really excites folks," he says.

"A client of mine just moved into the swanky Four Seasons a few blocks away, where the Mayor happens to be. It's a great place. But when she heard the Gores were moving into the St. Regis, she called me up and said she wants to sell her place so she can move to the St. Regis right away! I guess it's more exciting to live near a former VP than a current Mayor."

The Gores' new neighborhood, formerly a block of drab old office buildings and parking lots, has recently been revitalized by construction of the Museum of Modern Art, the beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens, and now the gleaming new 40 story St. Regis tower.

But before the Gores bought their condo, there was already considerable interest in the building. Of the 102 units put up for sale, less than 20 are still available.

"It's gorgeous! One of the finest condo buildings in the country," says Matthews, who points out that among it's best qualities are its spectacular views of the city and bay.

"Al might prefer to have a view from the Oval Office, but the stunning sights he gets from his new condo must be a good consolation. From his vantage point, he can even see his new television studios across town," says Matthews, speaking of the "Current TV" headquarters on Townsend Street.

To much of the country, the estimated $2 million the Gores spent for their condo might seem astronomically high, but in the pricey San Francisco market it's considered reasonable. Just a few floors above the Gores, one investor purchased three Penthouses for a total estimated at $30 million.

Amenities at the building include 24-hour room service, butler service, a fitness center, spa, lap pool, even a world class restaurant that's been receiving rave reviews.

"With such high demand for this kind of luxury living, if the Gores decide to move out in a couple of years, they could pocket at least $500,000 in profit," says Matthews, who tracks the condo market for the website www.liveinsf.com

"But if Al and Tipper Gore are as happy to be in San Francisco as we are to have them here, they won't be leaving anytime soon."