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Anti-Eviction Mapping Project
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BJ & MALCOLM COLTON & their Shar-Pei dog

“BJ is a leading realtor who has for many years lived and specialized in Noe Valley. Her husband Malcolm is a marketing executive in a software company. They and their 16-year-old Shar Pei, Zelda, split their time between Noe Valley and the Sonoma wine country. “ - hosts words from VRBO listing of 4 units at 4120 24th Street.

BJ (Betty J Droubi) attracted our attention with her market-driven description of the neighborhood. Clearly their building purchase is an investment in a trendy neighborhood rather than a commitment to a community they dreamt of and saved their whole lives for.

BJ writes:

“Noe Valley is one of the most sought after addresses in San Francisco among young professionals. A typical walker on the street has a dog and a toddler in tow, and works at Google or Zynga. Noe Valley has a pretty good San Francisco climate, avoiding the worst of the summer fog, and is central to everything without being high density city living.”

The Colton’s listed 8 vacation units on VRBO between San Francisco and Sonoma. We tracked Colton’s activity over time. Over the 16 months, the average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom in Noe Valley increased 11% to  $4084 according to myapartmentmap.com

  • BJ and Malcolm’s rental prices also increased over this time from $1600 to $2000 per week though their costs as owners did not increase.

  • Their nightly rate increased from $275 in 2012 to $325 in 2013—18% increase.

  • If we assume most tourists rent by the week for their discounted weekly rate of $2000, they will earn $32,000 in the next 4 months ($8000 per month /$128000 per year)

  • This is 195% what market rate tenants would pay.

  • A calendar booked with consecutive shorter stays earns the owners even more money as they are requesting $325-$375 a night ($2275-$2625 per week)

  • This is only one unit and they are renting out three other units in the building at 4120 24th St.

You can find BJ on VRBO, www.24thStreetApartments.com and

http://www.droubiteam.com/our_team.php

In 2005, BJ was the target of protesters because she did not disclose the Ellis Act was used to evict tenants when listing a TIC opportunity as required by law.

The Colton’s listed 8 vacation units on VRBO between San Francisco and Sonoma.

BJ's listing

The Yurovsky Family

BJ Colton

The Colton’s listed 8 vacation units on VRBO between San Francisco and Sonoma.

You can find BJ on VRBO, www.24thStreetApartments.com and

http://www.droubiteam.com/our_team.php

BJ's listings

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