For Buyers
Most buyers lose homes not because they couldn't afford them, but because they didn't understand how the game is played here. Pricing strategy, disclosure packages, offer timing. I make sure you walk in knowing exactly what you're doing.
What Working Together Looks Like
I tour properties across San Francisco every week. When something fits your search, I've often already walked it. You get a private video walkthrough so you can decide fast without taking time off work.
My construction background means I can tell you what's cosmetic, what's structural, and roughly what it costs to fix. Before you fall in love with a house that needs a new foundation.
Most buyers think the disclosure package is just paperwork. It is not. It is the most important thing you will read before making an offer. I go through every page with you so nothing catches you off guard.
List prices in SF are marketing, not value. I pull the comps, read the competition, and help you land on a number that wins without overpaying.
Financing falls apart more often than people think. I have a network of lenders who perform under SF timelines, and I'll introduce you early so pre-approval never slows you down.
Buyer Stories
★★★★★"Kevin took the time to truly listen and understand what would actually entice me to explore buying a home. He was thoughtful, patient, attentive, and incredibly intentional about every listing he sent my way. Today, I have the keys to my dream home in San Francisco."
Ken M.
★★★★★"Kevin went above and beyond for us in searching for the right house to buy. He understood fully our needs and lifestyle habits saving us much time in our busy schedules and was willing to meet with us at all hours."
Michele · SF Buyer
★★★★★"As a first time home buyer he answered all the questions we had day or night. Kevin really looked after us as if we are family and as if he was buying the home himself."
Samvika M.
Neighborhoods, pricing strategy, offer dynamics, and what to actually expect from the process. Tell me where to send it.
Buyer Questions
Less than most people think, and it depends on the property. The 20 percent down payment is a guideline, not a rule. Plenty of buyers put down 10 percent or less, and there are down payment assistance programs through the city and state for buyers who qualify. The real number to focus on is your full monthly cost: mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues if there are any. Run your actual numbers before you rule yourself out.
Because in San Francisco, the list price is a marketing strategy, not an appraisal. Many listings are priced below what the seller expects so they draw more traffic and multiple offers. That is why a home listed at 1.2 million can sell for 1.5 million without anyone overpaying. When we write an offer, I pull the recent comparable sales and we base your number on what the home is actually worth, not on the list price.
A TIC, or tenancy in common, is a form of shared ownership that is common in San Francisco because of the city's condo conversion limits. You own a percentage of a building with the exclusive right to live in your unit. TICs usually sell for less than comparable condos, which can get you into a neighborhood that would otherwise be out of reach. The tradeoffs are specialized financing with larger down payments and a smaller pool of buyers when you sell. For some buyers a TIC is a smart move. For others it is the wrong fit. It comes down to your finances and how long you plan to stay.
In San Francisco, sellers put together a disclosure package before offers come in: inspection reports, permit history, known issues, and HOA documents if it is a condo. Most buyers skim it. That is a mistake. It is the most important thing you will read before making an offer, and it is often where the real condition of the home and your negotiating leverage live. I walk every client through the full package before we write anything.
Pay attention, but do not panic. Most San Francisco housing is older, and age by itself is not a problem. What matters is what has been maintained: the foundation, the electrical, seismic retrofitting, the roof. My construction background means I can walk a home with you and tell you what is cosmetic, what is structural, and roughly what it costs to fix. Older homes with good bones are some of the better buys in the city.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and tell me what you're looking for. I'll tell you honestly whether now is your moment and what it will take.
Book a Free Buyer Consultation