Congratulations to my lovely buyer clients—we just won them a 2-bedroom condo with a 2-car garage in San Francisco!
We had a big win with this home purchase: Because I stayed communicative with the listing agent, I helped my buyers secure a condo for $175,000 less than a previous offer.
Here's how it all happened:
Finding the Right Neighborhood and Condo
My buyers were a couple searching for a 2-bedroom condo in San Francisco. I actually met one of them through the Pilates studio where we both teach classes! They needed to find a new place to live on a fairly tight timeline, so we got right to work.
We toured quite a few condos in different neighborhoods. They wanted to be within walking distance of the Castro, so we explored areas like Diamond Heights, Noe Valley, and parts of the Mission.
They ended up purchasing a condo in Eureka Valley!
Making an Offer on a Competitive Condo
The condo had competition, but it wasn't crazy competitive like some of the stories you hear about San Francisco real estate.
We had done a ton of research, asked all the questions, and made sure my buyers understood what they were purchasing. They ultimately waived all contingencies and submitted an early offer above the list price.
The sellers decided to wait until their scheduled offer review date to respond to offers. They also received an early offer for $1.4 million, but that offer ultimately fell through. By then, my buyers had started considering other options.
However, I stayed in touch with the listing agent, who eventually let me know the property was still available and encouraged us to submit another offer. We did, and this time it worked out!
The condo was listed for $995,000, and my buyers purchased it for $1,225,000!
We closed quickly, and my buyers are now happily settled into their new home.
Why Staying in Touch Matters
This transaction is a great example of why maintaining strong relationships and communication with listing agents matters. Even though our first offer didn't work out, staying in touch helped us recognize another opportunity.
What's the San Francisco Condo Market Like Right Now?
The condo market is a little softer right now in San Francisco, but condos with two or more bedrooms are still quite competitive in premier neighborhoods. If there's something special about a property, like a beautiful view or a two-car garage (which this one had!), you still have to be ready to compete.
That said, San Francisco's condo market isn't one-size-fits-all. Some properties attract strong competition, while others offer room for negotiation.
This purchase is a great example of why understanding the local market, doing your research, and maintaining strong relationships with other agents can make such a difference.
I spent years as a top-producing agent in Seattle before relocating to San Francisco myself. Now I do both—helping buyers and sellers in San Francisco, and connecting relocating clients with the best agents across the country. If you're making a move, I'd love to be in your corner from day one. Get in touch!
