Buying San Francisco - Get to Know Your Options
You want a home that represents you. Where you can paint the walls and put up wallpaper. Where you get to make all of the decisions. Homeownership has proven to be a great investment, but it is also a commitment. Get to know your options and understand the pros and cons so that when you’re ready to find your home you are confident that you have the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Should I buy a home now? 5 Guidelines and Perfect Timing Tips from Ramit Sethi
5 Guidelines and Perfect Timing Tips from Ramit Sethi
Let’s get realistic about buying in San Francisco.
Dreamscapes and Cityscapes: A Realistic Guide to Buy a House in San Francisco
The type of property you buy matters.
There are so many different types of property in San Francisco. It’s important when you start looking to understand the pros and cons of different building types and figure out what’s right for you. Here are just a few insights.
Did you know that large apartment complexes and high-rise apartments account for over 47% of San Francisco’s housing?
Most large buildings will have an HOA fee in addition to your mortgage.
Usually the more amenities, the higher the HOA fee.
Make sure to read the rules and regulations that limit what you can and cannot do with your home.
Make sure the building has solid reserves and that it is well maintained.
Confirm what your HOA covers - some Co-ops cover all your utilities, while others may only cover garbage and utilities in common space areas.
Did you know that over 46% of housing in San Francisco was built before WWII?
Older buildings may not be up to today’s building regulations and standards.
When buying an older building you will want to understand if any foundation work has been completed - this work can be expensive and is important for safety.
We are seeing insurance companies that don’t want to insure older buildings.
Did you know that the type and size of a building can determine what you can do with your property?
Two-unit buildings if not already, can easily be converted into condos.
Three-unit buildings cannot be converted into condos and for the foreseeable future will remain TICs (Tenants In Common), this ownership structure limits the mortgages you can get, but also often can get you more bang for your buck.
Single-family homes are always in high demand and usually the most competitive to purchase.
The city has changed the rules for short-term rentals and AirBnBs - make sure that you understand the rules for your business type if this is something you want to do.
We partner with the best agents nd brokers, offering a wealth of resources to meet all your home buying needs. Let’s find you the perfect match for your needs.
