8 Steps to Buy Your Dream Home

Finding the 'perfect house' is often iterative. Here’s how we navigate the challenges of buying in the Bay Area and turn them into opportunities that lead you home.

1.

Let’s Begin Your Search

We start with a conversation; together, we map your needs, your dreams, and explore creative possibilities.

With a deep understanding of your goals, we’re ready to navigate the hyperlocal-every-shifting-efficient and sophisticated San Francisco real estate market.

2.

Understand What You Can Afford

Ultimately, this is a personal decision. I recommend understanding the full range of your purchasing power. This will empower you to choose the right mix of neighborhood, property condition, and amenities.

3.

Secure Exclusive Representation

I ask clients to sign the SFAR Buyer-Broker agreement to ensure we have a shared understanding of our respective responsibilities. This agreement allows Compass and me, as your agent, to legally and exclusively represent you and your interests.

Carol with a client looking at technical drawings
Carol with a client looking at technical drawings

4.

Get Fully Underwritten

When you are fully underwritten, you are positioned to be truly competitive, even against an all-cash buyer. We want to be ready to write if we see a property you love and offers are due the next day.

5.

The Art & Science of Touring

Learn how to read photo, review disclosures and the understand the purchase agreement.

Touring together isn't just about the house; it is a chance to understand your preferences better and coach you in evaluating properties online and in person. My goal is to demystify the process and build awareness to reduce stress.

6.

Make an Offer

We're prepared and ready to craft a winning offer and discuss a strategy to negotiate if you receive a counteroffer.

A bright blue, purple, and white San Francisco House

7.

You’re in Contract

When the seller accepts your offer, you have a ratified contract. Congratulations! You’re on your way! I’ll be there for you at every step of the way.

8.

Escrow and the Closing Process

This is a period of time when a bevy of experts dot the i's and cross the t's. My role as your agent is to protect your interests and a sucesfull close.

Testimonials

Working with Carol on purchasing my first home was an amazing experience!

Carol helped me understand multiple neighborhoods in San Francisco, explained all the documentation and processes to follow, was patient with all my questions, was accessible for time-sensitive matters, and was wonderful to talk with. I highly recommend Carol for the home-buying experience!

Gabriel

San Francisco, Haight-Ashbury

Carol just gets it, and your life will be better if she's your agent while you're buying a home.

Her expertise in both houses (materials, structure, updates) and the Bay Area market, generosity, attention to our needs, responsiveness, and support have been indispensable in the process.

T & Annie

Oakland, Temescal Neighborhood

She knows how to stage a home and what buyers are looking for, even in a tough market.

Carol is a great listener. She takes the time to learn about you and what’s important to you all while having a strong grasp of the market. Happy we partnered with her to buy and sell.

Mike & Allison

San Francisco, Laurel Heights

Staff Picks

We live and breathe the San Francisco market - let us pull together a curated collection of properties so you can explore with your head and your heart.

Condo/TIC
1235 Masonic Ave
$1,650,000

Why we like it: A solid 3b/2b full floor condo with beautiful light that is steps away from Buena Vista park.

Single Family
471 16th Ave
$1,898,000

Why we like it: A spacious home (4b/2.5b) with classic bones that is walkable to shops, restaurants and GGP!

Single Family
5531 Diamond Heights Blvd
$1,495,000

Why we like it: Light, views, and a reasonable 'project' for an owner to take on.

Request a Personalized Collection

Questions?

"What can I afford?"

“Is it a good time to buy?”

“Where do I begin?”

Let's Talk