A few years ago, buyers were grateful to have sellers accept their offers. Today they are not only looking for the perfect home, but they also want a deal.

Although my McGuire Real Estate office is in Noe Valley, on Tuesday Broker’s Tour I look at a wide range of properties covering many neighborhoods with two goals in mind:


1) I look specifically for property of interest to my clients


2) To understand the San Francisco real estate market

Recently in Saint Francis Wood and Monterey Heights there were several large homes – over 2,500 square feet, with the almost mythical two car garage, plus ample street parking – priced under $1,800,000. In Pacific Heights this could be the price of a condo.

Until recently living in a Victorian or a traditional home in Saint Francis Wood or Monterey Heights was the ultimate goal of many buyers. Today the real estate pie is more diverse. Many young people want modern designs that were unthinkable not that many years ago. But Saint Francis Wood remains one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Francisco, and there are moments in time when there are opportunities to make an exceptional purchase. And this may be one of them.

Looking at the tax records of three houses for sale in the Saint Francis Wood and Monterey Heights neighborhoods under $1,800,000:

• One is a trust sale
• Another has had the same owner since 1979
• The third has a very low yearly tax and must have been in the same family for many years

These sellers will all make a substantial profit on the sale of their homes. This is a win/win situation where the sellers will make a profit and the buyers will find a deal in comparison to what their money buys in other San Francisco neighborhoods.

My goal is always to provide my clients with the best opportunity within their price range. This may include suggesting a neighborhood previously unknown to them or believed to be out of their reach. You might be surprised where your ideal home can be found.

Photo courtesy of FoundSF