📝 Quick Summary: San Francisco Housing Market (2025)
✔ Median Home Price (2025): $1.5M
✔ Market Trend: Homes are selling 15% over asking price
✔ Best Neighborhoods: Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, Outer Sunset, Richmond, Excelsior
✔ Buying Process: Pre-approval, home tours, competitive offers, closing
✔ Mortgage Rates (2025): ~6.5% for a 30-year fixed
👉 Looking to buy? Click here for a free consultation
🏡 What Are the Current Real Estate Trends in San Francisco (2025)?
San Francisco remains one of the most competitive real estate markets in the U.S. Understanding key market trends helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
📊 SF Market Overview – 2025
✔ Median Home Price: $1,500,000
✔ Average Days on Market: 36 days
✔ Recent Market Movement: Homes are selling 15% over asking price
✔ Active Listings: 202 homes, plus 57 Coming Soon properties
✔ Interest Rates: ~6.5% for a 30-year fixed mortgage
🔹 Why It Matters: Home prices continue to rise, and well-positioned properties are attracting multiple offers. Competitive strategies are essential for buyers.
👉 Want an in-depth market report? Get a personalized home valuation
📍 Which Are the Best Neighborhoods to Buy a Home in San Francisco?
San Francisco has diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique lifestyle. Here’s a quick breakdown:
✔ Pacific Heights – Luxury homes with stunning Bay views, close to Alta Plaza Park
✔ Noe Valley – Family-friendly, sunny, and strong community
✔ The Mission – Trendy, walkable, known for food & nightlife
✔ SoMa (South of Market) – High-rise condos, urban living, close to tech hubs
✔ Outer Sunset & Richmond – Coastal living, single-family homes, suburban feel
✔ Excelsior – Affordable single-family homes, great freeway access
👉 Find homes in your ideal SF neighborhood
❓ How Do You Buy a Home in San Francisco? (Step-by-Step)
The SF housing market moves fast—here’s how to be prepared:
1️⃣ Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
✔ Know your budget before you start searching.
✔ Work with a lender to get pre-approved for a competitive loan rate.
2️⃣ Work with a Local Real Estate Expert
✔ A top SF agent helps you find off-market deals before they hit the MLS.
✔ Get early access to listings and negotiate smarter offers.
3️⃣ Tour Homes & Act Quickly
✔ The best homes receive multiple offers within days.
✔ Be ready to write an offer if you think the home will be a good fit. This can take some time as you hone in on what you are really looking for, but when you see a home that you like, moving quickly is the name of the game!
4️⃣ Make a Competitive Offer
✔ How much over asking should you offer? In 2025, 10-20% over asking is common, but it is highly dependent on how the home is marketed. Savvy listing agents are pricing properties low in order to bring buyer interest to their door, but it isn't always the case. It is important to look at the comparable sold properties and understand Absorption Rates and Price Ranges for the neighborhood you are interested in.
✔ Consider a Pre-Emptive Offer—sometimes the seller really wants to get the deal done, or the real estate agent is 100% sure how the property will be received by the market. When one of these scenarios plays out, there can be an opportunity to strike a deal before any competitors even have a chance.
5️⃣ Close the Deal & Move In!
✔ Finalize inspections & paperwork with your agent’s guidance. Often the listing agent will provide a disclosure package with inspections and all the material facts about the property, but sometimes this isn't the case. Their are opportunities in either scenario, and a good agent can help you understand how to take advantage of the circumstances that present themselves.
✔ Secure your mortgage & get the keys to your new home!
👉 Need expert guidance? Schedule a free home-buying consultation
💡 Is It Better to Buy or Rent in San Francisco?
If you’re debating between buying vs. renting, consider these factors:
✔ Reasons to Buy:
✅ Home value appreciation: SF home prices have historically increased over time.
✅ Build equity: Instead of paying rent, you gain property ownership, and be in control of your environment. There is a real pleasure in making your home your own!
✅ Tax benefits: Mortgage interest & property taxes can be deductible.
❌ When Renting Might Make Sense:
🚫 If you’re staying in SF for less than 2-3 years, renting may be more cost-effective.
🚫 High upfront costs: Down payments in SF can be significant.
👉 Not sure what’s best for you? Click Here to Discuss Your Particular Situation
🏡 How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment in SF?
Most buyers assume they need 20% down, but in reality, there are options:
✔ 5-10% Down: Many first-time buyers qualify with lower down payment loans.
✔ Jumbo Loans: Homes priced above $1,209,750 require jumbo financing.
✔ Bridge Loans: Allows you to buy before selling your current home. Click Here to Learn More About Bridge Loans
👉 Explore financing options with a trusted lender – Contact me for recommendations
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in SF
✔ How much should I offer over asking in SF?
Many homes sell 10-20% above the list price, sometimes 60% or more, but it depends on the time of year and on the neighborhood. Every home is marketed differently, and every real estate agent implements different strategies. After selling homes in San Francisco and Marin for over 20 years, I will often know what marketing strategies individual real estate agents use. I'm happy to share my expertise with you!
✔ Is now a good time to buy in SF?
With mortgage rates stabilizing at 6.5%, demand is picking up. Buying sooner could save you money if rates rise again.
✔ Do I need a real estate agent in SF?
Absolutely! Off-market deals & multiple-offer strategies require an expert who knows the market inside out. A great real estate agent helps you navigate the strange waters of our local real estate market.
👉 Got more questions? Let’s chat
📞 Ready to Find Your Dream Home in San Francisco?
Buying in SF requires insider knowledge, smart negotiation, and expert guidance. Let’s make it happen!
📞 Call or Text: 415.244.5846
📧 Email: [email protected]
🏡 Start Your Search: Click here to browse SF homes
