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Home Ownership, first time home buyer Dustin Chaveleh Home Ownership, first time home buyer Dustin Chaveleh

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Condo

If you're in the market for a new place to call home, a condo may be just what you're looking for. Condos can offer many benefits, such as convenience and affordability. However, before you buy one, there are some things you need to ask, so you are aware of what you are getting into. In this blog post, we will discuss ten questions that you should ask before buying a condo. By answering these questions, you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not a condo is the right choice for you! Plus, don’t forget to get pre-approved when you start searching.

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Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh

Why Tenant-Occupied Properties Lag Behind in San Francisco’s Market

In San Francisco, tenant‑occupied homes and condos often sell for significantly less than their vacant, move‑in‑ready counterparts. From rent control caps and owner move‑in evictions to appraisal assumptions and buyer psychology, several forces compress the value of occupied properties. This post breaks down why tenant‑occupied SFHs and condos trade at a discount and how that affects your timing, strategy, and bottom line.

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first time home buyer, Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh first time home buyer, Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh

New Water Conservation Requirements for Homeowners

San Francisco is set to implement stricter water conservation requirements starting May 15th 2026, creating new compliance challenges for residential sellers, buyers, and agents. With updated fixture standards and limited exemptions, property owners should review their homes early to avoid unexpected costs and delays.

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Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh

Getting Your Homeowners Insurance Right: What You Need to Know

Don’t get homeowners insurance wrong — it will cost you. Insurance companies quote you based on what's cheap, not what actually covers rebuilding your home in a high-cost market. In the Bay Area, the gap between "cheap coverage" and "adequate coverage" can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to know about getting properly insured—and some practical strategies to afford the coverage you actually need.

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first time home buyer, Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh first time home buyer, Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh

Understanding TICs: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Thinking about purchasing a Tenancy in Common (TIC) unit? It's a smart option that many buyers overlook—often saving 10-25% compared to a comparable condo. But before you jump in, here's what you really need to understand about how TICs work, how financing works, and whether they're right for your situation. We break down the money talk, conversion potential, and all the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.

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Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh Home Ownership Dustin Chaveleh

Pre-approval vs Prequalification

A Pre-Qualification can be a great baseline for what you can afford, but this is just a ballpark estimate. To win a bidding war, you need a verified Pre-Approval—where an underwriter actually clears your documents. In today's market, a pre-qual starts the conversation, but a pre-approval closes the deal.

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The Castro Is Having a Moment

The Castro has always been one of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods. Now, with the Castro Theatre being restored, new businesses opening along the corridor, and the housing market rebounding, it's also becoming one of the most interesting places to buy in 2026. Here's a look at the history, the homes, and what the market is doing right now.

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