The San Francisco Real Estate Blog
Ranking the Best Platforms for Home Searching (2026 Guide)
Thinking about buying a home? Relying on just one app like Zillow or Redfin means you might be missing out on exclusive and "Coming Soon" listings. Discover why a multi-app setup—and private MLS access—is essential for seeing the full picture of inventory in today's market.
Why Real Estate Deals Fall Through
Most real estate deals don't die from one big dramatic thing — they die from inspection surprises, financing hiccups, and timing that doesn't line up. Here's the actual breakdown by category and percentage, using the latest 2026 NAR and Redfin data, plus what SF buyers and sellers can do to keep their deal off the list.
Before You Buy in the Sunset, Know Its History
Ever notice how every block in the Sunset looks like a variation on the same house? That's not a coincidence — it's the legacy of a 1930s building boom that put up two houses a day. Here's the real story behind the stucco, the narrow lots, and the little style flourishes that make each one unique.
Which Neighborhoods Are Selling the Furthest Over Asking Right Now
Inner Sunset and Outer Sunset single-family homes are now closing over 141% of list price, while Bernal Heights leads all neighborhoods in year-over-year gains. Here's where San Francisco's 2026 market is running hottest — and the one neighborhood where condos are still going for less than asking.
Looking for a Low HOA Building?
A low HOA fee might look like a deal — but it often means something else is being deferred. Here's what to check before you let the monthly number sell you on a listing.
Securing a Coveted Spot in San Francisco’s Community Gardens
SF has 42 community gardens open to any resident — no cost, no catch. Except the waitlist. Some gardens have waiting lists as long as 8–9 years! In this post I break down why demand is so high, two ways to get a plot faster, and what to consider if you'd rather just own your own outdoor space.
The Excelsior: SF's Most Overlooked Neighborhood for Buyers
The Excelsior is a diverse residential neighborhood in the Southeastern quarter of the city, bounded by Mission Street to the west, Silver Avenue to the north, McLaren Park to the East, and Geneva Avenue to the south. It is in the SFAR’s District 10.
Permitted vs. Unpermitted Work in SF — What Every Buyer Needs to Know
San Francisco's housing stock is full of renovations, additions, and remodels — but not all of it was done with the City's blessing. Here's what every buyer needs to know about permitted vs. unpermitted work before making an offer.
San Francisco Spring Sales Data
349 homes sold in San Francisco in May 2026. 73% went over asking. The median sale price hit $1.7M — and one home on the Great Highway listed at $1.5M and sold for $3.5M. Here's the full breakdown by property type, bedroom, and the sales worth talking about.
SF Condos vs Single-Family Homes: Where's the Better Play in 2026?
A $1M condo and a $2M house are both 'buying in SF.' But they're completely different bets. The returns are different, the risks are different, and the math changes depending on your timeline. Let's get into it."

