You’ve decided to make your move to the Golden City. Starting a new journey with your family starts with having a loving environment and a cozy place to live in. You’re searching everything on the internet for concerns related to buying a house in San Francisco. Luckily, we have made a complete 2022 guide that will satisfy all your concerns and questions.
Buying a house, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer, is not a simple process. There are a lot of considerations and factors that should be analyzed before you make your move. Living costs, transportation, neighborhoods, and many more factors go into the buying process. Keep reading to learn more about buying a house in San Francisco!
1- First Things First: Make Sure You’re In A Buyer’s Market
Before planning to buy a house, check to discover if the house is in a buyer’s or seller’s market.
The number of properties for sale outnumbers the number of buyers in a buyer’s market. This gives the buyer an advantage. In a seller’s market, there are more buyers in the market than there are available properties. As a result, the seller gets the benefit.
The majority of the US is currently in a seller’s market as of 2022. This indicates that demand exceeds supply. As a result, property values are increasing. In the following years, home prices in San Francisco are predicted to rise. Before buying a house in San Francisco, think about all of these things.
2- The Real Estate Market Of San Francisco
There are a number of factors to be put into consideration when studying the real estate market before buying a house. These include home prices, interest rates, mortgages, demand, supply, etc.
According to 2022 reports, both housing prices and interest rates are soaring. The reason? Supply is extremely short in the city. Mortgage rates have also seen a dramatic increase. From 2021 to 2022, home prices have observed an increase of 14%.
3- The Cost Of Living Is Quite Expensive.
Before you make your move to the golden city, consider factors such as the cost of living in San Francisco. Let’s start with housing prices and rents. The rent is two times higher in the city, in contrast to the national average. The most expensive rental properties are in the city’s newly constructed eastern areas, such as SoMa, South Beach, and Mission Bay. Similarly, buying a house in San Francisco is quite expensive. It is more costly than in New York.
Moving on to utilities, they are slightly less costly than in other cities. San Fran has a mild climate which reduces the bills of gas and electricity for heating and cooling. Transportation expenses are also lower as the majority opt for public transport. Food and restaurants are more expensive on average. SF diners have to pay a “health surcharge” for employees, which is indirectly included in menu costs.
4- Consider the Climate
For some people, having extreme weather is a dealbreaker when shifting to a new place. If you are the type of person who cares about the weather a lot, it’s wise to consider this before buying a house in San Francisco. Luckily for you, the climate of San Francisco is the Mediterranean, with dry summers and rainy winters. San Francisco’s climate is regulated by the ocean that surrounds it. Therefore, the temperature does not vary significantly between seasons.
5- Best Places For Buying A House In San Francisco
Before buying a house in San Francisco, explore the greatest places to live based on the cost of living, crime, public schools, career possibilities, and other aspects. We have made a small list of family-friendly neighborhoods where you can settle in easily.
i- Noe Valley
If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in the center of the Bay Area, look no further. Noe Valley is well worth it! This area is popular with families and seniors because of its open spaces, low crime rates, and fine schools such as Alvarado Elementary School. Noe Valley provides more spacious houses away from the city center. Nevertheless, it has convenient access to the city center through the Muni Metro Light Rail.
ii- Bernal Heights
Locals call Bernal Heights “Maternal Heights,” and it’s understandable. The neighborhood has a peaceful ambiance, communal gardens, and kid-friendly playgrounds. There are a variety of housing options available here. You can either opt for remodeled condominiums or go for Victorian-style cottages. Bernal Heights is also adjacent to the Glen Park BART Station, making it convenient to travel to San Francisco’s Financial District, the San Francisco International Airport, or Oakland.
iii- Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights is a renowned and attractive neighborhood of the golden city. With that being said, it’s also one of the most costly. The Presidio and the Marina District, both of which provide fantastic outdoor activities in San Francisco, are close by. The city vistas, Victorian-style homes, and well-kept parks are all the reasons for the expensive price tag.
iv- North Beach
North Beach is home to some of the city’s top attractions. Popular tourist destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 draw a lot of visitors every year. The neighborhood has a “Little Italy” sector, where locals find off-the-beaten-path restaurants, pubs, and boutiques. In terms of housing, North Beach can be the place to go if you’re looking for a fashionable apartment or condo with amazing views of the beach along with the city.
v- Parkside
If you prefer to keep at a distance and have a little space, Parkside is the ideal location for you! This neighborhood runs along the Pacific Ocean on the city’s western outskirts. It features large green spaces such as Pine Lake Park and Larsen Playground. Due to it not being in the center of the city, you can find affordable condos and unique Rousseau-style homes. There are excellent schools such as Herbert Hoover Middle School and Abraham Lincoln High School. Living in Parkside also means you have immediate beach access as well!
6- Find a Skilled Real Estate Agent
Finding a place to live on your own may be a stressful and complicated process. By keeping track of new listings, scheduling viewings, and interacting with the seller’s agent, a knowledgeable real estate agent can assist you in managing your search.
Before you buy a house in San Francisco, contact Regentology to locate the finest real estate agent. Our team of experts will match you with the best agent in your area.
7- First-Time Home Buying Programs In San Francisco
Before buying a house in San Francisco, it is wise that you consider all the options that are available for your ease. The city provides some great housing programs and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and others. Keep reading to find out more.
i- BMR-DALP Down Payment Assistance Program
This program is a no-interest, no-payment down payment financing program for first-time home purchasers who are acquiring a Below Market Rate unit. For households obtaining up to 120 percent of the median income, a loan of up to $57,000 is available depending on need.
ii- The First Responders Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (FRDALP)
This program helps actively uniformed, sworn personnel of the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD), San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and San Francisco Sheriff’s Department (SFSD). People from these departments can buy their first home in the City and County of San Francisco.
iii- Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DALP)
DALP is a sort of silent second loan with no payments for the first 30 years. This loan program is for first-time homebuyers in San Francisco having a low to moderate income who are purchasing a market-rate single-family house.
iv- City Second Financing Program
The city’s second financing program is a no-interest, deferred-payment loan program for qualified first-time homeowners purchasing a property inside designated developments. This debt is placed after the initial mortgage on the title. The borrower can repay at any time in the future without penalty.
v- TND (Teacher Next Door Program)
TND is a financing program that caters to teachers employed by the San Francisco Unified School District who wants to buy their first house in the city. Teachers can repay the loan after ten years once they complete all the program requirements. This voucher may be used to purchase a BMR unit.
vi- MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate Program)
A San Francisco-based program that assists first-time homeowners. An MCC supports qualified homebuyers in obtaining a mortgage loan and lowering their effective mortgage interest rate. This voucher may be used to purchase a BMR unit.
Contact Regentology Today To Buy A House In San Francisco
When you’ve made the decision to buy a home in SF, keeping all of the above tips in mind, contact Regentology. Regentology is here to help you through the complexities of home buying. To receive a free consultation, simply fill out our form. You’ll be connected with the most qualified real estate agent in your area, which will present you with feasible possibilities.