Let’s face it, 2023 has had its challenges for San Francisco home sellers. And the challenges seem to be more intense this summer than they were earlier this year.
The days of listing your home, garnering multiple offers with big overbids and closing quickly have fallen by the wayside. Successfully selling your home takes a little more fortitude and planning than it once did.
Here are what I believe are the top three qualities any seller should have going into the fall of 2023:
1. Realistic value expectations. We’ve had continuous interest rate hikes throughout 2022 and 2023, and buyers have seen their purchasing power dwindle. Pay closest attention to the comparable sales that have closed over the past two- to three months. Referencing the comp you love from 2021 will work against you.
2. Flexibility. Some sales may take longer due to financing details, or buyers may request repairs or credits—that type of thing. Keep an open mind and focus on closing your sale.
3. Patience. Lots of stuff can go sideways these days. A buyer may not be able to get insurance, an appraisal report may come up short on value. Financing may fall through or buyers may change their minds and cancel the sale via a contingency. Nothing’s a slam dunk, but you can get through it—either with the buyers in contract or with new buyers who materialize later. In the meantime, let your listing agent guide you, and do some deep breathing while looking at that photo above of Fort Funston. (Better yet, actually go to Fort Funston to clear your head.)