San Francisco buyer guide · 5 minute guide

What to understand before making an offer

Price matters. So do the home’s condition, your financing, the terms you accept, and how much uncertainty you can comfortably carry.

Published September 7, 2026 · Gullicksen Group

Separate the asking price from your decision

Use the asking price as an opening reference. Ask Tim to walk through comparable closed sales, current alternatives, and differences in condition, layout, parking, outdoor space, and location. An attractive list price is not a promise about the price a seller will accept. Set your own limit before the pressure of an offer deadline.

Questions to bring to the conversation

Which recent sales are genuinely comparable, and why?
What would make this home worth more or less to me?
At what price would I feel comfortable walking away?

Understand the complete cost

Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate and review the monthly payment, interest rate, upfront costs, and cash needed to close. Include insurance, property taxes, association dues where applicable, maintenance, and a reserve for repairs in your own budget. Compare loan offers on the same assumptions, and ask the lender to explain differences rather than comparing interest rates alone.

Questions to bring to the conversation

What payment and cash-to-close assumptions are being used?
How much money will remain available after closing?
What repair or insurance costs are still estimates?

Know what each term asks of you

Before an offer, review the proposed inspection, financing, appraisal, deposit, and closing terms with Tim and your lender. Ask what each contingency protects, how its deadline works, and what a decision to waive or remove it would mean under your contract. A preapproval does not eliminate financing uncertainty. Resolve legal questions with a qualified attorney before committing.

Questions to bring to the conversation

What happens if the appraisal is below the purchase price?
What investigation can I complete within the proposed time?
What could put my deposit at risk under this agreement?

Write down the tradeoff you are accepting

Try explaining your offer in one sentence: ‘I am comfortable with this price and these terms because…’ If the explanation depends on an unanswered question, return to that question. Ask Tim to compare a stronger offer, a more protective offer, and waiting for another home. His role is to explain the choices and negotiate for you; the decision should remain yours.

Questions to bring to the conversation

Which terms can change, and which are essential to me?
Would I still choose this home without the urgency?
What is my next step if this offer is not accepted?

Your next-step checklist

Review relevant comparable sales with Tim.
Confirm financing assumptions and available funds with the lender.
Account for ownership costs and unresolved repairs.
Understand each proposed contingency and deadline.
Set a comfortable price limit and an alternative plan.

Read further

Public reference material for the topics above:

This is general educational guidance, not a review of a particular property or contract. Tim can help you organize your questions; use qualified inspectors, your lender, an insurance professional, and an attorney for advice within their specialties.