A home arrives at an unusual moment
A few years ago, a house in Bernal Heights came on the market on December 23. The owners had a time-sensitive opportunity to make their next move, so they listed immediately rather than waiting until after the holidays.
My clients were leaving that day to visit family on the East Coast. If this was the right home, there was no time to wait for their return.
A same-day showing
I arranged for us to see the house that day. Everything happened so quickly that the listing agent could not meet us, and one of the sellers showed us through the home.
My clients loved it: a three-bedroom, two-bath house north of Cortland Avenue that fit what they were looking for. We wrote an offer that day and were in contract by Christmas Eve.
Timing that worked for both sides
There was no bidding war. My buyers did not have to overbid or waive their contingencies. The agreement also allowed the sellers to make the move they had been hoping for.
An agent cannot manufacture an opportunity where none exists. But being available, recognizing a potential fit, and acting promptly can make a meaningful difference when one appears.
What to take away
An accepted offer without a bidding war.
Moving quickly and retaining protections are not necessarily opposites. In this particular transaction, understanding both sides’ timing helped create an agreement that worked for everyone.
Explore the Bernal Heights neighborhood guide →Edited from Tim’s account for clarity and client privacy. Transaction dates and identifying details are omitted. This is a past client experience, not a guarantee of similar results or advice about a particular contract.