I am often asked how to find the best deals when buying a home or condo in San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties. Here are a few solid tips that I’ve learned in my 22 years in the local real estate market:

1. Many properties are off-market and not advertised to the public but a great local agent should be able to identify some for you.
2. Focus on properties that have been on the market for more than 60 days. These are the ones that are more likely to sell at a discount.
3. Look at homes that have had price reductions. Drops in pricing can indicate that a seller is eager and may be open to negotiating.
4. Identify properties that have been on and off the market recently but remain unsold. This is often a sign of an eager or unrealistic seller who may be open to negotiating.
5. Ugly homes can be the great deals since many buyers cannot see the potential or do not want to do any work on the place after purchasing. A fresh coat of paint and some new appliances can often transform a place.
6. Any home with a “black eye” can be a great deal. A house with a funky floorplan or a house located on a busy street will not appeal to many buyers which means that you can possibly score a deal if you’re open-minded.
7. Most importantly, hire an experienced local agent to scour the inventory for you.