Info For Buyers
Buying is an investment in the physical structure, yes, but also in the city, your neighbors, and yourself. You can rely on my experience within this unique market to make sure it all feels like home.
Every buyer has a personal list of ‘must haves’ and ‘deal breakers’. With these in mind, I’ll find you a home that both meets your needs and brings happiness for years to come.
Where do we start?
I first recommend you do a budget to see what you currently are spending money on. Then we talk to a lender. Within my network, I’ve got multiple options and we’ll find the most appropriate one for your situation.
We tour! (This is the fun part, touring as much as we can.) Together we’ll explore properties to understand your reaction to various amenities, improvements, and/or issues. Seeing as many homes as possible is like training for the big game - so when the time comes that you find something you really love you’re ready to go. I try to keep us shopping in a range that is realistic to your budget. (Download my simple Neighborhood Guide for ideas of where you want to start.)
If you are part of a couple or a family, it’s very important for me to get to know all the decision makers so everyone’s needs and wants are respected in the process. Everyone should be present as much of the time as possible.
I’m your best advocate in the world of buying and negotiations. Check out these items below for consideration before we start.
Budget
Knowing your budget and being realistic about what’s available at that price point are essential to buying a new home. This is prep work that is very useful when we start discussing the potential purchase with a lender, too. I am always supportive of staying within a comfortable range so your purchase is a great success.
Post-Purchase Support
I enjoy helping my clients make their house a home! I have many years of experience buying, refurbishing, and selling at a profit, and I am happy to share my extensive list of service providers. I encourage my clients to carefully make upgrades and even sometimes additions to their homes. My background in interior design informs suggestions I make.
Market Conditions
Supply and demand fluctuations, outside the buyer’s control, affect the real estate market constantly. That’s why when you are ready to buy, I recommend seeing as much property in your price range as possible. By doing that you see new listings and track the property prices as they sell in real time and are not relying only on my opinion when we start making offers.
Neighborhood
San Francisco neighborhoods vary greatly in atmosphere, amenities, and weather! We’ll talk a lot up-front to clarify how you want to live your life: do you like solitude or to be in the hubbub? Do you want places to walk to? What are the area amenities, parks, schools, restaurants, and shops you want close by?
I was very hesitant to sell my home because I was afraid of getting taken advantage of. I decided to give Matt a try and I am so glad that I did!
Matt Flynn was very honest and upfront with me. He was able to sell my home for top dollar and he even helped me negotiate a great deal on my new home. Matt Flynn was the best agent I have ever worked with. I would not hesitate to refer him to anyone looking to sell their home.
- Mark and Patty M.
A special note for solo buyers.
Entering the real estate market as a solo buyer means you can focus on finding the home that best suits your personal tastes without having to worry about others' preferences. But keep these things in mind:
Qualifying for a loan solely on your own income and credit history may be more challenging in this competitive market.
A home purchase means paying possible HOA fees, insurances, maintenance, the mortgage and more. Budget for everything.
If the financial payoff of homeownership sounds better than mowing your own lawn on the weekends, consider buying an income-producing property instead. I’m glad to talk more about it if this sounds right for you.
Buying with best team in town
Be assured, I am the one in charge at all times and will never hand you off to an assistant with less experience.
That said, it’s to your advantage for me to pull in the best service providers I know (other agents, escrow coordinator, lenders) to assist. I am in charge of the process and am in constant communication with them and you.
I have great working relationships with everyone on my team and expect them to treat my clients with integrity and care.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Matt’s experience was invaluable to me!
I was looking to sell my home quickly and find something new. He timed the purchase of the new home so I did not need to stay in a rental in between! I strongly recommend Matt Flynn to anyone.
- Silvia L.
Mortgage Brokers or Banks?
In order to compete in San Francisco’s marketplace and satisfy a seller, you must be pre approved and also show proof of funds as well.
I recommend Mortgage Brokers over Banks. If a problem develops along the way, Mortgage Brokers have more tools at their disposal to create solutions, whereas banks typically have one program and if that fails then the purchase can fall apart.
I have 2 Mortgage Brokers I trust implicitly. Jay Sofnas and Donna Aldrich. They both have many years of experience and have a lot of options for different loan products.
-
Jay Sofnas
President
First Capital Group
3230 Scott St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
Tel: 415-440-5626
Fax: 415-447-0875
www.fcgmortgage.com
DRE #01241237 NMLS #114276
-
DONNA R ALDRICHCERTIFIED MORTGAGE PLANNER
GoRascal Mortgage Inc (Formerly Scott Capital)
415-345-4320
donna@donnaaldrich.com
NMLS# 238083 | DRE# 01360892