Select a Price Range

• The key to successful, long-term home ownership is buying a home you can afford. Before browsing listings, get approved with a reputable lender. Once you are approved, browse San Francisco online home listings within your price range. Additional listings such as For Sale by Owner properties can be found in citywide and neighborhood newspapers, a list of which can be found on the San Francisco Neighborhood Newspaper Association website.
  
  

View Houses

• Before contacting a real estate agent to view homes, visit neighborhoods in the city and surrounding suburbs. Visit neighborhoods on weekends and in the evenings to get a feel for various areas. Attend open houses without a real estate agent. Lists of weekly open houses can be found in newspapers and on websites such as SFOpenHouseMap.com.
  
  

Work with an Accredited Buyer Representative

• In a competitive real state market such as San Francisco, you want your real estate agent on your side to negotiate the best offer possible on your behalf. Select real estate agents who are Accredited Buyer Representatives (ABR). Accredited buyer representatives receive special training focused on representing home buyers' interests. Real estate websites such as Realtor.com allow you to choose San Francisco real estate agents by experience and credentials.