FAQs
Should I sell RSUs for a down payment on a Bay Area home?
1
Selling vested RSUs for a down payment can make sense if the shares are already vested, you're not overly concentrated in your employer's stock, and you understand the capital gains impact. It's usually the wrong move if you're relying on unvested equity or stretching into a home you couldn't otherwise afford.
Should I sell my current home before buying a bigger one?
2
It depends on your risk tolerance, equity position, and the current market's inventory levels. Buying first avoids the stress of temporary housing but requires bridge financing or strong reserves. Selling first is lower-risk financially but can mean a rushed search. The right answer depends on your specific equity, timeline, and the neighborhoods you're considering.
How does a corporate relocation package work in the Bay Area?
3
Relocation packages vary widely by employer, but common components include a lump sum or reimbursed moving costs, temporary housing, and sometimes a home-sale or home-purchase assistance program. Some parts are negotiable even after an offer letter is signed, particularly for senior hires.
What should I look for in a Bay Area home inspection report?
4
Focus on the difference between cosmetic issues and structural, electrical, or foundation concerns. Not every finding carries the same weight, and understanding which issues are typical for the age and area of a home versus which are red flags is where local experience matters most.
Do I need to be pre-approved before making an offer in the Bay Area?
5
Yes. In competitive Bay Area markets, sellers typically won't seriously consider an offer without a strong pre-approval letter, and in many cases a pre-underwritten or fully underwritten approval strengthens an offer even further.
What makes an offer competitive in San Francisco, Oakland, or Berkeley right now?
6
Price is only one factor. Clean contingencies, a strong pre-approval or proof of funds, a close timeline that matches the seller's needs, and a well-written offer letter can all matter as much as the number itself, especially in multiple-offer situations.