healdsburg

The expensive mistake that many home sellers make

Posted on Patrick Lowell

One of the biggest, and most costly, mistakes sellers make is setting the list price too high. Overpriced homes linger on the market, invite price cuts, and usually end up selling for less than if they had been priced right from the start. Pricing your home correctly from day one is critical.

Why days on market matter

The “days on market” counter is visible to every buyer online. When a listing sits unsold, buyers start to assume the home is overpriced or has issues. Each extra day weakens a seller’s position and shifts leverage to the buyer.

What happens when you miss the mark

Overpricing creates opportunities for buyers. Experienced buyers watch for stale listings and price drops, then step in with low offers when competition has faded. That puts sellers at a disadvantage during negotiations.

The myth of underpricing

Sellers sometimes worry about underpricing, I get it, but the risk is quite low. You’re never obligated to accept any offer at any price. If the price attracts strong interest, buyers compete and push the final price higher. You stay in control.

The bottom line

The market ultimately determines the price, not the seller and not the agent. Setting an attractive list price from the beginning invites conversation from prospective buyers and creates the conditions for the strongest offers and terms.

Ready to talk about potentially selling your San Francisco or Wine Country home? Reach out anytime and let’s discuss our 3-Phased Marketing Strategy to see if it is the right approach for your situation.

How to find the best deals on houses and condos

Posted on Patrick Lowell

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.

If you are thinking about buying, I’m happy to help. Reach out to me anytime.

(updated April 2025)

From SF to Wine Country (and everything in between)

Posted on Patrick Lowell

For more than a decade, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent many home buyers and sellers throughout San Francisco. My real estate business has grown exponentially since that time as clients have called upon us to represent them in nearby counties. As a result, my team and I are excited to now include Marin & Wine Country in the areas that we serve.

In addition to San Francisco, we represent real estate clients in Healdsburg, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Guerneville, Petaluma, Windsor, Occidental, Sebastopol, Napa, St Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, Novato, Mill Valley, San Rafael and surrounding towns. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Wine Country, Marin, or San Francisco, my team and I are here and ready to help!

Now representing clients in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa

Mill District has arrived in Healdsburg

Posted on Patrick Lowell

Have you seen Mill District yet? Located just one block from the downtown plaza in Healdsburg, construction is underway at this new home community featuring spectacular penthouses, garden homes, and flats ranging in size from three-bedrooms to studios.

The initial 43 residences comprising the Canopy collection are available for purchase now with move-ins planned for Fall of 2023. These unique homes have the distinction of a prime location on the preserve of a heritage redwood grove, and feature architectural and interior significance created by AD100 architect Olson Kundig.

Prices range from $950k to $8.5 million.
Please reach out if you would like to arrange a private tour. 415-971-5651