Sometimes the best wins come from thinking completely outside the box. I just wrapped up a deal that perfectly shows why getting creative with your home search strategy can make all the difference between settling for “good enough” and getting everything you actually want.
This story is about an amazing couple who had what seemed like an impossible wish list for San Francisco, and how we found them their dream home for less money than comparable properties. Here’s how creative thinking and strategic timing made it happen.
When this couple first came to me, I could tell they’d done their homework. They knew exactly what they wanted:
Now, if you know San Francisco real estate, you’re probably thinking what I was thinking: “Okay, this is going to be interesting… and I’m here for it.”
Here’s the challenge: sunny, walkable neighborhoods in SF typically add about 20% to a home’s value. So we’re talking about finding a unicorn property that checks all these boxes while staying under their budget. Not impossible, but definitely requiring some creative thinking.
They had a few areas in mind – the usual suspects that everyone considers. But here’s where local expertise really pays off. I knew there were other pockets of the city they hadn’t explored yet.
San Francisco is basically a collection of microclimates and distinct neighborhoods, each with their own pricing quirks and hidden advantages. Some areas get overlooked simply because they’re not on everyone’s radar, even though they offer exactly what buyers are seeking.
My strategy: Cast a much wider net and introduce them to neighborhoods that could deliver everything on their list, potentially at better prices.
This is where growing up in San Francisco and knowing the city intimately becomes invaluable. I wasn’t just showing them homes – I was showing them possibilities they didn’t know existed.
Once we found their perfect match, we moved fast. Like, really fast. We submitted a pre-emptive offer just days after the listing went live.
Here’s when pre-emptive offers work best:
Timing window: Within the first 3 days of listing. The listing agent hasn’t had time to show it widely, so they can’t shop your offer around to multiple buyers.
Budget protection: When you suspect competitive bidding might price you out. If comps suggest the final price could exceed your budget, a pre-emptive offer lets you take your best shot without direct competition.
In this case, both conditions applied perfectly. The property was fresh on the market, and we knew that once word got out, it would likely sell above their budget range.
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: having established relationships with listing agents is huge. When I submitted the offer, the listing agent already knew our team’s reputation for smooth transactions and reliable closings.
They knew we were serious buyers who could execute efficiently. That credibility meant our offer got genuine consideration instead of just being used as a stalking horse to generate more interest.
The result? Our offer was accepted before other buyers even had a chance to compete, completely bypassing the typical “shopping around” process.
The results exceeded expectations:
They got everything on their list – abundant storage, hosting space, charm, turnkey condition, and even a bonus in-law unit they thought they’d have to compromise on. All while staying comfortably under their $1.5 million budget.
Local market knowledge: Understanding microclimates, pricing patterns, and hidden gem neighborhoods that other buyers overlook.
Strategic timing: Knowing when to move fast and when to wait, based on market conditions and specific property dynamics.
Professional relationships: Having credibility with listing agents that gives your offers serious consideration.
Creative thinking: Being willing to explore options beyond the obvious choices that everyone else is competing for.
Success in San Francisco’s competitive market isn’t just about having enough money – it’s about having the right strategy and local expertise.
Too many buyers limit themselves to the neighborhoods they already know or the first few areas they research online. But some of the best opportunities are in the places that don’t immediately come to mind.
The key is working with someone who thinks creatively about your options, acts decisively when the right opportunity appears, and has the relationships to make things happen quickly when timing matters.
Here’s what the buyers from this story shared about their experience:
“My husband and I cannot say enough good things about our experience working with Yesenia Rogers and The Krishnan Team to buy our first home in San Francisco. From the moment we met with Yesenia and Ruth Krishnan for our introductory call, we could tell we were in capable hands.
We knew we were asking a lot of Yesenia based on our ‘must haves’ and budget, but we were never made to feel like what we wanted was impossible. Rather, by engaging in the past sold exercise, right off the bat we learned a lot about the market which helped set our expectations. Also, Yesenia took to heart a lot of the feedback about our favorite past sold homes that we provided, which she and her colleague, Maddy, continued to keep in mind throughout our search.
Working with someone who grew up in San Francisco and knows the area well was incredibly valuable. Yesenia introduced us to some neighborhoods we hadn’t previously considered and ultimately helped us buy a larger and cuter home than we thought possible in an area that checked all of our boxes, and at a very fair price.
Yesenia was always very responsive to our emails and text messages, and she knew when to bring a little levity to situations when she could tell we were feeling a bit frustrated about the process. In the rare circumstance when Yesenia was busy and could not immediately respond, Maddy would step in and provide support.
Yesenia was very thorough in reviewing disclosures and going through property details with us. We often asked a lot of questions and Yesenia was able to answer them or get more information so we could be informed and educated when deciding whether to move forward with an offer. And when it came to writing offers, Yesenia listened to us and provided clear, detailed guidance to put us in the best position possible.
When we told sellers’ agents we were working with Yesenia and The Krishnan Team, we were always met with positive reactions. And in the end, we know that Yesenia’s integrity, exceptional reputation, and positive prior experience working with the agent who was selling the home we bought played a critical role in closing the deal.
As happy as we are to have found our home, we will miss working with Yesenia and The Krishnan Team! However, even after we closed and as we prepare settle into our new home, Yesenia and her colleagues continue to be helpful and generous with their time. We are beyond grateful for and impressed by all of Yesenia’s hard work, patience, expertise, candor, and solid advice throughout this process. She and everyone on The Krishnan Team we’ve gotten to work with are polished, professional, and personable – and a lot of fun!”
— M.M., Buyer
Every buyer’s situation is unique, but the principles remain the same: think beyond the obvious, move strategically when opportunities arise, and work with someone who knows how to navigate SF’s complex market dynamics.
Whether you’re just starting your search or feeling stuck with limited options, there might be possibilities you haven’t considered yet. Sometimes the perfect home is hiding in a neighborhood you’ve never explored.
Ready to think outside the box? Let’s talk about your wish list and see what creative solutions we can discover together.
