Buyer's Guide
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A higher standard of service & expertise for Bay Area home buyers
Kind regards,
Engel & Völkers Property Buyers Guide
Chris has sold over 120+ homes throughout the Bay Area, elevating him to the top 5% of San Francisco Realtor®. Representing an equal number of Buyers and Sellers in all different property types, Chris has developed a track record of success through distinctive property transformations, design-focused marketing, and providing fiduciary service to his clients. As a homeowner and investor, he has hands-on knowledge of renovation, design and architecture, and has a deep understanding of the many neighborhoods, towns and school districts in the area. He brings years of life experience to both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge and has a deeply-connected network through the top global real estate firm at Engel & Völkers.
Chris Jurach — Global Real Estate Advisor
Chris Jurach
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Chris helped us sell our house in San Francisco and his dedication and customer service was impeccable. He was so patient with us and it was a stressful time because we had to live in our house while selling it. He was attentive to our circumstances and made every effort to market and show our property with minimal disruption to our living situation. He worked extra hard to market our property both on and off market and did a lot to generate buzz even before it cam to market. He was always available to answer any questions we had and helped us navigate through the sometimes complicated steps involved in selling a house. We felt so taken care of. In the end, because of his excellent marketing strategies, we received multiple offers and were able to sell our house for more than we had even hoped for. We would recommend Chris as an agent a million times over and will definitely work with him again the next time we are looking to buy or sell. Virginia B. | Home Sellers
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Chris and his brilliantly efficient team recently helped me sell my home. It was a joy to work with him from start to close. He provided a flawless experience - coming to my home to provide suggestions on positioning and to review comps in the area. We priced perfectly for the market, staged and created fabulous photos captured by his team and were able to sell above asking in a very tight turnaround. Communication was thoughtful, honest and consistent throughout, leading to a very easy close. I would recommend him to anyone looking to list their home in SF without reservation. You rock Chris! Kristian | Home Seller
NOTABLE SUCCESSCES
167 7th Ave, San Francisco | $1,650,000 In SF's Lake District, a perfect 3-bedroom condo with modern amenities, airy kitchen, bonus space, and pet-friendly backyard, steps from Mountain Lake Park, scores 97 in walkability.
1 Woodland Pl, Kentfield | $4,100,000 A superb 4-bedroom Santa Barbara Contemporary built in 1999 offers exceptional craftsmanship, 12-foot ceilings, and seamless indoor/outdoor living amid a tranquil natural habitat with a creek and waterfall.
Successfully Sold
expertise
The process of selling one's home can often feel overwhelming, but with Chris by my side, each step felt like a carefully considered dance, moving gracefully from one stage to the next. Chris's in-depth knowledge of the market, paired with a genuine understanding of my personal needs, created a partnership that was truly collaborative. Every question I had was met with patience and clarity, and every hurdle was navigated with optimism and expertise. What truly stood out to me, beyond his impeccable professionalism, was the heartfelt care with which Chris treated not just the property, but also my neighbors and HOA throughout the process. It was evident that for Chris, it isn't just about the transaction; it's about the people and long lasting relationship. Thank you Chris for being a guide, a confidant, and a friend throughout this journey. I would recommend you to anyone looking to make a move. Eyal L. | Home Seller
740 Shrader St, San Francisco | $2,160,000 Cole Valley Edwardian 2-unit property with a large 2-bedroom flat, top-floor suite, and ground-floor 2-BD/1-BA unit offers a unique investment opportunity with preserved period details.
139 Grandview Ave, San Francisco | $4,650,000 A dream-inspired family compound, this enduring residence blends artisanal design, radiant heat, smart features, and exquisite finishes for a timeless and intimate living experience.
Chris and I have completed not just one, but 4 transactions together (2 purchases, 2 sales) both in San Francisco and in Marin.He understand both markets incredibly well, including the range of property types from investment to single family to condos and second homes. He also has a contractors eye and is a great resource if you're interested in investment or home needing a little extra work that may or may not be disclosed up front. For selling, Chris has tons advice for how to get your curb appeal up and beaming. Incredibly, Chris also agreed to and took the time to help list and sell and BMR unit for me in San Francisco, a process that is byzantine at best. He was timely and patient with all of the many many many layers of complexity that involves. He has the best communication of any real estate agent I've ever met, superior knowledge of the markets, as well as contacts he can put you in touch with for help with all steps of the way, including securing a loan. Chris was able to orchestrate setting me up with a bank and loan officer who was able to make sure I was not only on time with all of my funding, but fully underwritten. That is what it takes in the Bay Area to beat all cash buyers! We always closed on time if not early and working with Chris was always a pleasure. Sammy O. | Home Seller & Buyer
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What Chris's Clients Say
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rom starter homes to dream homes, as Engel & Völkers we provide unparalleled and personalized buying experiences for every client. We believe that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make, and it’s an honor and our passion to be part of this journey with you. As trusted advisors, we make it our responsibility to understand your home buying goals – from your overall vision and budget, to neighborhood amenities and architectural details – and help you discover the right space to call your own. To us, luxury is about the richness of life that begins and ends in the most important space we know — home.
The Engel & Völkers Buying Experience
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There are both financial and emotional benefits to owning a home. After all, a home is the center of y our world. HOME EQUITY When you own a home, you are investing your money into your future. Home equity has the ability to increase each time you make your monthly mortgage payments, as well as when you make smart home improvements. In a strong economy, home values can increase each year. The greater your equity, the more you can capitalize on your home’s value over time.
The Power of Investing in Ownership
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Partner with an Engel & Völkers advisor
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Engel & Völkers is known throughout the world for the unmistakable service experience our advisors provide their clients. Our advisors offer more than a typical real estate agent, representing an elevated level or service, expertise, and performance. Engel & Völkers attracts real estate professionals who are well respected within their communities, as well as those who have a deep understanding of client service. We know the people, the places and the nuances of each cul-de- sac, community and country we represent. As trusted advisors, we guide you through your home journey with in depth neighborhood expertise, distinguished care — and a bit of fun.
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FIXED COSTS Seek professional advise from your tax consultants about your financing options (if you are financing) to tailor your investment commitment to your specific needs. CREATIVE FREEDOM Owning a property allows you to surround yourself with an aesthetic that reflects your personality and brings you joy. The possibilities can be endless when it comes to turning your home into your dream space. STABILITY A home should be a place of comfort and happiness. With homeownership comes a sense of security in an investment and a space where memories are made.
The Value of the Buyer's Agent
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Market Knowledge Buyer's agents are familiar with local real estate markets and can provide valuable insights into current trends, property values, and neighborhood dynamics. Negotiation Skills Experienced buyer's agents are skilled negotiators who can help you secure the best possible deal. They can negotiate on your behalf to get a fair price and favorable terms. Access to Listings Buyer's agents have access to multiple listing services (MLS) and can help you find properties that match your criteria more efficiently than if you were searching on your own. Save Time and Effort By outsourcing the property search to a buyer's agent, you can save significant time and effort. They can narrow down options based on your preferences, schedule showings, and handle paperwork. Objective Advice Buyer's agents work for you and have your best interests in mind. They can provide objective advice, helping you make informed decisions without being influenced by the seller or their agent.
Legal and Contractual Expertise Real estate transactions involve complex legal documents. A buyer's agent can guide you through the paperwork, ensuring that all the necessary documents are properly completed and submitted. Professional Network Buyer's agents often have a network of professionals, including inspectors, mortgage brokers, and real estate attorneys. This can be valuable in streamlining the buying process and connecting you with trusted service providers. Understanding of the Buying Process If you're a first-time homebuyer or unfamiliar with the buying process, a buyer's agent can educate you on the steps involved and provide guidance at every stage. Property Evaluation Buyer's agents can assess properties based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. They can point out potential issues and help you make an informed decision about the property's value. Streamlined Communication Acting as a buffer between you and the seller's agent, a buyer's agent can facilitate communication, ensuring that your interests are protected and that negotiations remain professional. Risk Management A buyer's agent can help you identify potential risks associated with a property and advise you on how to mitigate them. This includes issues related to the property condition, legal aspects, and potential resale challenges.
Hiring a buyer's agent can offer several advantages to individuals looking to purchase a property. Here is a list of reasons why hiring a buyer's agent can be beneficial to you.
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The reasons for buying a home are personal, so the first thing to consider is what you want to achieve in purchasing a home. Buying a home is filled with both strategic thinking and emotions. With ever-changing market conditions and other variables, various factors may affect the path you take in finding the property that’s right for you. As your consultant, an Engel & Völkers advisor helps you understand the market landscape and determine, based on your goals, if now is in fact the right time to buy and then identifying the correct approach. As far as the property itself, it’s wise to invest the time to outline the key factors and features relating to your search, including:
Breaking it Down: The Buying Process
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YOUR BUYING POWER It’s important to identify what you are able to afford when it comes to a home and how much a lender is willing to loan based on key factors such as income, debt, expenses etc. Your advisor can help you work within that budget and take into account other considerations as it relates to the property you seek.
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YOUR MUST-HAVES Identify your must-haves and list them out in priority, for both you and whomever you may be purchasing your home with. Make a list of your non-negotiables when it comes to a home and take that with you when you are visiting properties.
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION This is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for your new home, because unlike structures, paint colors, and flooring, the location of your home cannot be changed. Beyond the physical location of the home within the city or town, you should also think about its location in the neighborhood, community, and/or the building, as this too will have an impact on your home’s value.
WHAT TYPE OF HOME DO YOU WANT? Are you looking for a single-family home, townhouse, condominium, co-op or a multi-family building? There are many options and considerations for each that will impact your search.
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hether you are looking to purchase your first home, a vacation home, or an investment property, our advisors maintain an active list of available local homes, and also have access to listings worldwide through the Engel & Völkers’ global network. We take pleasure in working with you, and preparing you, for the home buying process through the following steps:
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Select an advisor Gain mortgage pre-approval (if financing) Have an initial consultation with your advisor with your pre-approval in-hand to set up your strategy together Shop for your new home Work with your advisor to present a well-crafted offer and allow them to negotiate on your behalf Home inspection Appraisal Finalize Documents Final Walk Through Closing & Move In
The Buying Process
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Packing Tips
WHAT TO EXPECT AT CLOSING As long as you have everything in order, the closing process should be simple and straightforward. Closing day typically happens four to six weeks after the sales and purchase contract is executed and includes the buyer and seller, along with their respective agents, a representative from the title company, closing agent, or attorney, and lender. The closing process is where the buyer and seller execute and sign all remaining legal documents and pay closing costs and escrow items. Be sure to bring two forms of identification, certified funds for any remaining costs, and any additional documents requested by the lender. Once all paperwork is executed you will receive the keys to your new home and then all that’s left to do is celebrate!
Separate your valuables and important documents, and keep them with you during the move. Prepare a ‘Start-up Kit’ of items and box those up to take with you as well. This way if your belongings arrive late, or you are delayed in unpacking, you will have what you need immediately on hand. Label boxes by items and room to make unpacking an easier process.
Moving Checklist
FINAL PREPARATIONS This is the day when your moving strategy pays off and your focus can be on saying goodbyes and enjoying the exciting elements of your new home. Once you get into your new home one of the first things you should do is to have new locks installed and extra sets of keys made.
STRATEGIZE A smooth and successful move is only possible with a plan. Select a moving day to work toward. Identify and engage a moving company as soon as possible – Engel & Völkers is happy to make a local recommendation.
PACK Purchase your moving supplies including boxes, moving labels, bubble wrap etc. Begin packing items that won’t be needed between now and your move date including things like decorations, photos and off season clothing. Then, schedule time to pack remaining items based on room or category to make it easy to unpack.
CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS Make sure to not only update your address with friends, family and service providers, but also any mailing clubs, subscriptions and utility companies for both ending services and activating them at your new address.
DECLUTTER AND DONATE Before you begin packing up boxes, take inventory of your furniture and other belongings to decide what to keep and what to purge. If items are not worth the effort of packing, moving and unpacking, consider donating, selling or discarding them.
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At Engel & Völkers, we believe in clients for life. Not only during, but well after the purchase of a home, our advisors connect you with experts to help you continue making the most of the walls and community that surround you. Luxury found in the little moments that when combined create the essence — and the intangible qualities — that make a house, “home.”
Live Your Luxury
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Engel & Völkers Marin chris.jurach@evrealestate.com +1 (415) 806-4966 | DRE# 01864179 chrisjurach.com
©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principals of the Fair Housing Act. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.
CHRIS JURACH real estate advisor