Sell or Buy With Clarity in San Francisco Real Estate
San Francisco sellers are working in a market where well-prepared homes are drawing multiple offers and closing over asking. Doreen Horowitz helps you get a home, condo, or TIC ready to list, price it with real comparables, and manage the offer process with a clear head. If you are buying instead, or just want to understand what is actually happening in the market right now, Doreen can help with that too.
Power Agent® · REALTOR® · Broker
Calm Guidance, Careful Thinking, and a Process Clients Understand
Doreen is our go-to expert for all things real estate in San Francisco! She has a fantastic pulse on the market and is the most knowledgable realtor we've ever worked with. We were first introduced to Doreen when we listed our condo for rent in the Marina. Not only did she help us determine the right price point, but she also helped to find us amazing tenants (multiple times now!). Frankly, her expertise is unparalleled. We would highly recommend her for any of your real estate needs in the Bay Area!
Doreen is amazing...simply amazing! She listens to you carefully, understands exactly what you are looking for and then pushes you in just the right way to really find you the best home given your situation. She shows you homes that fit your criteria precisely...both good and bad to give you context of the range within your "perfect home" idea. And while she's happy to continue doing that and staying right within your criteria for as long as it takes, she also skillfully understands where she can push you a little to get you something even better that you may not be considering.
I know this from experience...I am very detailed, very well informed and knew exactly what I wanted. If I stuck to "exactly what I wanted" though, and didn't listen to Doreen when she offered to show me something slightly outside of one of my criteria I would have never found my dream 1st home. Not only did she help me find it...but she found it for me on the VERY FIRST weekend we went out looking at houses together!
You heard me right...the very first weekend. After only knowing me for a week. In the always hot San Francisco market. Not only did she help me find it, but she helped me win it on my very first bid, negotiating skillfully and quickly teaching me all the tricks in the book to give me any kind of advantage I could possibly get in order to win. Her deep knowledge of the market and what it takes to win for her buyer are invaluable...especially in such a competitive market.
Doreen also does a great job of walking you through all of the details of closing and even giving lots of recommendations for any vendors that you may need as you settle in. I enjoyed working with her so much I even invited her to my first party that I hosted in my new place and I know we'll stay in touch from here on out. Of course, when I'm ready to move up into house #2 - Doreen will be the first person I call!
We met Doreen through a listing inquiry. So, we didn't know her from Adam! However, after spending just a short time with her and explaining our needs, we knew that we had stumbled upon a pro and a wonderful person. Within a very short time, Doreen had led us to the property that we really thought would take months to find. We never felt pressured and appreciated how Doreen always made herself available to answer questions and went out of her way to help. We feel extremely fortunate to have found a property that we know we'll enjoy with our friends and family for years to come, and we're equally grateful to have met Doreen and put ourselves in her very capable hands.
With a seemingly endless supply of patience, Doreen finally helped me land my first home in SF in the middle of one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. After YEARS (no joke) of kicking tires and passing on a multitude of properties, Doreen never made me feel like I was wasting her time or pushed me beyond my comfort limits. In hindsight I wish I had taken her advice to buy sooner!
With her commercial real estate background, she understands how to work a deal and get her buyer best positioned to win in this hyper-competitive market.
A smart, dedicated professional, I'm going to miss working with Doreen (until the next one, that is!)
This was my first time in the SF market, which is a bit daunting. Doreen "got" exactly what I wanted (and, separately, what I needed) really quickly, maybe better than I understood it! She helped me really understand the market and what was available, all the pros and cons of what I was thinking about, and it made the viewing and decision parts surprisingly easy. More importantly, Doreen proactively got me through the process, compliance and managing the risks - most of which I would never know I had to think about. There wasn't a single moving part that Doreen didn't keep humming along smoothly and on time. But best of all are Doreen's ASTONISHING negotiation skills - like nothing I've ever seen. Thanks Doreen, I never knew the San Francisco real estate market experience could be so well managed and frankly such a pleasure. Your personality and humor were the icing on the cake. Looking forward to working with you again some day!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Doreen Horowitz through a recent transaction where I was representing the buyer as their lender, and I can honestly say she is one of the most compassionate and client-focused agents I've ever worked with. From day one, it felt like I was talking to a family member--her warmth, kindness, and wonderful personality immediately stood out.
Doreen is incredibly responsive and easy to communicate with, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. She is also extremely knowledgeable in the real estate industry, and it shows in the way she guides her clients with confidence and care.
If you're looking for an agent who will truly put your best interests first, go above and beyond, and make you feel supported every step of the way, I cannot recommend Doreen enough. Whether you are buying or listing a home, you will be in the very best hands with her. I absolutely love working with her and look forward to the next opportunity we get to collaborate.
Doreen really knew how to put us at ease. We were first time buyers in the United State and she educated us about the buying process step by step. She told us what to expect and that made the entire process less nerve racking.
We traveled to San Francisco to buy a property. Our goal was to be in contract in one month. With such a hot market it was quite a challenge. Doreen was able to meet our timeframe, find the right property and negotiate a good price, that was less than asking. She even knew the right lender to get us through the multi country hurtles to close our new home.
We plan to use her again and again.
Thumbs up!
Vijayasekar S.
I would not have found my apartment had it not been for Doreen, its that simple.
I was based in New York at a time when the SF real estate market was on fire. Open houses were leading to multiple offers comfortably over the asking price and whatever I saw online was almost always stale inventory. I contacted several realtors by email, very few responded. Doreen did and it was clear immediately she was well versed on the market, not put off by the fact I was based thousand of miles away and importantly, not going to waste my time showing me stuff that didnt meet my requirements. I discussed in detail with Doreen what my budget was, what i was looking for in terms of size, style and neighborhood and thanks to her deep pool of contacts she called me one day to say I had to fly over ASAP and see an apartment that was about to be listed on MLS. This was perfect, it wasnt yet listed, it was EXACTLY what i wanted and I was able to agree a price before an open house was scheduled. Doreen also gave me a lot of support through a horrible mortgage experience with Chase (words cant describe how bad Chase were) and ultimately put me in touch with a contact at Wells Fargo who were able to do in just 11 days what Chase failed to complete in 7 weeks. Her strong relationship with the sellers agent made all this possible. I am in no doubt that without Doreen I would still be looking. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Searching for property in San Francisco can be overwhelming. Doreen found several options for me which was no small feat since I am quite particular. We made offers, but found ourselves beat out by buyers willing to pay all cash or go way over listing price. Doreen, a consummate professional, understood my frustration and promised that although it might take a bit more time, she would "make it happen". She was always friendly, and very patient. Even in this hot market, Doreen was able to find and then negotiate a very good deal. I felt she was my partner and every step along the way she advised me what to expect next. Her eagerness to educate me and share her knowledge was enormously helpful for me to make good decisions.
I never felt Doreen was looking to make a sale. I truly believe she was looking to build a long term relationship. I would absolutely use her again and will refer her to anyone looking for a great agent.
We had no idea how lucky we were when we first began working with Doreen. As first time home buyers in a market like SF we felt a bit overwhelmed. Doreen was wonderful at finding places within our budget for us to see, answering all of our questions, and teaching us the ins and outs of the market.
Doreen patiently took us through the process of writing three offers. She spent countless hours working with us and was ALWAYS available when we had questions or concerns. Our third offer was accepted and we love our new place!
When we were in escrow, we hit a few bumps in the process which slowed things down a bit, Doreen's capable and calming presence kept us feeling positive, even when we were anxious and stressed!
Not only is she a consummate professional, she is also just a wonderful human being and we are so happy to have met her!
Doreen Horowitz is diligent, honest, insightful, and shrewd.
I found Doreen through Zillow and had no idea how lucky I was. Doreen walked me through every step of my first home purchase. She started by getting to know me and was very adept at understanding my priorities. In an incredibly hot housing market, Doreen quickly helped me identify properties that fit my style and aligned with my budget. She stayed on top of the active listings to be sure no prospective homes fell through the cracks.
As my search progressed, we visited several open houses together and her keen attention to detail was invaluable. Later, Doreen walked me through the daunting task of writing multiple offers with great insight into the market and the nuances of each property. When it came to interacting and negotiating with the seller's agent, Doreen was savvy and represented my interests well.
Most importantly, throughout the whole process, I felt as though Doreen genuinely cared about me and my process. I would strongly recommend working with Doreen Horowitz on your next (or first) home purchase. I know I will!
My wife and I met Doreen at an Open House in Noe Valley where she was the showing agent. Doreen was extremely professional and friendly. Doreen followed up with us the next day because showed interest in the property, and were also, at the time, unrepresented by a realtor.
Doreen was excellent at answering questions we had about the property and she was very easy to work with so we asked her to represent us, and are so glad that we did!
The property was a Tenancy In Common (TIC) which typically has more paperwork and legal-ease than a traditional condominium. Doreen was patient and diligent in helping us understand all the nuances of the TIC. She looked through documents with us, and found out answers and resources very efficiently.
In the San Francisco market, it is typical that homes go off market very quickly which gives buyers a slight disadvantage when in a hot sellers market. This means that buyers have less time to do diligence and also are forced to make offers they may not be comfortable with. Doreen was able to help mitigate some of this, because she has a great working relationship with other brokers and was able to buy us the time we needed to do the diligence and helped get us all the answers we needed.
Doreen also was able to help us find the right person for financing a TIC and that transaction went very smoothly also. She is a true BUYERS agent, which if you've been looking for homes, you know is a rare find.
She has a great attitude and is very organized. Doreen will go to lengths to make sure her customer/client is happy with the transaction.
We wanted to furnish the unit and Doreen offered great suggestions and even pointed us to a local store that was having a sale the weekend we closed on the property! That's going the extra mile!
Doreen is simply a rare find in the real estate profession and you will absolutely be in good hands working with her!
It's the little things. Doreen was a total pro throughout the entire buying process but her cool demeanor and attention to detail is what will set her apart from other agents out there.
I had limited knowledge of all the intricacies of what came with purchasing an apartment: what/how to look for what I want, what to avoid, how to bid - the list goes on and on. She carefully walked me thru each of these with patience and care. Then there are times when you'll be unsure if you want a certain place or not...she has the rare talent of asking just the right questions to bring those answers out of you to make it clear as day.
Doreen is also not your typical agent where once the deal is done, you won't hear from her again. She follows thru with making sure you are taken care of and happy. She is excellent negotiator and has references galore if you need quality inspectors, interior decorators, electrical work, etc.
She was a joy to work with and I hope to continue to work with her in the future.
Look Beyond the Listing and Understand What You Are Actually Choosing
In San Francisco, two similarly priced homes can represent very different ownership structures, building obligations, locations, and daily experiences, and two similarly positioned listings can perform very differently once they reach the market. Good decisions, whether you are buying or selling, begin by identifying which differences matter and which details need closer review by the appropriate professional.
What should you organize before listing a San Francisco condo, TIC, or small multifamily property?
Start with the property story and the documentation a buyer will eventually ask for: building and association records, past improvements, disclosures, and ownership history. Doreen helps you gather what already exists and flag what still needs professional input from an attorney, engineer, or other specialist before the listing goes live.
How do you price a San Francisco home when offers keep coming in over asking?
A strong market does not remove the need for a real pricing strategy. Doreen compares recent closings, current competing inventory, and property-specific factors to set an asking price built to perform, then helps you evaluate multiple offers on terms, not just price alone.
What should you know about your own older building before you sell?
Buyers and their agents will ask about maintenance history, planned work, reserves, insurance, and building systems. Reviewing those questions before you list, rather than during escrow, gives you more control over the story your building and unit tell.
How do you sell a San Francisco property when you do not live in the city?
A remote sale still needs someone who can walk the property, coordinate vendors, and represent your interests in real time. Doreen helps out-of-area owners organize preparation, showings, and offer review so a sale does not require you to manage every detail in person.
How do you narrow a search across the Marina, SoMa, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, Potrero Hill, and the Richmond District?
Begin with your real constraints: travel patterns, housing type, budget, space, building preferences, and the places you use regularly. Then compare available homes within that framework. Avoid relying on broad neighborhood stereotypes; the right search is built around your requirements and current property-level evidence.
What should a first-time San Francisco buyer understand before attending open houses?
Know your financing range, monthly comfort level, preferred property types, and decision criteria before a busy weekend begins. You do not need every answer in advance, but you should know which questions belong with your broker, lender, attorney, inspector, or insurer.
Property Experience Across San Francisco
These examples show documented listing-side and buyer-side work across several San Francisco property types, including the kind of condo and TIC preparation many sellers are navigating right now. Additional properties include 677 5th Avenue, 2701 Larkin Street, and 2845 Baker Street in San Francisco.
An educated client is better prepared to make a well-reasoned decision. That is true whether you are listing a home, buying your first condo, or just trying to understand what is happening in the market.
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You are in. Your guide is opening now.Doreen Horowitz, in plain terms
The things people look up before they call, answered directly.
Who is Doreen Horowitz?
Doreen Horowitz is a San Francisco real estate broker and advisor who works with sellers, buyers, and long-time owners. Her California DRE license number is 00757999.
What areas does Doreen Horowitz serve?
Doreen proudly serves all of San Francisco and parts of Marin and the East Bay. San Francisco neighborhoods include, but are not limited to, Pacific Heights, the Presidio, the Marina, Cow Hollow, Lower Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, Hayes Valley, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, Haight Ashbury, Inner Richmond, and South of Market.
What types of clients does Doreen Horowitz work with?
Public evidence supports work with San Francisco home sellers and long-time owners, as well as residential buyers, first-time and relocating buyers, landlords, tenants, and corporate clients.
Does Doreen Horowitz help homeowners sell a San Francisco home, condo, or TIC?
Yes. Doreen's documented listing-side work includes a recent Marina District condominium sale, and her long-standing San Francisco background supports helping owners prepare, price, and market a home, condo, TIC, or small multifamily property for sale.
Does Doreen Horowitz have commercial real estate experience?
Yes. Public career records document experience in office leasing, tenant representation, corporate advisory, site selection, relocations, retail and restaurant leasing, and landlord and tenant work.
Is Doreen Horowitz a licensed California real estate broker?
Doreen's California DRE license number, 00757999, is consistently published across independent listing and directory sources. Confirm her current license status directly with the California DRE before relying on it for a transaction.
Straight answers, written down.
I write these so I only have to explain them once, and so you can read them at eleven at night when you are actually thinking about it.
What it’s like working with me
After a successful career as an office leasing broker in the San Francisco Financial District, Doreen migrated to working in residential with Buyers, Sellers, and Owners who wish to rent their properties.
Detail oriented and practical, Doreen has good analytical problem solving skills. An effective communicator, she has the ability to make complicated issues easy to understand. Working with her means should an issue arise, she will always think through possible solutions before discussing the issues. She is focused, optimistic and quick to adapt to circumstances.
As a POWER AGENT®, she is a member of an exclusive program of dedicated professionals (less than 1% of agents across the world) committed to helping buyers and sellers get to their next level in life. A real estate professional who personifies the culture and commitment of serving, not selling. Of coaching, not closing. Of giving more than taking.
Buyers
Locally, the San Francisco market remains strong. Limited inventory and all cash offers (approximately 30%) have driven competition and strong offers, often exceeding list price by large percentages. Approximately 85% of listings sell over asking.
To be competitive with cash, a Buyer should seek to be completely underwritten by a lender and not rely only on a pre-approval letter. Winning requires real time data, and the ability to act decisively when an opportunity presents itself.
Sellers
Well priced, thoughtfully prepared, and beautifully presented homes are attracting multiple buyers and strong competitive offers. Because of the strength of our market, the most current data, recent sales and pending activity, not comps from a few months ago is key. For those Listings that are thoroughly prepared, offers often are non-contingent, cash, with quick close dates.
For Example: Thoroughly prepared for a non-contingent close, means including a full inspection report for the listing package. Buyers want to know not only the quirks they may see, but what else may come up that will potentially cost them money. Then too, Seller has the option to make suggested repairs.
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