What I Learned From Selling Two Investment Condos in San Francisco: A Personal Real Estate Story
By Richard Valdez – www.richardvaldezre.com
As a homeowner and investor who has bought, rented, and sold property in both San Francisco and Santa Barbara, I’ve learned that real estate success isn’t just about location. It’s about timing, presentation — and staging. The way you present a home can shape how it performs on the market, for better or worse.
Here’s my personal story about two investment condos I sold in San Francisco — one in Potrero Hill, and the other on Noe Street — and what each taught me about how details, strategy, and staging can make or break your sale.
The Potrero Hill Lesson: When a Piano Says Too Much
When I was preparing to sell my investment condominium in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, I learned first hand how even the smallest details can impact a sale — sometimes in unexpected ways.
At the time, I had a tenant living in the unit. He was a minimalist — very tidy, kept the place clean and clutter-free, which I initially thought would be a huge advantage. And in many ways, it was. The space looked well-maintained and open.
But there was one standout detail that prospective buyers kept noticing: a small piano in the living room.
It wasn’t flashy or out of place, but it somehow became a focal point in buyer feedback. Looking back, I realized that while the space felt calm and neutral, the piano may have created a subtle impression that the living room was smaller or harder to furnish — even though it really wasn’t. It's a powerful reminder that buyers don't just see your space — they interpret it.
Despite the condo being in a sought-after neighborhood, it stayed on the market for six months. That’s a long time in San Francisco. I eventually had to lower the price significantly, not because the home lacked value, but because I was already aiming to purchase another rental property in Castro/Eureka Valley — and I needed to move quickly.
In the end, I sold the unit at a 15% loss.
The Noe Street Turnaround: Strategy + Staging = Success
After the Potrero Hill sale, I invested in a two-bedroom condo in a three-unit building on Noe Street, right at the corner of 19th Street. I rented it out for four years and, despite market shifts that favored renters, I was able to price the unit near the top of the rental range throughout the lease period.
But the biggest lesson came when I decided to sell.
This time, I didn’t leave anything to chance.
My tenant moved out, and I hired a professional stager. But unlike before, I took a very hands-on approach. The condo had a challenging floor plan, but I already had a vision for how to enhance the space and show off its strengths.
I worked closely with the stager and approved targeted updates — a few light renovations, better lighting, new paint, and key accents that made the space feel warm, modern, and intentional.
When we listed the unit, the market response was immediate.
16 Offers in 2 Weeks
Within just two weeks, the condo had 16 offers.
It eventually sold at 130% of the asking price.
That moment reinforced what I had come to believe: Location will always matter, but staging is your second most powerful tool when selling a home.
I didn’t do a full remodel, and I didn’t overspend on cosmetic upgrades. I simply presented the property in a way that made people feel something the moment they walked in. They could see themselves living there. And that emotional connection is what sells homes.
Key Takeaways from My Journey
Clean doesn’t mean market-ready — neutral spaces still need personality and flow
Unique items (like a piano) can distract more than they inspire
Staging is not decoration — it’s storytelling
Floor plans can be reinterpreted with smart design
Timing and pressure affect pricing — don’t let urgency dictate your sale
Real estate is emotional — for buyers and sellers alike
If you’re a fellow OFW, Filipino-American, or aspiring property investor, I hope this story encourages you to take control of your real estate presentation — whether you're selling your home in the U.S. or planning to invest in the Philippines.
👉 For more personal real estate insights, property tips, and guides for Filipinos abroad, visit me at www.richardvaldezre.com.
