SELLING WITH KEVIN+JONATHAN
Kevin+Jonathan: Guiding You Through Home Preparation to Maximize Value and Deliver the Results We’re Known For
Hello, It’s Kevin and Jonathan here
When you reach out to us about listing and selling your property, we’ll begin by understanding your goals and your property’s unique story. We’ll provide a market overview and develop a customized property preparation plan that includes potential buyer profiles, anticipated outcomes, and ROI projections. Once the listing agreement is finalized, we’ll work hand-in-hand with you to bring our strategy to life, ensuring your property is impeccably prepared and perfectly positioned for a successful sale.
The Big Overview of Selling a Property Well in San Francisco
Putting Thought into Action: Starting the Listing and Pre-Planning
The Initial Meet and Greet
We might start with a call, zoom call, or otherwise, but then it will come time for a face-to-face meeting to tour the property, understand your goals and discuss the best strategies tailored to your needs. We’ll review comparable sales to see where your property stands—and how we might aim to outperform them.
GOAL: A signed listing agreement, ready to move forward.
Preparation. Preparation. Preparation. Getting Everything Ready: Disclosures and Pre-Marketing
Pre-Launch Preparation
Before officially launching, while awaiting photos, video, 3D tour, floor plans, and printed materials, we focus on fulfilling California’s disclosure requirements. This includes coordinating pre-sale inspections to ensure everything is in order.
GOAL: By the time of the first public showing and MLS debut, we’ll have a complete disclosure package ready, and the property will shine for open houses, broker tours, and private showings.
Showing Off: Open Houses and Affirmative Marketing
Crafting a Curated, Inviting Space
Our approach to showcasing your property goes beyond standard open houses. Through targeted, affirmative marketing, we create a lasting impression that resonates with the right buyers.
We specialize in creating spaces that are welcoming, inviting, and engaging—designed to make people want to see them in person. From a strategically set list price to special events and pre-scheduled showings, we have a range of tools to maximize interest.
We make it easy for trusted agents to bring their clients, and for vendors to address any maintenance needs. Once inside, visitors will find thoughtfully placed, sometimes cheeky signage, simple lighting controls, and printed materials (or, as we like to call it, “shameless propaganda”) that tell the story of the property.
Bringing it Home: Escrow and Closing
Bringing It Home
Once an offer is accepted, we coordinate with buyer brokers, buyers, escrow, lenders, appraisers, and anyone else involved—be it HOA managers, TIC attorneys, or estate lawyers—to guide the sale smoothly to closing. This is the critical phase where deals can be made or broken, and our experience, guidance, and perspective are essential to ensuring a successful outcome.
GOAL: A closed sale with happy parties on all sides.
With our expert guidance, we help you prepare your home to stand out, maximize its value, and achieve the outstanding results our clients have come to expect.
DEMONSTRATED RESULTS
“From the beginning stages of brainstorming ideas, to the execution and final sale, Kevin and Jonathan were with us every step of the way. They knew exactly what needed to be done and who to talk to, whether it be design, painting, hiring contractors or staging. They had a wealth of resources, all extremely skilled and competitively priced.”
— LJ + Lawrence, Sellers (repeat) Lower Haight/Duboce. We helped them prepare 2 properties extensively with terrific outcomes well above what the comps would have suggested and far above their investments into the properties
+$700,000 Gain in Less than 2 Years
Focused Plan with Targeted Updates
In just 2 years we helped our clients realize a $700,000 gain on a probate property they bought for $1.5 million, selling for more than $2.2 million with paint, lighting and other finish improvements
Pre Reno Value: $2.4 million
Renovation: $400,000
Sale price: $3.615M
(in less than 10 days)
Scaled Up Plan with Luxe Updates
We prepared a detailed, extensive and customized update plan our clients followed with updates to finishes, lighting and fixtures. The investment and goal was significant but validated with multiple offers that pushed past the comparable sales in an otherwise slow time of year.
Success By Design
A simplified overview of what we do for our clients who list and sell their properties with us
INGREDIENT LIST
Selling a Property with Kevin+Jonathan: The Recipe for Success
Like baking a cake, selling a property well requires quality ingredients and preparation. Hiring experienced agents like us early on ensures that every detail, from essential repairs to trending updates, enhances your home’s value. We guide sellers on high-return investments, starting with basics like repainting and lighting upgrades, and refining with thoughtful touches like hardware and finishes. Our final ingredient? Presentation and branding tailored for San Francisco’s discerning buyers—where crafted, bespoke, and curated details make all the difference in a competitive market.
The Detail:
After signing the listing agreement, we’ll immediately tap into our trusted network of cost-effective vendors for estimates. We’ll discuss lighting, paint, and any updates, helping source materials and fixtures. We’ll coordinate your move and carefully plan every step—from preparation to staging, cleaning, inspections, and disclosure preparation—ensuring a seamless process up to the sale.
“You guys always prepare and present your listings so well it’s not fair to other agents. Your clients are so lucky to have you because you so do so much for them.”
— Founder, Vanguard Properties
Preparing Your Property for Maximum Impact...
Selling a property can be stressful, but the right investment can significantly boost your sale price, especially in San Francisco’s market. Here, every dollar spent on preparation typically yields exponential returns. Skimping on these essentials, on the other hand, can have a much larger negative impact than the money saved.
Why invest? Our goal is to create an emotional connection with the right buyers—those who understand and appreciate the value of your property. Thoughtful preparation can spark that connection and drive better sale outcomes.
BEFORE + AFTER
A before and after compilation. Track the progress of one of the more successful transformations we helped execute that took a dorm like 2000s like vibe and brought it up market, selling in days with multiple offers at a premium.
Fever Pitch/Pitch Perfect
As launch day and the first open houses approach, the momentum builds. Here’s a glimpse of the many services we provide to transform your property from a place you once called home into one that buyers can’t wait to see, tour, and make their own. Our comprehensive approach includes fresh-cut flowers, art and furniture styling, professional cleaning, engaging marketing text (enhanced with AI editing), drone footage, high-quality property videos, a dedicated property website, social media syndication, eye-catching signage, printed collateral, agent follow-up, and expertly managed open houses.
The Public Face:
Now it’s time to go public. With fresh flowers, final styling, and meticulous polishing, we’re ready for a full-day professional photo shoot, video shoot (Raffi included if possible!), and a 3D tour. Afterward, we handle copywriting, create engaging signage, produce printed materials, and launch the listing on the MLS. Our open houses are welcoming and vibrant, drawing in neighbors, buyers, and agents alike. Follow-ups and private showings lead to offers, a ratified contract, and ultimately, escrow. Woot!
“We are so so grateful we worked with Kevin and Jonathan to sell our house. We were looking for someone experienced that would give their all to selling our home…. This team is the full package of realtor, designers and lawyers. They project managed renovations and launched a great marketing effort that led us to getting an unbelievable price for our home (and 13 offers) during a down time in the SF housing market. Thank you forever K & J!”
— Kit and John, Sellers, Portola Valley who invested $40,000 to see a $300,000+ gain in the property’s final sale price in an unexpected location
The Winning Variables — 3Ps and 3Es
Planning: Successful Outcomes By Design
Our Approach to Property Preparation
We believe every property deserves to make its best impression. From the start, we’ll create a comprehensive preparation plan, connecting you with our trusted vendors and presenting options tailored to your property. Our goal is a seamless process with minimal surprises, yet with the flexibility to adapt—because in real estate, unexpected shifts like a high-market sale nearby can inspire us to do even more for the best possible outcome.
Planning: Weighing, Balancing, Estimates, Deciding
Our Approach to Property Preparation
We believe every property deserves to make its best impression. From the start, we’ll create a comprehensive preparation plan, connecting you with our trusted vendors and presenting options tailored to your property.
Our goal is a seamless process with minimal surprises, yet with the flexibility to adapt—because in real estate, unexpected shifts like a high-market sale nearby can inspire us to do even more for the best possible outcome.
Preparation: Direct Action to Get Results We Want
“Our Hassle-Free Property Preparation Process”
Ideally, sellers can hand over their keys and let us handle the rest. We coordinate with trusted vendors on every aspect of preparation, visiting the property frequently and providing regular updates through private YouTube videos. This allows us to refine the plan as needed, ensuring the property is inspection-ready, spotless, and perfectly primed for staging.
Keeping It Emotional — On Purpose
Selling the Dream, Not Just the Numbers
If buyers made purely calculated decisions, home prices would plateau. But in San Francisco—a market defined by scarcity, rent control, and remodeling restrictions (among more) — home values rise due to demand, competition, and, in our wheel house: aspiration. To command top prices, we emphasize creating property listings that resonate emotionally, giving buyers something they truly desire and will compete for. After all, selling here means offering more than numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about selling the dream.
Priced to Entice (Optional)
Selling the Dream, Not Just the Numbers, part 2. The numbers come later.
With over 75% of single-family homes in San Francisco selling above list price within 30 days, it’s clear that strategic pricing is essential. To attract buyers and create excitement, agents often advise listing below market value. This approach invites more interest and, ultimately, competition—giving sellers the best chance to achieve a dream-worthy result.
And into Escrow We Go
Maximizing Speed and Success
By following this comprehensive approach, we maximize the probability of selling faster and for a stronger price than similar properties. With our strategy, most of our listings go under contract within 30 days, setting our clients up for success.
“Nobody in the business works harder than you guys.”
“From the beginning stages of brainstorming ideas, to the execution and final sale, Kevin and Jonathan were with us every step of the way. They knew exactly what needed to be done and who to talk to, whether it be design, painting, hiring contractors or staging. They had a wealth of resources, all extremely skilled and competitively priced.”
“We were floored at the result you got us. We had an idea but this is something else. Where do I sign?”
“You guys are just first-class agents, which made the difference. I knew we could trust you and your disclosures were so thorough and right-on.”
“You guys always prepare and present your listings so well it’s not fair to other agents. Your clients are so lucky to have you because you so do so much for them.”
“I must say that your entire property from stem to stern, showed Spectacular! Everything was extremely well balanced — the pictures, art work, mirrors, window treatments, lighting fixtures, interior & exterior paint jobs, back yard, and the total ambiance that the two of you created in your presence with your cordiality & friendly personalities, made this one of the best open house presentations that I have ever experienced in 40 years as a Realtor!”
“Kevin brought his natural talent for home improvement to modernize the unit and emphasize its unique features (within our budget!). We were also impressed with the staging, photos, and other marketing materials they prepared for the sale. Even hit with some turbulent roadblocks (stay-at-home order and market disruptions), the duo stayed on top of events and adjusted their workflow as needed. They updated us regularly on any interested buyer and market updates, and there were responsive with our questions or concerns (even outside business hours). In the end, Kevin and Jonathan helped us reach a great offer despite the unprecedented global circumstances.”
Our Property Tours
(Done by Professionals)
We’re known for expertly prepared listings, a stellar reputation, happy clients, and strong results. And our property videos? They’re crafted by a professional videographer who’s worked on Netflix documentaries and leads the marketing department for a renowned wine collection. Take a look and see how we make properties shine
We Also Have a Drone
(Just Thought We’d Mention It)
By now, it should come as no surprise that we have a drone for capturing photos like this one. We stay ahead with the latest tech, marketing strategies, and design trends—everything you’d want from agents focused on helping you achieve your real estate goals.
Discover How We Elevate Property Marketing
Recently...
Some of our more recent listings.
How Will You Do?
You won‘t know what the possibilities of your property are until you ping us. So go ahead and write us already!
Cheat Sheet
(The Raffi Calendar)
As part of our ongoing marketing, we present the Raffi Calendar—an exclusive annual calendar packed with beyond-common-sense tips, insights, and practical advice. Now in production for its 10th year, the calendar has become a client favorite, known for its valuable information and unique commentary. Here’s a peek from February 2020.
A Demonstrated Pattern and Practice of Success
JUST 18 DAYS
IS HOW LONG IT TAKES US TO SELL
Since 2014 — 10 years —more than half of our listings sell within 30 days, taking a median of just 18 days to sell.
50/50
PERCENT BUYERS, PERCENT SELLERS
Because we work with both buyers and sellers equally, we bring the powerful perspective of knowing what each side wants out of a real estate transaction.
A HALF BILLION AND COUNTING
SUCCESS BEGETS SUCCESS
For over a decade, we, Kevin+Jonathan, have proudly ranked among the top Vanguard Properties agents and within San Francisco’s Top 100—and even Top 50—agents. With hundreds of millions in successful sales, our track record speaks for itself. We’ve achieved this through a unique blend of hard work, dedication, and optimism, balanced with sharp sales skills, marketing savvy, and a healthy dose of humor and pragmatism. Above all, we genuinely love what we do, and it shows in every transaction.