Question 1

How do I get started buying a home in the Bay Area?

Accepted Answer

The first step is speaking with a Realtor and a lender to understand your budget. Dave Cunningham is both a licensed Realtor and a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, so he can help you with both in one conversation. Getting pre-approved before you search gives you a clear price range and makes your offers more competitive.

Question 2

How much do I need for a down payment in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

In San Francisco, conventional loans typically require 3–20% down. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down for qualified buyers. The amount you put down affects your monthly payment and whether you'll need private mortgage insurance. Dave can walk you through the tradeoffs based on your financial situation.

Question 3

How long does it take to buy a home in the Bay Area?

Accepted Answer

From the time you start seriously searching to closing, most buyers take 2–6 months. Competitive markets can move quickly — sometimes an accepted offer closes in 21 days. Getting pre-approved before you start saves weeks of time when you find the right home.

Question 4

Do I need a buyer's agent in the Bay Area?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's typically free to you as a buyer. The seller pays agent commissions in most Bay Area transactions. A buyer's agent like Dave represents your interests exclusively — reviewing contracts, negotiating on your behalf, identifying red flags in disclosures, and guiding you through inspections.

Question 5

What is a pre-approval and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A pre-approval is a lender's written commitment to lend you up to a certain amount, based on your income, credit, and assets. In the Bay Area market, most sellers won't accept an offer without a pre-approval letter. Dave is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator and can issue pre-approvals directly.

Question 6

How do I determine the right listing price for my Bay Area home?

Accepted Answer

Dave performs a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) — a detailed study of recently sold homes similar to yours in your neighborhood. Factors include square footage, bedrooms, condition, lot size, and micro-market trends. Pricing too high risks days on market and eventual price drops; pricing correctly maximizes your final sale price.

Question 7

How long does it take to sell a home in the Bay Area?

Accepted Answer

Well-priced homes in strong Bay Area markets often receive offers within 1–2 weeks. The full process from listing to closing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Dave prepares homes strategically before listing to minimize time on market and maximize price.

Question 8

What is a listing agent and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

A listing agent represents you as the seller. Dave handles pricing strategy, marketing, showings, offer review and negotiation, and transaction management through closing. As an experienced Bay Area listing agent, Dave also advises on pre-listing repairs and staging to improve your home's appeal and value.

Question 9

Should I make repairs or renovations before selling?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your timeline, budget, and market conditions. Some repairs have strong ROI — others don't. Dave provides honest guidance on which pre-listing improvements are worth making and which aren't, based on current buyer demand in your specific neighborhood.

Question 10

What is a mortgage loan originator?

Accepted Answer

A Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) is a licensed professional who takes, processes, and negotiates mortgage loan applications on behalf of borrowers. Dave Cunningham holds an MLO license, allowing him to serve as both your Realtor and your lending advisor — a unique advantage that streamlines the home buying process.

Question 11

What credit score do I need to buy a home in California?

Accepted Answer

Conventional loans typically require a minimum score of 620, though 740+ unlocks the best rates. FHA loans may allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Dave can help you understand your current options and, if needed, steps to improve your score before applying.

Question 12

What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Accepted Answer

Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves a full credit pull, income verification, and asset documentation — and results in a letter that sellers take seriously. In the Bay Area, you need a pre-approval to have your offer considered in most cases.

Question 13

Can I use an FHA loan to buy in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FHA loans are available in San Francisco with loan limits up to approximately $1.2 million in high-cost areas. They require 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. Dave can help you determine whether an FHA or conventional loan is better suited to your financial situation.

Question 14

What areas does Dave Cunningham serve?

Accepted Answer

Dave serves the entire San Francisco Bay Area including Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco, Berkeley, Concord, Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Novato, San Rafael, Hayward, Fremont, San Jose, and surrounding communities across all nine Bay Area counties.

Question 15

Is Dave Cunningham a licensed Realtor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dave holds a California Real Estate License (CA DRE: 02001238) and is also a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. He has been serving Bay Area buyers, sellers, and borrowers since 1999.

Question 16

How do I contact Dave Cunningham?

Accepted Answer

You can reach Dave by phone at (415) 823-6754, by email at dave@sunnyhillrealty.com, or through the contact form on this website. The SunnyHill Realty office is located at 428 Alice Street, Suite 128, Oakland, CA 94607.

Question 17

What makes SunnyHill Realty different from other Bay Area agencies?

Accepted Answer

Dave Cunningham brings a rare combination to every transaction: 25+ years of Bay Area market experience, a dual license as both a Realtor and a Mortgage Loan Originator, a data-driven analytical approach, and an unwavering commitment to putting client interests first. SunnyHill Realty has a 5.0-star average rating across 28 verified Realtor.com reviews.

Bay Area Real Estate FAQ

Buying a Home in the Bay Area

Selling Your Bay Area Home

Mortgage & Pre-Approval

Dave Cunningham & SunnyHill Realty

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