Buying in the Bay Area

Working with us will make you feel like you are working with a friend

Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction — it’s a major life decision. That’s why who you work with truly matters. With Frank and Hope, you’re not just getting real estate agents — you’re gaining trusted advisors with deep local expertise and a client-first mindset.

SERVING SOLANO COUNTY & THE GREATER BAY AREA

As experienced agents with a strong presence in Solano County and the Bay Area, Frank and Hope understand what moves the market — and more importantly, what moves you. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, they’re here to guide you with personalized strategies, honest advice, and a calm, results-driven approach.

Their combined strengths — from Frank’s hands-on renovation knowledge to Hope’s background in client services — give their clients an edge. They’ve built trusted relationships within the real estate community and know how to negotiate, navigate complex deals, and uncover the opportunities others miss. Whether you’re ready now or just starting to explore your options, Frank and Hope are ready when you are.

A man in a gray plaid suit standing inside a modern house, looking out through a glass door with a lock handle, with a staircase and railing visible in the background.

My guid to buying a home in the Bay Area

Whether it’s your first time buying or you’ve done this before, I’ll make sure you have the clarity and confidence to move forward with ease

A modern two-story house with large glass windows illuminated from inside, surrounded by landscaped outdoor area with trees, during evening. Superimposed image of a man in a suit and a 'SOLD' sign for a real estate agent named Frank Panuco, with contact information.

Sign up below to receive a free copy!

FAQ’S

What is a disclosure package?
A disclosure package is a crucial set of documents that provides essential information about a property before you make an offer. It includes details about the home's condition, history, and any known issues. We'll guide you through reviewing these documents thoroughly to ensure you're fully informed.
Do you have access to off-market homes?
Yes, we do! Beyond publicly listed properties on the MLS, we have access to various off-market opportunities. This includes "Coming Soon" listings, properties shared through our extensive network and word-of-mouth, and exclusive private listings available only to our team and clients.
What is a contingency?
A contingency is a condition written into a real estate contract that must be met for the sale to proceed. It protects the buyer by allowing them to withdraw from the purchase without losing their earnest money deposit if a specific condition isn't satisfied. Common contingencies include loan approval, a satisfactory appraisal, and a thorough home inspection. In competitive markets, removing contingencies can make an offer more attractive, but it also means taking on more risk.
What is escrow?
Escrow is a neutral third-party service that holds all funds and documents related to a real estate transaction until all conditions of the sale are met. The escrow officer ensures that all terms of the contract are fulfilled, including handling your deposit, prorating property taxes and HOA fees, and managing the signing of all closing documents. In many areas, including San Francisco and Marin, the buyer typically pays for Title and Escrow fees.
Do I need a pre-approval letter?
Absolutely, obtaining a pre-approval letter is one of the most important first steps in the home-buying process. It demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer, making your offer much stronger. Working with a reputable local lender who has a track record of smooth, on-time closings is crucial, and we can certainly recommend excellent lenders we trust.
How do I make an offer?
In the Bay Area, making an offer involves drafting a comprehensive purchase agreement. We will work closely with you, walking through every line of the contract to ensure you fully understand all clauses, sections, and contingencies before your offer is submitted to the listing agent. Our goal is to craft a strong and well-informed proposal.
Do you work with first time buyers?
Yes, we love working with first-time homebuyers! We see our role as your dedicated advisors, providing comprehensive support and guidance every step of the way. We are committed to being patient, understanding your timeline, and always looking out for your best interests to make your first home purchase a smooth and positive experience.
What if I have to sell my current home in order to buy?
This is a very common scenario, and we have strategies to help. We'll explore various options with you, including potential ways to purchase your new home before your current one sells, often with the support of a strategic lender. We'll guide you through the best approach for your unique situation.
Can you recommend painters or designers?
Absolutely! We maintain a curated list of trusted local vendors, including painters, designers, and other home service professionals, with whom we regularly work. We're happy to connect you with individuals who align with your specific criteria, budget, and timeline.
How long have you been an agent?
Our team brings a wealth of combined experience to the table. One of us has been a dedicated agent for over 30 years, navigating various market conditions and building deep expertise. The other has over 5 years of dynamic experience, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to our clients. Together, we offer a comprehensive and seasoned approach to real estate.
How much are Closing Costs?
As a general guideline, closing costs typically range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price, though this can vary. These costs cover various fees associated with finalizing your home purchase, including lender fees, title and escrow services, prorated property taxes, and initial homeowner's insurance premiums. We'll provide a detailed estimate specific to your transaction.
How much are Property Taxes?
Property taxes are generally recalculated upon a re-sale or significant remodel. In many areas, they are approximately 1.2% of the purchase price annually. These taxes are typically paid in two installments per year. While the exact amount can vary by location and property, they tend to increase marginally each year with inflation.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Hope helped me sell a home which was going through probate very quickly, and for a higher sale value than I expected. Her expertise in the local market and in the best listing timing and pricing made a big difference, in addition to her advice on what home improvements were most useful. She also had good advice on selecting the best offers and their pros and cons. I would definitely recommend Hope if you need a real estate agent.”

“Frank helped me purchase my first home. I worked with Frank for close to 2 years looking for a home. Since I had switched jobs I was not able to purchase a home until I had a full year of income. In the meantime, Frank would consistently show me homes and provide me feedback. Frank would show up and show homes that worked with my time schedule and even in the rain he would still show up. He made sure I was fully aware of everything going on with the purchase being made and was great at negotiating and getting seller credits.”

“I have worked for Hope many years as her CPA and I find her extremely professional and yet at the same time humorous. She knows Vacaville real estate and is a hard worker. I recommend her to my clients.”