Parkside, San Francisco – July 2025 Market Update & Tips
Parkside is a charming neighborhood in the southwest part of San Francisco, known for its quiet residential streets and classic single-family homes. Located just inland from Ocean Beach and north of Stern Grove, Parkside offers a unique blend of city and suburb – you get an urban vibe with plenty of local eateries and parks, yet a laid-back atmosphere on wide, peaceful avenues. In this post, we’ll dive into the latest July 2025 market stats for single-family homes in Parkside, provide actionable tips for buyers and sellers, and explore the local lifestyle, amenities, and accessibility that make this neighborhood special.
Parkside Single-Family Market Snapshot (July 2025)
The single-family home market in Parkside is very competitive as of July 2025. The median sale price for a house here is around $1.65 million, with recent sales ranging from approximately $800,000 on the low end to about $3.5 million for larger or updated homes. On average, Parkside homes sell for roughly $999 per square foot and they spend only ~17 days on the market before going under contract. Notably, properties have been selling for about 116% of their list price, on average. In other words, the typical home is selling 16% above the asking price, a clear indicator of strong demand and competitive bidding.
Such quick sales and above-asking offers point to a market that favors sellers. Inventory is quite limited – as of late July, only 3 single-family homes were actively listed for sale in Parkside. This low supply, coupled with high buyer demand, has created conditions where multiple offers are common. For buyers, it means being prepared to move fast and potentially bid over the list price. For sellers, it means well-priced homes in good condition are likely to attract a lot of attention and possibly sell above asking. Below, we’ll offer some specific tips for navigating this market as a buyer or seller.
Tips for Parkside Home Buyers
In a hot market like Parkside’s, home buyers should be proactive and strategic. Here are some actionable tips if you’re looking to buy a single-family home in Parkside:
-
Get Pre-Approved & Budget for Over-Asking Offers: Secure a mortgage pre-approval before you start home shopping, so you can act quickly. Given that homes are selling around 16% above list price on average, be ready for the possibility of bidding over the asking price. Build some cushion into your budget and work with your agent to understand recent comps (comparable sales) so you know what a realistic winning offer might look like.
-
Be Ready to Act Fast: With homes averaging just 17 days on the market, there’s not much time to hesitate. If a Parkside home meets your criteria, try to see it as soon as possible and be prepared to write an offer quickly. This might mean having your real estate agent on speed dial and staying flexible for last-minute showings.
-
Make a Strong, Clean Offer: In multiple-offer situations, the terms of your offer matter as much as the price. Consider offering a larger earnest money deposit, a short contingency period (or even waiving non-essential contingencies if you’re comfortable), and a closing timeline that suits the seller’s needs. A “clean” offer with fewer hurdles can stand out, especially when many bids come in.
-
Research the Neighborhood and Amenities: Show the seller you’re serious about their home. It helps to know and mention what you love about the property and Parkside itself. Sellers often appreciate buyers who value the home’s location (for example, its proximity to Ocean Beach or good transit access). While writing a personal buyer letter is less common these days, you can still have your agent convey your enthusiasm and local knowledge. Being informed about Parkside’s lifestyle (parks, schools, community vibe) can indirectly strengthen your position by demonstrating you’re committed to the area.
-
Stay Patient and Persistent: Lastly, be prepared that you may need to make a few offers before one is accepted – that’s normal in a competitive market. Try not to get discouraged. New listings pop up in Parkside periodically, and demand can fluctuate. By staying ready and persistent, you’ll improve your chances of landing the right home when the opportunity comes.
Tips for Parkside Home Sellers
If you’re looking to sell your single-family home in Parkside, you’re in a strong position in 2025 – but a good strategy can help you maximize your sale price and ensure a smooth process. Here are tips for sellers in the current market:
-
Price Strategically: Even though many homes are selling above asking, it’s important to set a smart listing price. An attractive price will generate buzz and could lead to competitive bids that drive the price up. Overpricing, on the other hand, may cause your home to sit on the market longer than the average (which is currently only ~17 days in Parkside). Work with a knowledgeable agent to review recent neighborhood sales and choose a listing price that reflects market value and invites strong offers.
-
Prepare Your Home to Shine: Buyer demand is high, but well-presented homes will still fetch the best results. Before listing, take time to declutter, clean, and stage your home. Consider small upgrades or fixes (fresh paint, landscaping touch-ups, fixing that leaky faucet) that can make a big difference in photos and showings. High-quality marketing – professional photos, maybe even 3D tours or videos – will attract more buyers. In Parkside’s market, a little preparation can translate into buyers feeling more confident about your property and possibly bidding higher.
-
Plan for a Quick Sale: With the pace of this market, be ready for a swift transaction. It’s common to set an offer deadline shortly after the first open house (for example, the following week) to encourage multiple bids. Once you accept an offer, escrows can close in as little as 21-30 days if the buyer is prepared. Start planning your next move early (whether it’s lining up your next housing or arranging movers) so you’re not caught off-guard by a fast timeline.
-
Review Offers Carefully (Not Just the Price): When the offers come in, look beyond just the top-line price. Examine the terms and contingencies: Is the highest offer contingent on the buyer selling their current home? Is one offer all-cash or with a larger down payment (which might mean fewer financing hurdles)? How flexible is the closing date? Sometimes a slightly lower offer with better terms or a very secure financing situation can be a smarter pick. Your agent can help you compare the merits of each offer.
-
Leverage the Demand – But Stay Realistic: Parkside’s seller’s market means you have the advantage, but it’s still important to stay realistic and cooperative during negotiations. Buyers paying a premium will expect the home to be in the condition presented, for example. Being transparent on property disclosures, accommodating reasonable inspection requests, or offering a small repair credit (if issues arise) can keep the deal on track. Remember, the goal is not just a high price, but a successful closing. By working amiably with a serious buyer, you’ll increase the chances of a smooth escrow and a completed sale at top dollar.
Parkside Lifestyle and Amenities
Parkside’s proximity to Ocean Beach means residents can enjoy stunning Pacific sunsets and seaside recreation just minutes from home. Beyond the beach, the neighborhood is surrounded by green spaces and local attractions. To the south, Stern Grove is a beloved park where tall eucalyptus and pine trees shelter walking paths and picnic areas. Every summer, Stern Grove hosts a free outdoor music festival with concerts on Sundays, adding a cultural highlight to the local lifestyle. Just east of Parkside lies McCoppin Square, basically the “village green” of the district – it’s a large community park that even houses the Parkside branch library, making it a popular gathering spot for families and neighbors. Small playgrounds and mini-parks are scattered throughout the area as well, giving Parkside a refreshing abundance of outdoor spaces.
Parkside might feel tranquil, but you won’t lack for things to do. Ocean Beach is practically your backyard – residents often take morning jogs or evening strolls along the sandy shore, and surfers can be spotted catching waves year-round (wetsuit recommended, as the water is chilly!). The San Francisco Zoo is also nearby at the southwest corner, offering a fun outing within minutes of home. When it comes to dining and shops, Taraval Street is Parkside’s main corridor. Along Taraval and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and services. In fact, one longtime resident highlighted that Parkside has “great authentic restaurants, from Chinese food to Irish grub” and appreciated how it’s “close to the beach, the SF zoo, and the Great Highway,” while still having “easy access to different parts of the city.”trulia.com Many of the eateries reflect the diverse community – you can grab dim sum or noodles at a family-run Chinese spot, enjoy a hearty brunch at a local diner, or even find a cozy pub for a pint. For more shopping and entertainment, the Stonestown Galleria mall and Lake Merced (for golf and boating) are just a short drive away, showing how Parkside sits in a convenient pocket of the city.
Transportation and Accessibility
Living in Parkside offers a balance between peaceful living and connectivity. The neighborhood is served by the Muni Metro L-Taraval line, a light-rail streetcar that runs along Taraval Street and links Parkside to downtown San Francisco. Hop on the L line, and you can reach the West Portal transit hub in a few minutes or ride all the way downtown (roughly a 30–40 minute journey to the Embarcadero, under normal conditions). One resident noted it’s “super easy – two blocks to [the Muni] train, then downtown … 35 min on a good day”trulia.com. Several Muni bus lines also weave through or near Parkside. For example, the 28-19th Avenue bus provides north-south service along 19th Ave (connecting to Golden Gate Bridge transit and to Daly City BART), and other buses link to nearby neighborhoods and BART stations for commuters.
For drivers, 19th Avenue (Highway 1) forms Parkside’s eastern boundary and is a major artery that makes it straightforward to travel north toward Golden Gate Park and the Richmond District or south toward Interstate 280 (which leads down the Peninsula). During peak hours, 19th Ave can be busy, but it remains a direct route for crosstown access. The Great Highway along Ocean Beach, on the west side, offers a scenic drive and an alternate north-south route when open. Overall, while Parkside is farther out from the downtown core, residents have multiple transit options and road connections that keep the neighborhood well-integrated with the rest of San Francisco. It’s easy enough to get around, whether you’re commuting to work or just exploring other parts of the city.
Schools and Education
Parkside is home to a number of educational institutions that residents may find appealing. The neighborhood includes several public schools (serving elementary and high school students) and is also near a variety of private school options. In fact, one resident noted that “it’s close to schools” and that there are many playgrounds and green spaces aroundtrulia.com – a plus for families with children. Without diving into specific school ratings (which can change and are subject to personal interpretation), it’s fair to say Parkside families have access to nearby schools for all ages, from preschools and K-5 campuses up through high school. Notably, Abraham Lincoln High School sits just at the edge of the neighborhood, and other well-known San Francisco schools are a short drive away. For higher education, San Francisco State University (SFSU) is only a few minutes south (near 19th Ave and Lake Merced), and being close to a major university adds to the area’s appeal – whether for attending classes, cultural events, or simply the youthful energy it brings to the vicinity.
(Fair Housing Note: We describe schools only in factual terms here. Parkside’s appeal to households can include the convenience of local schools, but we make no qualitative claims about the schools themselves.)
Conclusion
Parkside’s single-family home market in July 2025 is characterized by low inventory and high demand – a dynamic that creates opportunities for sellers and challenges for buyers. By understanding the market stats (like the ~$1.65M median price and 16% above-list sale trend) and following the tips above, buyers can improve their odds of success and sellers can maximize their results. Beyond the numbers, it’s easy to see why Parkside is in demand: the neighborhood offers a comfortable, family-friendly lifestyle with beach sunsets, big parks, and local charm, all within San Francisco’s city limits. For home seekers, Parkside provides a chance to enjoy a more relaxed slice of the city without sacrificing access to amenities or transit. And for homeowners, the strong community feel and ever-present buyer interest mean your investment is poised to remain attractive.
Whether you’re considering buying or selling in Parkside, we hope this overview has been practical and informative. With the right preparation and perspective, you can make the most of Parkside’s vibrant market and wonderful neighborhood lifestyle. Good luck, and enjoy all that Parkside has to offer – from the ocean air to the concerts in the grove!
Sources: Parkside market data from July 2025 residential report; community insights from resident reviews and local informationtrulia.commapquest.comtrulia.comtrulia.com.
Prepare for Tax Season – Home-Related Tax Deductions

Homeowner Tax Tips
Tax season. Just the words can either scare you or put you to sleep. But if you’re a homeowner, there’s a silver lining: potential savings!
You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage — but did you know there are many other ways homeowners can reduce their tax burden?
Before you start your return, read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings.
Home-Related Tax Savings: The Basics
Before we get into the details, it’s important to define some important terms to set the stage.
Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits
Most tax savings opportunities for homeowners come in the form of tax deductions. Deductions work by reducing your taxable income — essentially, the government allows you to subtract certain expenses from your total income before calculating how much you owe in taxes. This means a lower taxable income and, ultimately, a lower tax bill. For example, if you earn $50,000 and claim tax deductions worth $5,000, you will only pay taxes on $45,000.
Tax credits, on the other hand, directly reduce your tax bill, rather than your taxable income. That means that if you owe $10,000 in taxes and claim a tax credit worth $2,000, your tax bill will be reduced to $8,000.
Pro Tip: Meticulous record-keeping is crucial. Keep detailed records of all potentially eligible expenses. This will make tax time much smoother and ensure you don’t miss out on any deductions.
Itemized Deductions vs. Standard Deduction
To understand what deductions apply to your situation, it’s important to know the difference between itemized deductions and the standard deduction. The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that you can subtract from your adjusted gross income (AGI) regardless of your actual expenses. Itemized deductions, on the other hand, are specific expenses that you can deduct, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and charitable contributions.
You’ll need to choose whether to itemize or take the standard deduction. Generally, you should itemize if your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. Most home-related deductions are only applicable if you choose to itemize.
2025 Standard Deduction Amounts
- Single and Married Filing Separately: $15,000
- Head of Household: $22,500
- Married Filing Jointly: $30,0001
Source: IRS
Key Home-Related Tax Deductions and Credits
If you do choose to itemize your taxes, common tax deductions and credits available to homeowners include:
Mortgage Interest Deduction
No one likes to pay mortgage interest, but the good news is that you can deduct interest used to buy or build your primary residence or a second home. However, there are certain limitations that you need to be aware of.2
Mortgage size: If you file your taxes single or married filing jointly, you can deduct interest paid on the first $750,000 of mortgage debt3 for your primary residence or second home. If you are married but choose to file separately, that limit drops to the first $375,000 (for each partner).
Requirements:
- The mortgage interest deduction only applies if your home is collateral for the loan (which is standard).
- To qualify as a primary home, your property must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.
- If you are deducting mortgage interest on a second home, you don’t need to use the home during the year; however, if you rent it out, you must spend at least 14 days or more than 10% of the days you rented it out (whichever is longer).
So, how do you calculate how much mortgage interest you’ve paid?
The amount of interest you pay each year will vary, even if your interest rate is fixed — that’s because mortgage amortization3 means that you pay more interest earlier in the mortgage’s term, and more principal closer to the end. Each year, your lender will send you (and the IRS) a copy of Form 1098, which shows how much you paid in interest.4
For example, let’s say you are a married homeowner filing jointly with a mortgage for $400,000. If your Form 1098 shows that you paid $25,000 in mortgage interest in 2025, you could deduct the full $25,000 from your 2025 household income.
Real Estate Taxes (Property Taxes)
You can deduct state and local real estate taxes (property taxes) you pay on your primary residence or second home. However, it’s crucial to understand what qualifies. Only property taxes imposed for “general public welfare” are deductible5—if your town imposes a special assessment for a project that directly improves your property value, like a sewer line, that is not deductible. Furthermore, fees for local services, such as trash collection or sewer maintenance, are not deductible, even though your town may list them on the same bill as your property taxes.
There’s also a limit: the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a $10,000 cap on the total amount of state and local taxes (SALT)6 you can deduct. This includes state and local income tax (or sales tax) as well as property taxes.
Finally, be aware that the amount you deduct must match the amount actually paid to the tax authority.7 This might differ from what you put into escrow if you pay property taxes through your mortgage lender. Typically, the amount your lender paid to your tax authority is listed on Form 1098.
Home Equity Loan Interest
You can deduct the interest paid on home equity loans or home equity lines of credit, but with a significant caveat. Since 2017, that interest is only deductible if the loan proceeds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve3 your primary residence or second home, and the loan is secured by the home.
If you use the home equity loan for other purposes, such as a vacation, debt consolidation, or purchasing a car, the interest is generally not deductible. If you use part of the loan or line of credit for eligible purchases, and part for non-eligible purchases, only interest incurred on the portion used for eligible spending is deductible.
Loan interest is also not deductible if the funds are used for home improvement projects or repairs that do not “substantially improve” your home. Smaller projects, like repainting or new cabinets, likely do not qualify. However, projects like building an addition, a full kitchen remodel, or installing a new roof should qualify as substantial improvements.8
It’s also important to note that home equity loan and HELOC interest rate deductions are subject to the same upper limits3 as mortgages (and are added together with your mortgage for calculation purposes). For example, if you have a $500,000 mortgage and a $300,000 home equity line of credit—which together exceed the $750,000 limit for a married couple—you would only be able to deduct interest paid on the first $750,000 of those combined loans.
Home Improvement Expenses
You can’t usually deduct home improvement expenses directly.9 However, the money you spend on capital improvements (improvements that increase your home’s value) can help reduce your tax bill later. These expenses are added to your home’s “cost basis,”10 which reduces your capital gains tax when you eventually sell the house. Think of it this way: by keeping records of your home improvements, you’re essentially increasing the “price” you’re considered to have paid for your home, thus lowering your profit when you sell.
It’s important to note that not all projects qualify as capital improvement. Basic repairs and updates likely won’t qualify, while major additions and landscaping likely will (the considerations are the same as those used to determine whether home equity loan interest is deductible).
Beyond capital improvement, there are a few specific categories of home improvement that are deductible, including work on home offices (which is subject to specific limitations) and certain modifications for medical/accessibility reasons.11
Energy-Efficient and Clean Energy Tax Credits
Certain energy-efficient home improvements can qualify you for valuable tax credits. Unlike deductions, which reduce your taxable income, tax credits directly reduce your tax bill, making them even more beneficial.
For qualifying energy efficiency expenses in the 2024 tax year12, homeowners can claim up to 30% of qualified expenses on their federal tax return, with a maximum credit of $3,200.13 However, some qualifying expenses, like new exterior doors and windows, come with their own maximum credit limits, so it’s essential to check the specific rules.
Another option is the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, which offers a 30% credit for the cost of installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, on your primary residence or a second home that you use part-time and don’t rent out.13 Many states also offer their own tax deductions, rebates, or credits related to energy efficiency and clean energy, so be sure to investigate what’s available in your state.
Selling Your Home and Taxes
When you sell your home, the difference between the selling price and what you originally paid for it (plus any major improvements) is called your capital gain. Think of it as your profit from the sale. Let’s walk through a simple example:
Imagine you bought your home for $200,000. Over the years, you invested in some significant upgrades, like a kitchen remodel ($30,000), a new roof ($15,000), and landscaping ($5,000). These are called “capital improvements,” and they increase your home’s “cost basis”—essentially, what the IRS considers you to have invested in the property. In this case, your adjusted cost basis would be $250,000 ($200,000 original price + $50,000 improvements).
Now, let’s say you sell your home for $350,000. Your capital gain would be $100,000 ($350,000 selling price – $250,000 adjusted cost basis).
Capital Gains Exclusion
The good news is that the IRS allows you to exclude a significant portion of your capital gain from taxation!14 If you’re single, you can exclude up to $250,000, and if you’re married filing jointly, you can exclude up to $500,000. To qualify for this exclusion, you need to have owned and used the home as your primary residence for at least two out of the five years before the sale. This is a key factor to consider when deciding how long you plan to live in a home.
Essentially, this exclusion means that, in many cases, homeowners won’t owe any capital gains tax when they sell their primary residence. It’s a valuable tax benefit that can significantly impact your finances. Keep good records of your purchase price and any capital improvements you make to ensure you can accurately calculate your capital gain and take full advantage of the exclusion when you sell.
Record-Keeping Tips for Homeowners
Organized records are essential for taking advantage of tax deductions and credits. Keep all relevant documents, such as mortgage statements, property tax bills, and receipts for home improvements, readily accessible.15 It’s wise to keep both physical and digital copies (scan and save everything!). Store physical copies securely, perhaps in a safe deposit box. Keep all home-related records for as long as you own the home, plus at least three years after you file your tax returns for the year of the sale.
Conclusion
Homeownership offers numerous opportunities to save on taxes. From mortgage interest and property taxes to energy-efficient upgrades and capital gains exclusions, understanding these deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax burden. Remember, this information is for general guidance only. Consulting with a qualified tax professional is invaluable for personalized advice.
Have questions about real estate or need a referral to a trusted tax advisor? Contact me today!
Note: This information is accurate as of February 2025 and is intended for general guidance only. Tax regulations are subject to change.
Sources:
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025
- Nerdwallet – https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/mortgage-interest-rate-deduction
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-936
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1098
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/faqs/itemized-deductions-standard-deduction/real-estate-taxes-mortgage-interest-points-other-property-expenses/real-estate-taxes-mortgage-interest-points-other-property-expenses-5#:~:text=The%20total%20deduction%20allowed%20for,taxes%20or%20sales%20taxes)%20is
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc503#:~:text=Overall%20limit,your%20other%20itemized%20deductions%20also.
- TurboTax – https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/home-ownership/claiming-property-taxes-on-your-tax-return/L6cSL1QoB
- Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/home-equity-loan-tax-changes/#how-to-claim
- USNews – https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/are-home-improvements-tax-deductible
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/publications/p523
- NOLO – https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-home-improvements-tax-deductible.html
- USNews – https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/how-consumers-can-save-with-the-new-climate-tax-breaks
- IRS – https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
- Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/capital-gains-tax-on-real-estate/#avoiding-during-home-sale
- NOLO – https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tax-reasons-keep-good-records-home-improvements.html