What Happens When Permits Are Missing? A Westside Listing’s Wild Ride

Nosy neighbors & unpermitted work. What could go wrong?

In San Francisco, permits have always been a pain—slow, costly, and confusing. So it's no surprise some homeowners skip the red tape and do work "under the radar." For years, unpermitted work was just a hurdle we worked around. But lately? That’s changing.

The Scoop

What’s Happening Now Complaints about unpermitted work are on the rise—often coming from neighbors, disappointed buyers, or agents who lost a listing. Even minor issues, like loud prep work, can trigger reports. These complaints sometimes surface after a sale, creating costly problems for both buyers and sellers. While it's happening citywide, it's more common on the west side of the city. Why This Matters City inspections can delay your sale, lead to fines, and stall momentum. Even once resolved, extended time on market can reduce buyer interest and final sale price. A Westside Story (not my listing) A freshly updated westside home hit the market in late April—with unpermitted kitchen and bathroom work, and lower-level rooms marketed as bedrooms. Interest was high: 100+ disclosure packages went out and 12 buyers were ready to write. Then came the twist: a Dept of Building Inspection complaint was filed during the first open house. Open house signs were vandalized. DBI showed up unannounced, but wasn’t let in. A formal inspection followed soon after. The seller dropped the price by nearly $100K. After 6 weeks on the market, the listing was put on hold while permits were secured. Updates included legalizing the kitchen and bath remodels, permitting the lower level as storage, and converting the full bath to a half bath with laundry. The property was never re-listed. All showings were private, limited to buyers who had previously toured and requested disclosures. Offers were reviewed nearly 2 months after it launched —with contingencies tied to City sign-off. A rollercoaster two months of delays, costs, and headaches for sellers and most likely a big discount on the final sales price. What Sellers Can Do Always keep good relations with your neighbors - many complaints are triggered by neighbor disputes. If you’ve done any work without permits, let your agent know early so they can help you create a strategy. Be mindful during property prep. Keep noise, including music, to a minimum and avoid drawing attention and offending neighbors. Avoid photographing unpermitted additions and updates. Ask the listing agent to take down photos and floorplans before the home closes to limit digital footprints that might trigger future scrutiny. Dealing with unpermitted work can be tricky, but staying upfront, keeping the neighbors happy, and planning ahead can help you avoid headaches and keep your sale on track.

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Are you, or someone you know, ready to move? Let me know - I can help! Cheers, Maggie

MAGGIE VISSER Top 1.5% of Agents Nationwide Top 3% of SF Agents (MLS) DRE 01925742 415.793.3470 maggie@maggievisser.com

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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