The Path to Your First Home
Let Me Help You Make the Best Decision
Buying your first home is a big commitment, and taking the right steps will give you confidence in your decision. Consulting with your family, real estate professional, financial advisor, and mortgage lender ensures a smooth and successful process. My team and I are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you explore your options and understand the details.
What to Expect During the Homebuying Process
House hunting can be exciting, but challenges like competing offers or limited inventory can dampen the experience. However, the Bay Area remains one of the best places to live, build equity, and take advantage of favorable tax laws.
Once you find your home, the sale process typically closes in 30 days or less—sometimes as quickly as 15 days! To streamline the process, we recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval provides clarity on your price range and demonstrates to sellers that your offer is serious. While it’s not a guarantee to lend, it’s a valuable tool that Realtors recommend and sellers expect.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Professional
A great Realtor is essential, especially in the competitive Bay Area market. Licensed and ethical, Realtors are local market experts who can guide you through buying or selling property. If you need a referral, I can connect you with a trusted Realtor partner tailored to your unique goals.
Appraisals
Appraisals are a critical step in the home purchase or refinance process, except in rare cases of appraisal waivers. For purchases, the appraiser works with the listing agent to inspect the property and assess its value based on features, local market trends, and recent comparable sales. For refinances, you’ll coordinate directly with the appraiser.
The appraisal report is submitted to the lender and must pass their review for final loan approval. We’ll facilitate and keep you informed throughout this process. Appraisal costs vary depending on market conditions and availability.
The Title Company
Once your purchase agreement is accepted, the listing agent will open escrow with the title company. Acting as a neutral third party, the title company ensures the title is clear and funds are properly transferred. The escrow officer handles closing costs, coordinates the mortgage signing, and works with you on financial logistics.
Homeowners Insurance
After your offer is accepted, it’s time to shop for homeowners insurance. Compare quotes from multiple agents to find the best coverage. Once you’ve chosen a policy, send it to us. A full year’s premium must be paid upfront at closing—this is standard in the industry.
If you’re buying a condominium or Planned Unit Development (PUD), lenders require HO6 coverage, which is often not included in the Master HOA Policy. The first premium is paid at closing, with future payments available monthly, semi-annually, or annually.
I’m here to make your path to homeownership clear and stress-free. Let’s work together to make your dream home a reality!