Buyer's Guide

Do you already know where you want to buy? Do you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you aren't quite sure of your answers to these questions, then now is the time to start researching. I can help you pinpoint neighborhoods, weather pockets, school districts, downtown activity, and communities that appeal to your specific needs. This provides valuable insight into the housing trends in your targeted neighborhoods and will help when the time comes to make an offer.

Before you get your heart set on your perfect dream home, it is important to speak with a mortgage professional to see what you are actually qualified to purchase. In Marin County's strong real estate market, it is important to have all your ducks in a row so we can hit the ground running and ultimately present the strongest offer. I am connected with knowledgeable mortgage professionals who will assist you in getting preapproved or fully underwritten with a lender. We can help you even if there has been a history of: lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues. Talking to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you will qualify for allows us two important things: 1.) We save time in searching for you home, and 2.) We can present a strong offer with the highest chance of acceptance.

Shopping for a new home can be the most enjoyable step of the entire process for some people.... and for others, not so much. That's okay! I can research properties for and/or with you to help narrow the field. I will also arrange showings of these homes so you can see them in person. I am happy to conduct video tours if you live far away, don't have the time, or prefer to have something to rewatch. When touring a home in person, feel and breathe the space. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the surrounding neighborhood. Keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores. Take notes about what you like and dislike because it helps me gain a better understanding of your dream home so I can pinpoint our search more accurately.

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I am here to help you arrange this, and we can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there are major issues you are not comfortable with, we can re-negotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.