Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide for Marin County

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 both on and off 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, activities, 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 find your perfect home and make an offer.

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? 

Yes. However, doing so can come with significant risks. Working with a skilled professional not only helps you avoid costly mistakes, but also removes much of the stress from the buying process. There are a significant amount of hurdles to navigate when purchasing a property, and you need an expert who will have your best interests and protect you throughout the transaction.

As your agent, I will identify properties that match your needs and arrange private showings. With strong, up-to-date intel in the housing market, I help clients discover both on-market listings and exclusive off-market opportunities. My goal is to uncover hidden gems and provide strategic guidance to help you secure your dream home at the right price.

I am proud to be part of Coldwell Banker Greenbrae, Marin County’s #1 top-producing brokerage. I am also an active member of several elite agent networks. These connections give my clients unparalleled access, insight, and a competitive advantage throughout their home-buying journey.

Once we find your perfect property, I will carefully guide you through every stage of the offer, negotiation, inspection, and closing processes. I always aim to ensure a smooth transaction and closing.

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, see what the parking situation is like, and how close the home 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 some cases, when your offer is accepted, it might be contingent upon having the home inspected to ensure no major structural damage or large repairs are needed. I work with many home inspectors and vendors and am here to help you maneuver this. Typically, we can schedule any new or additional inspections within days of ratifying an offer. If there are no major issues, the buying process moves on to the next step. If newfound problems arise and you are not comfortable, we can re-evaluate and re-negotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or we can discuss withdrawing your offer altogether.

Your escrow officer will contact you regarding the signing of final documents. You will be meeting with a notary and will need to bring a driver's license and possibly another form of identification. Once all the documents have been signed and the final money has been wired and received into escrow, we wait until closing day.

Three to five days before closing, we will do a final walkthough of the property together. This ensures the property is in the same condition as the day you purchased, and that all repairs (if any) have been completed.