How to Buy a House -- A guide for first-time home buyers

Buying Advice

Here's some buyer advice, to find out more about the buyer services we offer click here.

Does it make sense to buy a home, use this spreadsheet I developed to see under what scenarios is home ownership the right decision: Rent vs. Buy Spreadsheet Calculator
Pre-qualification, or better yet pre-approved.
Get pre-qualified to know what you can afford. For a quick pre-qualification call Sunil at (510) 793-8600.
House Hunting
a. Visit Open Houses to understand what you get for price you can afford. Find out which neighborhoods interest you.

b. Search for Properties Online Internet Property Search Services or send me an email with your criteria, and I'll send you personalized flash emails about the newest listings that meet your criteria.

c. Work with your agent to find new listings.

d. Get an idea what homes are worth in a neighborhood (Cyberhomes Zillow Housing Stats)
Write a Sample Contract
Write a contract on with your agent before you go out buying. This way you can to know the terms of a standard contract which makes the whole process less scary.. The California Association of Realtors recommends that realtors write their contracts using the CAR approved Residential Purchase Agreement Form RPA-CA, however some counties continue to use other forms. Generally in Alameda county you'll use both the RPA-CA and the WPA form.
Negotiation
Before bidding always try to understand the seller's need. Do they need to sell in 15 days or 90 days? Do they need to leaseback, until their new place is ready to move in? Are they interested in leaving behind some furniture? What items are specifically not included (curtains, a built-in shelf, ...)?

In a Seller's Market
Here you objective is to write an offer that will be accepted on the first try. Where multiple bids are being presented, it's best to understand the seller's needs and wants, and present an offer that encompasses their overall objectives, to the extent you can.

In a Buyer's Market
Here a little back and forth probably won't hurt you, but again you need to know what the seller really wants and where they are willing to give.

Regulatory Disclosure Pamphlets - FREE!
Federal law and laws in many states mandate that sellers and landlords provide buyers and renters with booklets explaining various types of household hazards ranging from mold and asbestos to environmental and earthquake safety. Download these government booklets for FREE from the links below!

HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO EARTHQUAKE SAFETY (2005 Edition)
California Seismic Safety Commission
ENGLISH

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNER'S GUIDE TO EARTHQUAKE SAFETY (2006 Edition)
California Seismic Safety Commission
ENGLISH
RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Guide for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Landlords and Tenants (2005 Edition)
California E.P.A. & Department of Health Services
ENGLISH
A BRIEF GUIDE TO MOLD, MOISTURE, AND YOUR HOME
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENGLISH

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN THE HOME (2003 Edition)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENGLISH
CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO RADON REDUCTION (2003 Edition)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENGLISH

Taking You Forward