The 5 Steps to Buying Your First Home
Get Pre-Approved
Know your real budget before you fall in love with a home you cannot close on.
Define Your Criteria
Must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers in writing before you tour anything.
Tour Strategically
Walk homes with purpose. I will tell you what the inspector will flag before you write an offer.
Write a Strong Offer
Price is not the only lever. Learn what sellers in this market actually respond to.
Close and Move In
Inspection, appraisal, escrow, keys. I walk every step with you and explain each one.
First-Time Buyer Questions
How much do I actually need to save before buying?
Beyond your down payment (typically 3 to 20%), plan for 2 to 5% in closing costs and a 3 to 6 month emergency reserve. In our market, budget at least $20,000 to $40,000 on top of your down payment for a clean, unstressed close.
Should I get pre-approved before touring homes?
Yes, always. Sellers in this market will not consider offers without it, and you do not want to find the right home and then discover you cannot compete. Pre-approval takes a few days and costs nothing.
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is based on what you tell a lender with no verification. Pre-approval is an underwritten review of your actual financial documents. Sellers only take pre-approval seriously.
Do I need a buyer's agent, and does it cost me anything?
How your agent gets paid is negotiated and is often covered by the seller as part of your offer. Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. I will explain exactly how it works on our first call.
How competitive is the market right now?
It depends on the zip code and price range. Westlake Village and well-priced Thousand Oaks homes still move fast. Woodland Hills and Simi Valley often give buyers more time. I will give you an honest picture of the current pace before you start searching.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Tell me what you're looking for and I'll send homes that fit, with straight advice on what each one is really worth.
Start My Home Search