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Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by our team will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If 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 answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Choose Real Estate Experts

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without real estate experts? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for agents like us to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also have knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where our expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let us show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. We are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and 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.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

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. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

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.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

"Getting a house is an extremely daunting process and I really didn't know where to start. Initially I was connected with a Zillow agent and had a strange experience where I felt pushed into things. I told a friend and they recommend Claudia. It was amazing working with her. She listened to what we wanted, explained things we didn't know, and showed us what to look for when we were going through open houses. She never pushed us to up our budget, we did end up with something over what we initially wanted but it ultimately was our choice. I appreciated her input and feedback as we went through this process. It took us a while to find a place but we found a good one and Claudia made the process as stress free as it could be. Thank you for all of your help!"
"Getting a house is an extremely daunting process and I really didn't know where to start. Initially I was connected with a Zillow agent and had a strange experience where I felt pushed into things. I told a friend and they recommend Claudia. It was amazing working with her. She listened to what we wanted, explained things we didn't know, and showed us what to look for when we were going through open houses. She never pushed us to up our budget, we did end up with something over what we initially wanted but it ultimately was our choice. I appreciated her input and feedback as we went through this process. It took us a while to find a place but we found a good one and Claudia made the process as stress free as it could be. Thank you for all of your help!"
Lyze K.
"Claudia's magic is her experience marketing high-end real estate, her constant attention to every detail, and her unwavering pleasant can do attitude. Yes, do hire her! If you are selling a home in San Francisco you will quickly find out that this is a complex endeavor and as the homeowner you will need an experienced professional sales agent who is keenly in touch with the pulse of the market to guide you through the process. Claudia Siegel is such a professional and she excelled in every aspect of our sale. We were patiently guided throughout the process - including the daunting number of disclosure statements and inspections. Where to start? Presentation is most important and you will need help preparing your home for market. Claudia has an established business relationship with a remarkable list of service vendors. From determining what repairs and cosmetic improvements must be accomplished, to immediate scheduling and supervising of the work at reasonable cost Claudia excelled in making our property market ready on a tight timeline. We were out of town owners and needed an agent who could manage the property including minor repairs of all kinds, bringing plumbing fixtures up to code, and - most important for the SF market - beautiful physical and virtual staging of the home. From listing through closing our process took less than five weeks and produced three offers above asking price. Claudia's magic is her experience marketing high-end real estate, her constant attention to every detail, and her unwavering pleasant can do attitude. Yes, do hire her!"
"Claudia's magic is her experience marketing high-end real estate, her constant attention to every detail, and her unwavering pleasant can do attitude. Yes, do hire her! If you are selling a home in San Francisco you will quickly find out that this is a complex endeavor and as the homeowner you will need an experienced professional sales agent who is keenly in touch with the pulse of the market to guide you through the process. Claudia Siegel is such a professional and she excelled in every aspect of our sale. We were patiently guided throughout the process - including the daunting number of disclosure statements and inspections. Where to start? Presentation is most important and you will need help preparing your home for market. Claudia has an established business relationship with a remarkable list of service vendors. From determining what repairs and cosmetic improvements must be accomplished, to immediate scheduling and supervising of the work at reasonable cost Claudia excelled in making our property market ready on a tight timeline. We were out of town owners and needed an agent who could manage the property including minor repairs of all kinds, bringing plumbing fixtures up to code, and - most important for the SF market - beautiful physical and virtual staging of the home. From listing through closing our process took less than five weeks and produced three offers above asking price. Claudia's magic is her experience marketing high-end real estate, her constant attention to every detail, and her unwavering pleasant can do attitude. Yes, do hire her!"
Glenn M.
"So grateful for Claudia- she helped us get our first home, and it was the first place we put in an offer for! She's extremely knowledgeable about the area and has great instincts. Claudia was always there to answer any questions and help us understand the process as first time home buyers. We love our new spot, and we're amazed at how easy Claudia made the whole process!"
"So grateful for Claudia- she helped us get our first home, and it was the first place we put in an offer for! She's extremely knowledgeable about the area and has great instincts. Claudia was always there to answer any questions and help us understand the process as first time home buyers. We love our new spot, and we're amazed at how easy Claudia made the whole process!"
Kyle M.
"I loved working with Claudia and highly recommend her! I was a first time buyer and looking on my own - I was intimidated by the SF market and really didn't know where to start or understand what I could afford. I remembered meeting Claudia years ago at an open house where she was the sellers agent and remembered liking her vibe so much that I kept her business card for years! What I loved about working with Claudia is she's extremely patient, really well connected (other agents know her and like working with her, which actually matters a lot), truly works at understanding the picture of your ideal home, and never pushed/pressured me into putting in a bid if I wasn't sure or ready. In contrast, I have experienced a realtor before who really laid on the pressure, saying things like, "This is such a great deal, but you need to put in a bid now!" Because of her experience in the SF market, Claudia has a good sense for what homes are truly worth. What's more, I can tell you that Claudia truly cares about her clients and forming long lasting friendships with her clients. It has been 4 months since I bought my home and Claudia still calls me to check up on me."
"I loved working with Claudia and highly recommend her! I was a first time buyer and looking on my own - I was intimidated by the SF market and really didn't know where to start or understand what I could afford. I remembered meeting Claudia years ago at an open house where she was the sellers agent and remembered liking her vibe so much that I kept her business card for years! What I loved about working with Claudia is she's extremely patient, really well connected (other agents know her and like working with her, which actually matters a lot), truly works at understanding the picture of your ideal home, and never pushed/pressured me into putting in a bid if I wasn't sure or ready. In contrast, I have experienced a realtor before who really laid on the pressure, saying things like, "This is such a great deal, but you need to put in a bid now!" Because of her experience in the SF market, Claudia has a good sense for what homes are truly worth. What's more, I can tell you that Claudia truly cares about her clients and forming long lasting friendships with her clients. It has been 4 months since I bought my home and Claudia still calls me to check up on me."
Andrea W.
"Claudia made the process of searching for a home as easy as it could possibly be in the competitive market of San Francisco. She took lots of time to understand exactly what we were looking for, and helped us find a home that not only met but completely exceeded our expectations. We so appreciated her attention to detail and the thoughtfulness and kindness with which she guided us as first-time buyers throughout every stage of the process -- from searching to writing a competitive offer and closing. She is truly exceptional at San Francisco real estate and we could not recommend her more highly."
"Claudia made the process of searching for a home as easy as it could possibly be in the competitive market of San Francisco. She took lots of time to understand exactly what we were looking for, and helped us find a home that not only met but completely exceeded our expectations. We so appreciated her attention to detail and the thoughtfulness and kindness with which she guided us as first-time buyers throughout every stage of the process -- from searching to writing a competitive offer and closing. She is truly exceptional at San Francisco real estate and we could not recommend her more highly."
Jacob C.
"Claudia is an experienced and resourceful real estate agent, with an extensive network of connections. Need something fixed in the house? She has the person to do it. Don't want to work with that painter? She will find you three others to choose from. When we were doing an emotional sale - she rolled with all the emotions. She also answers texts and phone calls in minutes - if not seconds. When we were trying to decide paint colors, she was right there beside me with a paint brush. You could not ask for a more dedicated guide and partner in selling your home."
"Claudia is an experienced and resourceful real estate agent, with an extensive network of connections. Need something fixed in the house? She has the person to do it. Don't want to work with that painter? She will find you three others to choose from. When we were doing an emotional sale - she rolled with all the emotions. She also answers texts and phone calls in minutes - if not seconds. When we were trying to decide paint colors, she was right there beside me with a paint brush. You could not ask for a more dedicated guide and partner in selling your home."
Susan M.
"Claudia proved to be just the right choice. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced with San Francisco real estate. Furthermore, she is caring, honest, and responsive. Claudia has an eye for interior design, staging, and photography, and she called in the right experts to make my house look stunning. She maintains excellent working relationships with a vast list of contacts which enabled her to swiftly address any issues that arose throughout the selling process. Claudia stayed on top of what seemed to be an endless list of little details while keeping the big picture and end goal visible. I felt like I was her only client even though I know that wasn't the case. Claudia was a joy to work with; she is a super nice, calm, and fair person with a great sense of humor. At the same time, I observed her willingness to push to make sure my needs were met. She does not back down and is able to effectively negotiate while maintaining positive relationships. I feel lucky to have found her and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services to anyone. Final result - I followed Claudia's suggestions and received multiple offers, all over asking price."
"Claudia proved to be just the right choice. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced with San Francisco real estate. Furthermore, she is caring, honest, and responsive. Claudia has an eye for interior design, staging, and photography, and she called in the right experts to make my house look stunning. She maintains excellent working relationships with a vast list of contacts which enabled her to swiftly address any issues that arose throughout the selling process. Claudia stayed on top of what seemed to be an endless list of little details while keeping the big picture and end goal visible. I felt like I was her only client even though I know that wasn't the case. Claudia was a joy to work with; she is a super nice, calm, and fair person with a great sense of humor. At the same time, I observed her willingness to push to make sure my needs were met. She does not back down and is able to effectively negotiate while maintaining positive relationships. I feel lucky to have found her and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services to anyone. Final result - I followed Claudia's suggestions and received multiple offers, all over asking price."
Kk L.
"We were moving across the country but only knew the state, nothing more. Leaving our house in Claudia's hands was a decision we didn't take lightly but we knew we made the right call. She isn't opposed to getting her hands dirty and is all in to get the job done. She is professional, thorough, helpful, resourceful, kind, personable, and has your best interest in mind. We have stayed in contact across the continent after 8 months of leaving our house to for her to show and ultimately sell, and sell she did! It closed in record time and over asking. Don't hesitate to use her for her skills, knowledge and expertise."
"We were moving across the country but only knew the state, nothing more. Leaving our house in Claudia's hands was a decision we didn't take lightly but we knew we made the right call. She isn't opposed to getting her hands dirty and is all in to get the job done. She is professional, thorough, helpful, resourceful, kind, personable, and has your best interest in mind. We have stayed in contact across the continent after 8 months of leaving our house to for her to show and ultimately sell, and sell she did! It closed in record time and over asking. Don't hesitate to use her for her skills, knowledge and expertise."
Nancy M.
"Claudia Siegel is a great realtor! She has a keen eye for value, timing and all the resources needed to make the sale of your property seamless. She treats you respectfully and warmly to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Claudia Siegel for selling your property."
"Claudia Siegel is a great realtor! She has a keen eye for value, timing and all the resources needed to make the sale of your property seamless. She treats you respectfully and warmly to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Claudia Siegel for selling your property."
Loreta T.
"I recently worked with Claudia to find and purchase a condominium in San Francisco. She is a gem- competent, thorough, energetic, and an expert on the San Francisco market. She took all the time I needed, and patiently showed me numerous properties until we found the perfect place. She informs herself about every detail of the property, raises important questions, and has contacts to help with every aspect of the process, from inspection to closing. If you need an excellent, knowledgeable, personable and reliable realtor, go to Claudia. I recommend her without reservation!"
"I recently worked with Claudia to find and purchase a condominium in San Francisco. She is a gem- competent, thorough, energetic, and an expert on the San Francisco market. She took all the time I needed, and patiently showed me numerous properties until we found the perfect place. She informs herself about every detail of the property, raises important questions, and has contacts to help with every aspect of the process, from inspection to closing. If you need an excellent, knowledgeable, personable and reliable realtor, go to Claudia. I recommend her without reservation!"
Kim

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