selle your home with me, you can expect
a  reassuring and confident experience.

The down payment amount varies but is often around 20% of the home's purchase price. However, there are programs that allow for lower down payments, such as 3-5% with certain loan types.

Interest rates significantly impact your monthly mortgage payments and the overall cost of your loan. Lower rates result in lower monthly payments and less interest paid over the life of the loan.

A credit score of 620 or higher is generally considered good for mortgage approval. However, higher scores can qualify you for better interest rates and loan terms.

Research factors such as safety, school districts, amenities, property appreciation rates, and proximity to work or public transportation. Visiting neighborhoods and talking to locals can provide valuable insights.

Typically, this is the initial stage before house hunting. The choice of the right lender can be a deal-maker or breaker. In the fiercely competitive Bay Area market, partnering with a local, trusted lender known to your agent can bolster your offer's appeal. The listing agent, after considering the price, often scrutinizes the lender's reputation for closing deals promptly and without hitches, including appraisal concerns. I can provide recommendations for several outstanding lenders with a track record of success

With me and Compass, you gain access to exclusive property sources, including "Coming Soon" listings on or off the MLS, properties shared through word of mouth, and Private Exclusives reserved solely for Compass Agents and their clients.

In the Bay Area, we craft a purchase agreement (contract) and forward it to the listing agent as our method for presenting an offer. Prior to this, I will guide you through the contract meticulously, clarifying each clause, section, and contingency to ensure your complete understanding.

Work with your real estate agent to craft a competitive offer that considers the home's condition, market conditions, and your budget. Be prepared to negotiate on price, contingencies, and closing timelines.

The Disclosure Package is the most important document to read and understand prior to submitting an offer. I give all of my clients a personalized guide on how to read through disclosures, and I also read through each package and send thorough notes to my clients prior to writing any offer.

A contingency is clause that buyers include in a contract when making an offer on a home that allows them to back out of buying the house if the terms of the clause aren't met. The three big contingencies include Loan, Appraisal, and Investigation. Without a contingency in place, buyers risk losing their earnest money deposit if they decide not to purchase the home after making an offer. Removing these contingencies effectively shifts the risk from the seller onto the buyer. In competitive, multiple bid situations in the Bay Area, often times buyers remove all contingencies to compete with other offers.

Escrow is a neutral third party that mediates a real estate deal, holding money and property "in escrow" until the two sides agree that all the conditions are met for a sale to close. Your escrow officer will handle your contract deposit, all pro-rations including property taxes and HOA fees, and the signing of bank and closing documents when the time comes. In San Francisco and Marin, Title and Escrow fees are paid for by the buyer.

In a property inspection, pay attention to issues with the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and potential structural problems. Ensure you understand the inspection report to make informed decisions.

First-time homebuyers hold a special place in my heart, and I approach my role as an advisor with the utmost dedication in such cases. I understand that there are aspects you may not be aware of, and I am committed to providing unwavering support and guidance. My patience knows no bounds, and I'm fully aligned with your timeline throughout the process.

Finding yourself in this situation is quite common, and we'll thoroughly explore your available options. In some cases, it's possible to secure a new home before selling your current one, especially when partnering with the right lender.

I maintain a reliable roster of vendors with whom I have a strong working relationship. I can readily suggest the individual who aligns with your specific criteria, budget, and schedule.

As a general guideline, it's advisable to budget for closing costs at around 1% or less of your home's purchase price. For instance, if you're buying a $1 million property, allocating approximately $10,000 for out-of-pocket closing costs is a prudent approach. These costs typically comprise various components, such as bank fees, title and escrow fees, prorated property taxes, and homeowner's insurance.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, property tax rates in Santa Clara County, California, typically fall in the range of 1.1% to 1.3% of the assessed property value. These rates can vary slightly based on specific cities or districts within the county, as well as any additional local assessments or bonds. It's important to check with the Santa Clara County Tax Collector's Office or visit their official website for the most current and accurate property tax rate information, as rates may change over time.