Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home

So, you’re thinking about buying a home and don’t know where to start. Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime, and having an experienced professional agent by your side is crucial to ensure your best interests are protected. Hi, I’m Yvonne Paredes with Realty One Group Elite in Walnut Creek, California, and I’ve helped many buyers find their dream homes. Here’s how I’ll help you navigate the process step by step:

1. Prequalification and Understanding Your Budget

First, we’ll make sure you’re qualified to purchase a home. This includes understanding what types of loans you qualify for and getting a clear picture of your total monthly payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Knowing your budget upfront sets the foundation for a successful home search.

2. House Hunting with Purpose

Once we know your qualifications, we’ll start house hunting. I’ll help you evaluate the neighborhood, schools, and any potential issues that could affect the home’s value down the road. This ensures you’re making a smart investment and finding a home that meets your needs.

3. Negotiating an Offer

When you find the right home, I’ll help you craft a competitive and beneficial offer. My goal is to negotiate terms that work for both you and the seller, increasing your chances of securing the property.

4. Opening Escrow and Managing Inspections

Once your offer is accepted, we’ll open escrow and submit your initial deposit. I’ll coordinate inspections and the appraisal, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s essential to adhere to contractual deadlines to protect your deposit and avoid unnecessary risks.

5. Post-Inspection Negotiations

After inspections, we’ll determine what’s customary to request from the seller and what isn’t. I’ll guide you through this phase to ensure you’re making informed decisions and keeping the transaction on track.

6. Clear Communication and On-Time Closing

Throughout the process, I’ll stay in constant communication with all parties involved—from lenders to inspectors to the seller’s agent—to ensure everything is moving forward smoothly. This teamwork is key to closing on time and avoiding last-minute surprises.

You Don’t Need a Huge Down Payment to Buy a Home

Most people fear that buying a home requires thousands of dollars in down payment money, but that’s not always true. Did you know there are many loan programs and grants available to help homebuyers? Some programs require as little as 3% to 3.5% down, and in certain areas, you may even qualify for no down payment at all.

Why You Shouldn’t Let Down Payment Myths Stop You

Don’t let misconceptions about down payments hold you back from achieving your dream of homeownership. I’m here to guide you through the options available and connect you with a trusted local lender who can help you explore financing options tailored to your needs. With the right support, you’ll find that buying a home is more achievable than you might think.

Avoid These Common Mistakes After Your Offer Is Accepted

Getting your offer accepted is an exciting milestone, but it’s not the end of the home-buying process. If you’re not careful, your dream home can quickly become a missed opportunity. Here are 10 crucial things to avoid once you’re under contract:

Don’t change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job.

Don’t buy a new car, van, or truck. You may end up living in it.

Don’t use any charge cards or let your accounts fall behind.

Don’t spend any money set aside for closing.

Don’t omit any debt or liabilities from your loan application.

Don’t buy any furniture, even if the payment is deferred until after closing.

Don’t allow additional inquiries on your credit, except for insurance purposes.

Don’t make large deposits or withdrawals without first consulting your lender or agent.

Don’t change bank accounts.

Don’t co-sign on any loans for anyone. This debt will count against you during the approval process.

Following these 10 commandments will make your home-buying journey smoother and help ensure a successful closing.

The Importance of Proper Disclosures When Selling

Disclosures are a vital part of the home-selling process and are essential to protect both the buyer and the seller. Before your home goes on the MLS or buyers start viewing it, I highly recommend reviewing the necessary disclosures with your agent. Ensuring buyers have reviewed the disclosures prior to making an offer can prevent them from backing out due to information they should have known beforehand.

In California, there are numerous disclosures required by law. These disclosures act as a safety net, protecting both parties from potential legal issues. For example, you’ll need to disclose anything from living near a golf course to knowing about a registered sex offender in the area.

As a seasoned agent, I’m proud to say I’ve never faced a lawsuit thanks to proper disclosure practices. My rule of thumb: if you’re unsure whether to disclose something, the answer is almost always yes. Over-disclosure is better than under-disclosure and can help keep you out of the courtroom.

Be transparent about any repairs, modifications, or changes made to the home—from painting walls to replacing a water heater. Disclosing everything ensures that buyers are fully informed and prevents them from coming back later with legal claims. Remember, you can only disclose what you know; if a buyer discovers issues you weren’t aware of, they’ll need to prove you intentionally withheld that information to win in court.

Let’s Work Together to Ensure a Smooth Sale

Proper disclosure is just one of the many ways I help my clients navigate the real estate process with confidence. Whether you’re buying or selling, my goal is to protect your best interests every step of the way. I’m Yvonne Paredes with Realty One Group Elite in Walnut Creek, and I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals.

For more information reach out to me

✉️[email protected]

📱925-212-3491