Petaluma · Sonoma County · Marin
Your first home, one question at a time.
Start before you have every answer. Luis explains each step before you take it.
You do not need to be ready to start.
Most first-time buyers begin with a question, not a plan. How much do I need? Is my credit good enough? Can I buy if I work for myself? The first conversation with Luis is for those questions, before you commit to anything.
From there, a lender tells you what you can borrow and what it would cost each month. Luis helps you read those numbers and turn them into a search.
Three things to sort out early.
Savings
Some loans allow a small down payment, and some assistance programs help with part of it. You will also need money for closing costs. A lender gives you written estimates for your situation.
Credit
Lenders look at your whole situation: credit, income, savings and debts. If your credit needs work, it is better to find out a year ahead than a week before an offer.
Paperwork
Self-employed buyers can and do buy. Lenders ask for more records, usually tax returns and business statements. Luis has advised small-business owners since 2012 and can help you get organized before you meet a lender.
Client experiences
“I am satisfied with Luis's work. As a first-time buyer, I personally recommend him to my friends. He is an excellent agent.”
Yolanda A.Homebuyer · Petaluma · May 2021
Questions buyers ask first.
What does it cost to work with Luis?
How a buyer's agent is paid, and how much, is negotiable and is written into the agreement you sign before touring homes. Luis explains it in your first conversation, before you commit to anything.
Do I need a lender before I talk with Luis?
No. A first conversation helps you decide where to begin. If you plan to finance the purchase, speak with a lender early so the search reflects what you can borrow and the monthly cost you are comfortable with.
How long does it take?
The search takes as long as it takes to find the right home. Once an offer is accepted, the time to closing is set in the contract, and inspections, the appraisal and the loan are completed in that window.
What if my offer is not accepted?
It happens, especially when several buyers want the same home. Luis reviews what the seller chose and what to adjust, and the search continues.
Seminars
Seminars for first-time buyers.
Luis leads homebuyer seminars and personal finance classes for community groups in Sonoma and Marin. The classes page has the details.
Let’s talk
Ask your first question.
A monthly budget, a neighborhood or a question about savings is enough to begin.