A FIRST-TIME BUYER'S GUIDE.
Step by Step.
Reduce the stress of buying a home.
1) Find a Real Estate Agent
The first step to buying a home is partnering with an experienced real estate agent. Your agent serves as your trusted advisor throughout the process—helping you understand the San Francisco market, identify the right neighborhoods, schedule private tours, evaluate properties, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you from your first showing to closing day. Having an experienced advocate can make buying your first home more informed, competitive, and less stressful.
2) Get Pre-Approved
Before you begin touring homes, it's important to get pre-approved for a mortgage (unless you're purchasing with cash). A mortgage lender will review your income, assets, and credit history to determine how much you can borrow, helping you establish a realistic budget. A pre-approval also shows sellers that you're a serious and qualified buyer in a competitive market like San Francisco.
3) Tour Homes
Visit open houses and schedule private showings to explore a variety of homes, neighborhoods, and property types. As you tour, you'll gain a better understanding of your priorities—from commute and lifestyle to layout, amenities, and long-term value. Your agent will help you evaluate each property and identify the best opportunities.
4) Review Disclosures
When you find a home you're interested in, carefully review the seller's disclosure package with your real estate agent. These documents provide important information about the property's condition, inspections, repairs, and other material facts so you can make an informed decision before submitting an offer.
5) Submit & Negotiate Your Offer
Once you've found the right home, your real estate agent will help you prepare a competitive purchase offer that reflects both your budget and current market conditions. Your offer includes not only the purchase price, but also important terms such as financing, contingencies, and your proposed closing date. The seller may accept your offer, reject it, or respond with a counteroffer. Throughout the negotiation process, your agent will provide strategic guidance to help you reach the best possible outcome.
6) Offer Accepted
Congratulations! Once the seller accepts your offer, you're officially under contract. From there, your agent, lender, escrow officer, and other professionals will work together to keep your transaction on track through closing.
7) Final Walk-Through
Shortly before closing, you'll complete a final walk-through with your agent to confirm the property's condition hasn't changed and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. This is your final opportunity to verify everything is ready before ownership transfers.
8) Close Escrow
After signing the final documents and your loan is funded (if applicable), escrow closes and ownership is officially transferred to you. You'll receive the keys to your new home and can begin your next chapter as a homeowner.
