Your first home
First-time buyers are my favorite clients. You’re excited, you have a hundred questions, and I have the time to answer every one.
Nobody should sign something they don’t understand.
I remember what it’s like to buy a house and not know what’s happening. So I wrote my own first-time buyer guide, I give you a template for every form before you fill it out, and I explain each document as it arrives.
Most of my first-time buyers find me at open houses. We talk, we hit it off, and a few weeks later we’re touring. There’s no pressure and no rush. Some people buy in four days; some take four months.
I’ll keep you posted on what’s next, what it costs, and why it matters.
What first-time buyers worry about
- 01
“We need 20% down.”
You don’t. FHA starts at 3.5% down, conventional loans can go well below 20%, and VA loans can mean nothing down for eligible veterans.
- 02
“We don’t know what we can afford.”
That’s what pre-approval is for. We get it done before we tour so every house you see is one you can actually buy.
- 03
“What will it all cost?”
Before we make an offer, I’ll explain all the costs involved such as down payment, closing costs, and inspections. As my client, you will be well informed.
The house they walked away from
I was introduced to Kara and Rob through a mutual friend. After getting to know them, we started touring houses. We settled on one that had been recently renovated. Even though the house presented like new, it was important that we conducted inspections thoroughly. During the pest inspection, it was discovered that there was a significant amount of wood damage under the property, due to dry rot and termites. Not wanting to continue the transaction, Kara and Rob decided to cancel and keep looking. While it was a setback, I was pleased they didn’t buy something that would have required $20k in repairs off the bat. After touring more properties, they found one that fit their needs even better, with larger spaces for their growing family.
It’s not always the first house you find that’s the best one for you, but eventually you find the right house for you!
In their words
“It was like going and looking at houses with a friend.”
FordBought their first home with Joseph, then a bigger one
How much do I need for a down payment as a first-time buyer?
Less than most people think. FHA loans start at 3.5% down, conventional loans can go well below 20%, and eligible veterans may put nothing down with a VA loan. A lender can show you which fits.
Which inspections should a first-time buyer get?
I typically recommend home, pest, roof, and sewer inspections. But a buyer can opt for additional inspections such as chimney, pool, or a mold test. I schedule them all and meet the inspectors.
Do I need a pre-approval before I look at homes?
It’s always a good idea. It tells you your real price range, and it can take a few days. Getting it first means you won’t lose a great house because your paperwork wasn’t ready.
How long does it take to buy a first home in Sacramento?
That part is up to you, not me. Some of my clients find the right house in four days and some take four months. Once your offer is accepted, escrow usually runs about 30 days. I’ll keep you posted on what’s next at every stage.
What does a buyer’s agent do for me?
I set up the tours, explain each document before you sign it, schedule the inspections and meet the inspectors, and do the negotiating. A lot happens in the background that I help facilitate to make your transaction as smooth as possible.
“He responded promptly, explained complex concepts simply and let me know what to expect at every stage. I never felt overwhelmed, I felt in control.”
“Joe is incredibly responsive, and we never had to wait long for a reply to any question or concern we had.”
Keep reading
I explain every step before it happens. You’ll always know where we are in the process.
Read more Veterans & VA loansI served in the U.S. Air Force at Beale, and Sacramento has been home ever since. I like working with veterans, and I know the VA loan well.
Read more Next-home buyersSelling and buying at the same time is two transactions that have to land together. I’ve done it for several clients this year alone.
Read more RelocationI like being a tour guide of Sacramento. If you’re coming from the Bay Area, or from much farther, I’ll help you find the neighborhood before you find the house.
Read moreLet’s talk about your first home
Tell me where you are, and I’ll tell you what comes next.
“The best part of this job is helping people on a human level.”Joseph Olson
- Call / text(916) 835-2968
- Emailjosephao@gmail.com
- OfficeColdwell Banker – Sierra Oaks
2277 Fair Oaks Blvd, Ste 440
Sacramento, CA 95825