WiL Galarza
Serving the community
one house at a time!
Home Buyers Guide
Providing Everything You Need
Decide on Your Budget
Make sure you set your own budget—not just rely on the amount a mortgage company approves you for. Lenders often qualify buyers for more than they may realistically want to spend, so it’s important to figure out what monthly payment feels comfortable for you before meeting with them. This means creating a full household budget and considering the extra costs of owning a home. If you’ve only lived in an apartment or with roommates, it’s easy to forget about added expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees, which can quickly push you over budget.
List of Needs & Wants
As part of preparing for your home search, make two lists to guide your decisions. The first should include your must-haves—the non-negotiables that fit your lifestyle and needs, such as the number of bedrooms for your family or a single-story layout if accessibility is important. The second list should cover your nice-to-haves—features you would love but don’t necessarily need, like a pool, a den, or an extra office space. Keep in mind that as a first-time buyer, it’s unlikely you’ll check off every item on the wish list, but having both lists will help you stay focused on what really matters.
Get Prequalified
Even if you know what monthly payment feels affordable, the mortgage company may see things differently. Just as they sometimes approve buyers for more than they’re comfortable spending, they can also approve you for less—or even deny your application altogether. Factors like limited time at a job, low credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can all affect your approval. That’s why it’s smart to talk with a mortgage professional early on to find out what you actually qualify for. Not only will this prevent disappointment later, but it also strengthens your position when making an offer, since many sellers won’t consider buyers who aren’t already prequalified.
Choose a Real Estate Agent
While it’s technically possible to shop for, view, and even make an offer on a home without an agent, there’s little reason to take on that stress yourself—especially when it costs you nothing as the buyer. A good agent will identify properties that fit your needs, schedule showings, and guide you through the offer process. More importantly, they bring valuable market knowledge you may not have. An agent can point out potential issues, suggest neighborhoods or hidden gems you might not have considered, and give you insights that help you secure the right home at the right price.
Find the Right Home
This should be one of the most enjoyable parts of the process (besides moving in!). I’ll schedule showings of homes in your price range, and you can note what you like—and what you don’t. Test things like light switches, doors, and faucets, and don’t forget to check out the neighborhood, traffic, parking, and proximity to essentials like schools and stores.
Make an Offer
Once you’ve found the right home, your agent will help you craft a fair offer based on comparable sales and market conditions. Depending on the situation, your offer may be below, at, or above asking price. If there’s a counteroffer, your agent will guide you through negotiations until an agreement is reached—then the home goes into escrow.
Have the Home Inspected
Most offers are contingent on a home inspection to check for major repairs or structural issues. I can help you schedule this quickly after making an offer. If the inspection is clear, you move on to the next step. If problems arise, you can renegotiate or withdraw your offer.
Get a Home Appraisal
Your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value, ensuring that everyone is paying a fair price.
Finish Paperwork
While the paperwork isn’t the most exciting part, it’s essential. Your lender and title company handle the process, and once complete, you’ll officially be the owner of your new home.
