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    • Home
    • About me
    • Buyers Guide
    • Sellers Guide
    • Neighborhood Overview
      • Alamo
      • Blackhawk
      • Concord
      • Danville
      • Diablo
      • Lafayette
      • Moraga
      • Orinda
      • Pleasant Hill
      • San Ramon
      • Walnut Creek
    • Contact us
  • Home
  • About me
  • Buyers Guide
  • Sellers Guide
  • Neighborhood Overview
    • Alamo
    • Blackhawk
    • Concord
    • Danville
    • Diablo
    • Lafayette
    • Moraga
    • Orinda
    • Pleasant Hill
    • San Ramon
    • Walnut Creek
  • Contact us
Hana Habibi

Sell Smart. Buy Bold. Live Well.

Sell Smart. Buy Bold. Live Well. Sell Smart. Buy Bold. Live Well. Sell Smart. Buy Bold. Live Well.

Buyers Guide

Why Work with a Real Estate Agent?

  • Local market knowledge: Get insight on neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and price trends.
  • Negotiation power: We help you craft competitive offers and navigate counteroffers.
  • Streamlined process: From pre-approval to closing, we coordinate inspections, disclosures, and timelines.
  • Access to listings: Early access to new homes, pocket listings, and off-market opportunities.

Start with Your Financial Foundation

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

  • A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer.
  • Gather: income verification, tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and any debt information.
  • Your lender will review credit, income, and assets to determine loan amount and terms.


Budget Thoughtfully

  • Consider all costs: down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and ongoing homeownership costs (property taxes, insurance, HOA, maintenance).
  • A common guideline: aim for housing costs (P&I, taxes, insurance) no more than 28–32% of gross monthly income.


Down Payment Options

  • Conventional loans (3–20% down, depending on credit and loan type).
  • FHA/VA/USDA programs (lower down payments or special benefits for eligible buyers).
  • Gift funds and down payment assistance programs may be available in your area.

Define Your Priorities

Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

  • Must-Haves: number of bedrooms, school district, commute time, yard size, parking.
  • Nice-to-Haves: updated kitchen, smart home features, view, extra storage.


Neighborhood scouting

  • Safety and schools
  • Commute to work or transit access
  • Amenities: grocery, parks, dining, nightlife
  • Future development: zoning plans, new projects, appreciation potential

The Home Search Process

Working with a REALTOR

  • We’ll set up tailored search criteria and daily/weekly updates
  • We’ll arrange showings, provide market data, and compare properties.
  • We’ll guide you through making informed decisions and protect your interests.


Making an Offer

  • We’ll determine a fair market value and craft a compelling offer.
  • Include contingencies (financing, appraisal, inspection) to protect you.
  • Consider earnest money, timelines, and seller incentives.


Home Inspections

  • A professional inspection reveals issues and repair costs.
  • Common add-ons: termite/wood-destroying insect inspection, radon, sewer line scope.
  • If issues arise, we can negotiate repairs, credits, or price adjustments.


Appraisal and Financing

  • Lenders order an appraisal to verify value.
  • If appraisal comes in low, we revisit the offer price or ask for seller concessions.
  • Final loan approval occurs after underwriting and disclosures.

The Closing Process

  • Review the Closing Disclosure and settlement statements.
  • Final walk-through to confirm agreed-upon repairs and property condition.
  • Sign documents, transfer funds, and receive keys—your new home!


Timeline Snapshot (Rough Estimates)

  • Day 0–30: Get pre-approved, start house hunting, make offers.
  • Day 30–45: Offer accepted, inspections, and financing process begin.
  • Day 45–60: Appraisal, loan approval, title work, and closing scheduling.
  • Closing day: Sign documents and receive the keys.

Cost Checklist

  • Purchase price minus down payment
  • Closing costs: origination, appraisal, title insurance, recording fees, taxes
  • Moving expenses and utility deposits
  • Homeowners insurance and, if applicable, HOA dues
  • Repairs or upgrades planned after move-in

Common Myths Debunked

  • “You must put 20% down to buy.” Not always—there are several low-down-payment options.
  • “Buying is always cheaper than renting.” It depends on market conditions, location, and timelines.
  • “You need perfect credit.” While credit matters, there are programs and lenders who can help with varying credit profiles.

Next Steps

  • Schedule a free, no-obligation buyer consultation.
  • Get pre-approved or review your current pre-approval status.
  • Define your must-haves and set a realistic budget.
  • Start viewing properties and refine your search.
  • Make an offer and begin the journey to home ownership.

Contact Us

Have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.



Thinking about Buying? Get in touch

Hana Habibi

DRE#02366739


Keller Williams Realty Danville 

601 Sycamore Valley Road W 

Danville, CA 94526


Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated



Copyright © 2025 Hana Habibi - All Rights Reserved.




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