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    First Time Buyers

    As a First Time Buyer, there are many things that you need to consider.   As we've outlined in the Buyer Tab on this website, there are 5 Steps to making your purchase, whether you are a First Time Buyer or have lots of experience.  In other words, the process is the same, the difference is in the experience and the comfort level.

    On Demand Realty wants to make sure that as you progress through this process you remain aware that:

    • You're in Control - You are the customer and in control of the entire transaction. You are able to request your agent to work for you and if they do not meet your needs, then you can find another agent. At the same time, you make the decision on the amount you want to spend, the loan/mortgage your prefer, which lending firm you use, what inspections you will require, etc.  If at any time you feel that you have lost control, then raise it as an issue so we can address it and correct the situation.
    • Risk Management - One of the areas that create the most stress is "getting a mortgage" and having that financial commitment.  As a result you want to be fully informed about all the financial options available to you as a new home buyer. To address this, you need to have a strong comfort feeling with your lender.  At the same time, you may want to search other programs to just make sure you educated yourself on all the programs available. See below for some links to local first time buyer programs and information sources.  You can check them out and also discuss if you qualify with your lender.  Also, your agent can give a perspective as to how a seller reacts to certain programs based on the state of the market.
    • Informed - There are never questions you should not ask.  If you are wondering about something, ask about it.  Empower yourself to be informed about this purchase.  Sellers, Agents and Lenders are required to fully disclose what they may know about the property, the area, etc. At the same time, as a Buyer you are required to do your due diligence and understand your role in the process to be open, honest and timely in your communications. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for some commonly asked questions.
    • 100% Satisfied - On Demand Realty wants you to be 100% satisfied, at all times.  We will try our best, but you need to let us know if we are meeting your needs.  If not, we will try our best but if that still does not work, then we would propose either using another agent in our brokerage, or if that is not satisfactory, that we help you find a new brokerage.  

    Important Information

    Agency Disclosure Notice: All agents are required to Disclose with you their agency relationship when working with you.  They should disclose if they are acting as a Seller Agent (representing the seller), a Buyers Agent (representing the buyer) or a Dual Agent (representing both the Seller and Buyer). You then Elect their role in representing you, and provide Consent by completing the Buyer Agency Disclosure Form (click here for a sample copy). This is so you will how you are being represented in the sales transaction going forward. Questions?  Call.

    First Time Buyer Programs and Information Sources

    As a First Time Home Buyer there are possible government funding or grant programs available to you based on your income qualifications, credit scores, residency requirements, available funds and your participation in some courses.

    Click Application Paperwork to get an idea of the supporting documents you will need when applying for a loan.

    Most lenders will be aware of these programs and can assist you, but if you are one of the people that want to check these things out yourself, below is a list of some agencies that you can click on to access their websites.  

    FEDERAL INFORMATION

    • US Department of Housing and Urban Development - Programs sorted by County
    • US Department of Housing and Urban Development - Buying a Home Guide
    • US Department of Housing and Urban Development - FHA Mortgage Limits
    • VA Benefits Administration - Home Loans Information
    • VA Portal for Certified Condos - enter City and State
    • Fannie Mae HomePath Program - Foreclosed REO Homes

     CALIFORNIA INFORMATION

    • California Housing Finance Agency Program
    • California Housing Finance Agency Loan Programs
    • California Homebuyers Downpayment Assistance Program
    • California Homebuyers Downpayment Assistance Program - FHA Income Limits
    • California Homebuyers Downpayment Assistance Program - VA, USDA or Conv Income Limits
    • CalVet Home Loan Program

    COUNTY AND CITY INFORMATION

    • Alameda County Housing and Community Development Department
    • Contra Costa County Affordable Housing
    • Community Housing Development Corporation

    NOTE: On Demand Realty does not have any direct or indirect relationship with any of these agencies, lenders, or programs and only provide these links as a courtesy to you as a First Time Home Buyer. 

     

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    Helpful Buyer Resource Links

    • Client Information Sheet
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • First Time Buyer Programs
    • Paperwork Needed to Apply for a Mortgage
    • Paperwork Needed to Make an Offer
    • Closing Disclosure Explainer
    • Homes for Sale Near BART
    • Homes for Sale by Zip code
    • Current Interest Rates
    • Credit Karma - check your FICO score
    • School Info by City, Zip
    • School District Boundary Maps
    • Contra Costa Home Sales Stats
    • Alameda Home Sales Stats
    • Local Market Data by City, Zip
    • What Defines a Bedroom?
    • What's My Home Worth?
    • CA-EPA Pest Inspection Information
    • Contra Costa Tax Assessor Property Info
    • Crime Reports by City
    • Market Snapshot of Local Activity
    • Pool Safety Act 2018

    SAMPLE FORMS / RESOURCES

    • Using Digital Ink for Contracts
    • Sample Buyer Agency Disclosure Form
    • Sample Buyer Representation Agmt-Exclusive
    • Sample Buyer Agency Termination
    • Sample Residential Purchase Agreement
    • Contra Costa Disclosure-Disclaimer Advisory
    • Sample Buyer Inspection Election
    • Sample Transaction Timeline Worksheet
    • Gift Funds Letter
    • CFPB Loan Estimate Explainer

    Contra Costa County

    Click above to learn more about Contra Costa county and it's cities, or use the links below to get the latest listings.

    Click "Advanced Search" where you can search by sub-divisions, Property Details, MLS Nunber and multiple Zip codes

    West Contra Costa County

    • El Cerrito
    • Hercules
    • Kensington
    • Martinez
    • Pacheco
    • Pinole
    • Richmond
    • San Pablo

    Lamorinda

    • Lafayette
    • Moraga
    • Orinda

    Diablo Valley

    • Alamo
    • Bay Point
    • Clayton
    • Concord
    • Danville
    • Pittsburg
    • Pleasant Hill
    • San Ramon
    • Walnut Creek

    East Contra Costa County

    • Antioch
    • Bethal Island
    • Brentwood
    • Summerset
    • Discovery Bay
    • Oakley

    Alameda County

    Click above link, Alameda County, to learn more about Alameda county and it's cities, or use the links below to get the latest listings.

    Click "Advanced Search" where you can search by sub-divisions, Property Details, MLS Nunber and multiple Zip codes

    West - North Alameda County

    • Albany
    • Berkeley
    • Emeryville
    • kensington

    Oakland Area - Alameda County

    • Alameda
    • Oakland
    • Piedmont

    Tri-Valley - Alameda County

    • Dublin
    • Pleasanton
    • Livermore

    West - South Alameda County

    • Castro Valley
    • Fremont
    • Hayward
    • Newark
    • San Leandro
    • Sunol
    • Union City

    Helpful Real Estate Links

    • Market Snapshot
    • List of Schools by City, Zip
    • Alameda County Website
    • Contra Costa County Website
    • Find a Certified Home Inspector
    • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
    • California Megan's Law Database
    • CA Closing Costs - Who Pays What

    How to sign ZipForms Plus documents:

    Mortgage Calculator

    Bankrate.com

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    460 Center Street #6641
    Moraga CA 94570-6641
    DRE License # 01958723

    O: 925.464.1006
    E: Info@OnDemandRealty.net

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    Bob Lowry
    Broker / Owner
    DRE License # 01958003

    www.OnDemand.Realtor

    M: 925 709 4801
    E: Bob@OnDemandRealty.net

    Information provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information Is Believed To Be Accurate But Not Guaranteed.

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