Buying Advice

1. Pre-qualification
   Get pre-qualified to know what you can afford. For a quick idea go here, but for the best answer call us for consultation.
    

2. House Hunting
   a. Visit Open Houses to understand what you get for price you can afford. Find out which neighborhoods interest you.
   
   b. Search for Properties Online through many of the online listing services.
   
   c. Work with your agent to find new listings.
    

3. Write a Sample Contract
   Write a contract on with your agent before you go out buying. This way you can to know the terms of a standard contract which makes the whole process less scary.. The California Association of Realtors recommends that realtors write their contracts using the RPA-CA form though some counties continue to use other forms.
   Generally in Alameda county you'll use both the RPA-CA and the WPA form.
    

4. Negotiation
   Before bidding always try to understand the seller's need. Do they need to sell in 15 days or 90 days? Do they need to leaseback, until their new place is ready to move in? Are they interested in leaving behind some furniture? What items are specifically not included (curtains, a built-in shelf, ...)?

   In a Seller's Market
   Here you objective is to write an offer that will be accepted on first try.  Where multiple bids are being presented, it's best to understand the seller's needs and wants, and present an offer that encompasses their overall objectives, to the extent you can.

   In a Buyer's Market
   Here a little back and forth probably won't hurt you, but again you need to know what the seller really wants and where they are willing to give.