Search

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Explore Our Properties
welcome to my

Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by our team will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

Default Image

Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

Default Image

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

Default Image

Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

Default Image

Step 4: Choose Real Estate Experts

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without real estate experts? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for agents like us to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also have knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where our expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let us show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. We are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

Default Image

Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

Default Image

Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

Default Image

Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

Default Image

Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

Default Image

Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

Default Image

Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

What our clients say

Testimonials

"Raven and Mona are absolutely great! They helped us buy our dream house. Their advice was on point and they negotiated a great deal for us while keeping us apprised throughout the entire process. They know the SF Peninsula really well, and their understanding of the market translates into knowing how and when to find a good deal. Highly recommend."
"Raven and Mona are absolutely great! They helped us buy our dream house. Their advice was on point and they negotiated a great deal for us while keeping us apprised throughout the entire process. They know the SF Peninsula really well, and their understanding of the market translates into knowing how and when to find a good deal. Highly recommend."
Mike K.
"We recently closed escrow on a cute two-bedroom in SF, and the process could not have gone any smoother with this fantastic mother-and-daughter duo! Mona helped us secure financing, and Raven dealt with all of the contracts, home inspections, lender requests, and coordination of the real estate transaction itself. We could not be happier! Raven is very knowledgeable about the current market and is really aligned with what we were hoping to find in a house. She always made us feel comfortable when voicing our opinions about the houses we saw with her and has this great vision for seeing what a home has the potential to become. Anyone looking to buy a house in the Bay Area can tell you how hard it is to look at a house, fall in love, put an offer in, and get rejected or outbid. When you work with Raven and Mona, you can be sure to find what you are looking for, and know that you are getting the best deal possible! My husband and I still can't believe the amazing price we paid! In all honesty, we owe it to Raven and Mona. We will definitely be recommending them to everyone we know!"
"We recently closed escrow on a cute two-bedroom in SF, and the process could not have gone any smoother with this fantastic mother-and-daughter duo! Mona helped us secure financing, and Raven dealt with all of the contracts, home inspections, lender requests, and coordination of the real estate transaction itself. We could not be happier! Raven is very knowledgeable about the current market and is really aligned with what we were hoping to find in a house. She always made us feel comfortable when voicing our opinions about the houses we saw with her and has this great vision for seeing what a home has the potential to become. Anyone looking to buy a house in the Bay Area can tell you how hard it is to look at a house, fall in love, put an offer in, and get rejected or outbid. When you work with Raven and Mona, you can be sure to find what you are looking for, and know that you are getting the best deal possible! My husband and I still can't believe the amazing price we paid! In all honesty, we owe it to Raven and Mona. We will definitely be recommending them to everyone we know!"
Vicki S.
"From the moment we walked into the house on Los Robles Drive in Burlingame, we knew this was the house we wanted to live in. Then we met Raven! First off we fell in love with her. Her warm and welcoming nature and her knowledge of the house and the neighborhood, schools, parks, etc made us feel comfortable about moving to the area. Mona and Raven have helped us with all of our real estate needs since then. We will be looking to buy next year and we cannot wait to have them find our new home for us! Thanks for everything! We highly recommend Raven and Mona for any real estate needs!"
"From the moment we walked into the house on Los Robles Drive in Burlingame, we knew this was the house we wanted to live in. Then we met Raven! First off we fell in love with her. Her warm and welcoming nature and her knowledge of the house and the neighborhood, schools, parks, etc made us feel comfortable about moving to the area. Mona and Raven have helped us with all of our real estate needs since then. We will be looking to buy next year and we cannot wait to have them find our new home for us! Thanks for everything! We highly recommend Raven and Mona for any real estate needs!"
Tova M.
"Mona and Raven are the dream team! We started looking for our first home and in one month we became homeowners! They listen to your needs and wants and respond to all of your questions. They are so professional and it was a pleasure working with both. Mona helped us with our loan and everything went so smoothly! Raven and Mona were on top of everything. They truly go above and beyond for you! I am truly going to miss them! I highly recommend it!"
"Mona and Raven are the dream team! We started looking for our first home and in one month we became homeowners! They listen to your needs and wants and respond to all of your questions. They are so professional and it was a pleasure working with both. Mona helped us with our loan and everything went so smoothly! Raven and Mona were on top of everything. They truly go above and beyond for you! I am truly going to miss them! I highly recommend it!"
Buyer
"I am grateful to have Raven as our Real Estate agent! She worked with my husband and I to sell our property, and we were ecstatic with the outcome. She was very involved and present in all aspects from final touches on remodeling, discussing strategy, staging, and marketing, and finally did a phenomenal job negotiating and closing the deal beyond our expectations. I would work with her again and again in the future. She truly cares which makes all the difference."
"I am grateful to have Raven as our Real Estate agent! She worked with my husband and I to sell our property, and we were ecstatic with the outcome. She was very involved and present in all aspects from final touches on remodeling, discussing strategy, staging, and marketing, and finally did a phenomenal job negotiating and closing the deal beyond our expectations. I would work with her again and again in the future. She truly cares which makes all the difference."
Nicolette S.
"We agree with other reviewers that Mona and Raven are the dream team! Mona and Raven are total professionals with the highest integrity, and they know how to achieve successful results. We had a commercial property for sale during a challenging market and Mona and Raven did an excellent job of making recommendations on what was needed to market the property. They are very well connected, and with her excellent negotiation skills, Mona was able to quickly secure a successful transaction. Most importantly, Mona and Raven remained highly dedicated, focused, and responsive throughout every step of the process and with attention to detail. They worked around the clock to navigate through the process with a focus on supporting client needs and achieving results. All of our questions were answered quickly throughout the entire process. Mona and Raven are very genuine people and a pleasure to work with. We have never worked with a more responsive team. It is with the greatest pleasure that we would highly recommend Mona and Raven of the Novo Real Estate Group."
"We agree with other reviewers that Mona and Raven are the dream team! Mona and Raven are total professionals with the highest integrity, and they know how to achieve successful results. We had a commercial property for sale during a challenging market and Mona and Raven did an excellent job of making recommendations on what was needed to market the property. They are very well connected, and with her excellent negotiation skills, Mona was able to quickly secure a successful transaction. Most importantly, Mona and Raven remained highly dedicated, focused, and responsive throughout every step of the process and with attention to detail. They worked around the clock to navigate through the process with a focus on supporting client needs and achieving results. All of our questions were answered quickly throughout the entire process. Mona and Raven are very genuine people and a pleasure to work with. We have never worked with a more responsive team. It is with the greatest pleasure that we would highly recommend Mona and Raven of the Novo Real Estate Group."
Patricia M.
"I am eager to spend a few minutes giving my strongest and most enthusiastic recommendation for the services of the Novo Real Estate Group! Mona and Raven assisted my family in the sale of a commercial real estate property which could have had some real complications. It was critical that we move the property in a timely and efficient manner while at the same time securing the best possible buyer or price for the sale! We were told that Mona and Raven are heavily networked, and always have a number of potential buyers “in their back pockets!” Such was the case! They marketed the property expertly and brilliantly! They were in constant communication with the family, keeping us informed every step along the way with extreme attention to detail, mixed uniquely with stress-free and confident demeanors. When a question came up, we would hear back almost immediately. Their skills and experiences were highly evident right from the start. Inevitably, “things” come up in a real estate transaction. With the Novo Real Estate team, any issues are addressed calmly and head-on with expertise and swift resolution. We realized a successful transaction far sooner than expected, and very much to the satisfaction of all parties. At the risk of sounding cliche, I say with honesty that there is only one call to make for any residential or commercial real estate need: Novo Real Estate Group!"
"I am eager to spend a few minutes giving my strongest and most enthusiastic recommendation for the services of the Novo Real Estate Group! Mona and Raven assisted my family in the sale of a commercial real estate property which could have had some real complications. It was critical that we move the property in a timely and efficient manner while at the same time securing the best possible buyer or price for the sale! We were told that Mona and Raven are heavily networked, and always have a number of potential buyers “in their back pockets!” Such was the case! They marketed the property expertly and brilliantly! They were in constant communication with the family, keeping us informed every step along the way with extreme attention to detail, mixed uniquely with stress-free and confident demeanors. When a question came up, we would hear back almost immediately. Their skills and experiences were highly evident right from the start. Inevitably, “things” come up in a real estate transaction. With the Novo Real Estate team, any issues are addressed calmly and head-on with expertise and swift resolution. We realized a successful transaction far sooner than expected, and very much to the satisfaction of all parties. At the risk of sounding cliche, I say with honesty that there is only one call to make for any residential or commercial real estate need: Novo Real Estate Group!"
Seller
"My husband and I worked primarily with Raven, but we did work briefly with Mona on a couple of items. As a team, the Novo Real Estate Group was knowledgeable, transparent, efficient, and above all friendly! As homebuyers new to California, Raven (and Mona) made the whole process run smoothly by quickly and thoroughly responding to our questions and providing updates where needed. We would recommend them to anyone and work with them again in a heartbeat!"
"My husband and I worked primarily with Raven, but we did work briefly with Mona on a couple of items. As a team, the Novo Real Estate Group was knowledgeable, transparent, efficient, and above all friendly! As homebuyers new to California, Raven (and Mona) made the whole process run smoothly by quickly and thoroughly responding to our questions and providing updates where needed. We would recommend them to anyone and work with them again in a heartbeat!"
Gail G.
"My fiance and I were overwhelmed with the entire process of buying a house but Raven truly made the entire process seamless. She would not only answer our infinite questions immediately but she also guided us on things we would have never discovered ourselves. We can truly say we found and closed on our dream house thanks to Raven and Novo Real Estate Group! We would absolutely recommend Raven and her team to anyone buying or selling in the Bay Area especially if you're a first-time buyer."
"My fiance and I were overwhelmed with the entire process of buying a house but Raven truly made the entire process seamless. She would not only answer our infinite questions immediately but she also guided us on things we would have never discovered ourselves. We can truly say we found and closed on our dream house thanks to Raven and Novo Real Estate Group! We would absolutely recommend Raven and her team to anyone buying or selling in the Bay Area especially if you're a first-time buyer."
Ramzi R.
"Raven cuts through the stress of today's real estate market, offering a smooth buying experience for first-timers and veterans alike. Her professionalism, reliability, transparency, and genuine care, combined with clear communication, make her an invaluable asset. She helped me navigate complexities to find the perfect home that fit my budget and needs. As a complete newbie, I had no idea what to look for in a house. Raven patiently educated me on everything from inspections to property values. She wasn't just pushing a sale; she genuinely cared that I found the right place and worked tirelessly to get me the best deal possible. Communication was crystal clear. She explained every step, patiently answered all my questions, and kept me informed throughout the process. Raven is reliable and responsive, and you'll never be left wondering what's going on. She will help you stay on track and get things done quickly. In addition, she provided me with a network of reliable resources, taking a huge weight off my shoulders. Raven helped me weigh options and make informed decisions with confidence, making a potentially stressful experience enjoyable and empowering. She's the ultimate real estate professional, and I can't recommend her highly enough!"
"Raven cuts through the stress of today's real estate market, offering a smooth buying experience for first-timers and veterans alike. Her professionalism, reliability, transparency, and genuine care, combined with clear communication, make her an invaluable asset. She helped me navigate complexities to find the perfect home that fit my budget and needs. As a complete newbie, I had no idea what to look for in a house. Raven patiently educated me on everything from inspections to property values. She wasn't just pushing a sale; she genuinely cared that I found the right place and worked tirelessly to get me the best deal possible. Communication was crystal clear. She explained every step, patiently answered all my questions, and kept me informed throughout the process. Raven is reliable and responsive, and you'll never be left wondering what's going on. She will help you stay on track and get things done quickly. In addition, she provided me with a network of reliable resources, taking a huge weight off my shoulders. Raven helped me weigh options and make informed decisions with confidence, making a potentially stressful experience enjoyable and empowering. She's the ultimate real estate professional, and I can't recommend her highly enough!"
Kathy
Home Search

Home Search

Search for your next property.

Browse Homes
Sell a Home

Sell a Home

Get to know your home's worth.

Seller's Guide
Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Get to know our team.

Learn More

Follow Us On Instagram