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Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need To Know About The Process Of Buying A New Home.

Your First Home in Silicon Valley: A Step-by-Step Guide for Local Buyers

Buying a home in Silicon Valley is one of the most exciting—and competitive—milestones of your life. With high demand, limited inventory, and diverse neighborhoods from San Jose to Sunnyvale, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. This local guide, created by your trusted Silicon Valley real estate agent, is designed to reduce the stress of buying your first home and help you enjoy the journey.

Want even more personalized guidance? Join my free Buyer’s Seminar to get expert tips in real time. Or, book a free 30 minute 1-on-1 consultation to chat about your unique home goals!

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Step 1: Research the Local Market

Do you already know which part of Silicon Valley you want to live in? Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, or perhaps Cambrian Park? Are you leaning toward a condo in a walkable downtown area like Mountain View or a single-family home near top-rated schools in Palo Alto?

What types of homes are available in your price range? How have list prices and days-on-market changed in areas you're eyeing? What trade-offs might you make between location, size, and amenities?

In Silicon Valley, it's typically recommended that you plan to stay in your home for about 5-7 years to build rewarding equity, especially given the high cost of entry. That means it’s important to not only look for a property that fits your immediate needs but also one that will appreciate in value over time.

Track market trends using sites like Redfin or Compass, but also attend open houses to get a feel for what homes really look like in person, especially given the quick pace of the local market. This research process typically takes about 1-3 weeks.

Already have a sense of what you are looking for? Tell me about your ideal home so I can start matching you with active listings, even before they hit the market.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

In Silicon Valley, it's easy to get swept up in big numbers. Just because a lender says you're pre-approved for $1.5M doesn’t mean you should spend that much. Instead, work out a comfortable monthly payment that includes:

  • Property taxes (to be paid timely)
  • HOA dues (common in condos and townhomes)
  • Utilities (garbage, water, PG&E)
  • Fire or earthquake insurance (recommended in certain areas)

Don’t forget to account for lifestyle costs, like commuting expenses or childcare, that are specific to this region.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified by a Local Lender

Before scheduling showings, speak with a Silicon Valley-based mortgage advisor who understands the nuances of jumbo loans, tech income, stock options, and self-employment—very common in this region. I can connect you with trusted local lenders who know how to move fast in multiple-offer situations. This process typically takes around 1 week, depending on how quickly you can gather the necessary documentation.

And here’s a helpful tip: getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re locked in. It simply gives you a clear view of your buying power and shows sellers you’re serious.

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Step 4: Choose a Local Agent You Can Trust

Yes, you can search alone, but why do it alone in one of the most competitive housing markets in the country, purchasing one of the biggest assets of your life? With 13 years of experience in the real estate business and having lived in the area for over 2 decades, I have the knowledge and expertise to position your offer to stand out in cities like San Jose or Los Gatos, where homes regularly receive multiple offers. As your local expert, I’ll guide you through inspections, disclosures, contingencies, and even help you understand neighborhood microclimates (yes, that’s a thing here!). Let my years of experience work for you and help you navigate the Silicon Valley real estate market with confidence.

The process of choosing the right agent should ideally be done before you start viewing homes. If you want to hear directly from buyers who’ve worked with me, read their stories here. Their experiences speak louder than any sales pitch.

Reach out to me, define your priorities and time-frame. I will work as your advocate and trusted advisor to help guide your search.

Schedule A Consultation
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Step 5: Find the Right Home

Now comes the fun part. I’ll help you schedule showings in your target neighborhoods and price range. During each visit:

  • Consider the neighborhood, natural light, and storage
  • Look beyond staging and consider layout
  • Visit at different times to check commute traffic or school drop-offs
  • Research school districts, since even within the same zip code, boundaries vary

We’ll narrow it down based on your must-haves – ADU potential, garage space, or proximity to tech shuttles.

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Step 6: Make an Strong Offer

Based on current comps and whether you're buying in a hot zone like Cupertino or a more balanced market like Campbell, I’ll help you determine a competitive strategy. That might mean:

  • Waiving which contingencies (if it makes sense)
  • Finding out fire, homeowner’s insurance coverage premium ahead of time
  • Truly connecting with the listing agent (sometimes still effective)

Once your offer is accepted, escrow is officially opened. This is when the real countdown begins! You’ll submit your earnest money deposit (typically 1–3% of the purchase price) to show good faith. The average escrow period in Silicon Valley is 21–45 days, during which a neutral third party manages the transaction and keeps everything on track.

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Step 7: Schedule a Local Inspection

Once in escrow, one of the first things we’ll do is line up your home, pest, and roof inspections if the Seller did not already provide them. I’ll connect you with trusted inspectors who understand the construction quirks of Silicon Valley homes, from mid-century ranchers in Almaden Valley to newer builds in Santa Clara.

Inspections typically happen within the first 4–10 days of escrow. If any red flags show up, we’ll negotiate with the seller for repairs, credits, or even a price adjustment depending on your contract terms.

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Step 8: Lock in Your Mortgage

During escrow, you'll also work closely with your lender to finalize and lock in your mortgage. Whether you’re going for a jumbo loan, FHA, or 30-year fixed, this is the time to submit final documents, satisfy underwriting requirements, and officially secure your financing.

This stage usually spans the first 1–3 weeks of escrow, and I’ll help coordinate with your lender to make sure everything is progressing smoothly and stays within timelines.

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Step 9: Home Appraisal

Your lender will order a home appraisal, which usually takes place within the 1st or 2nd week of escrow. The goal is to confirm that the home’s market value supports the loan amount.

If the appraisal comes in low (which can happen in high-demand areas), we’ll quickly strategize. Whether it’s re-negotiating the price, increasing your down payment, or appealing the appraisal.

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Step 10: Paperwork and Closing

As we near the finish line, the escrow officer will prepare final paperwork, including a closing disclosure that outlines your mortgage terms and total costs.

You’ll sign a stack of documents, loan agreements, title transfer forms, deed of trust, and more which is typically in the last week of escrow. You will deposit the remainder of the down payment, your lender will then fund the loan, and once the county records the title in your name, the home is officially yours!

On closing day, funds are disbursed, you get the keys, and we celebrate your move into your new home!

Welcome to Your New Silicon Valley Home!

Celebrate, you did it! I’d love to stay in touch and connect you with my network of local contractors, designers, and landscapers when you're ready to make your new house feel like home.

Work With Cami

Cami Czarny is a leading real estate agent and has helped many buyers & sellers achieve their real estate dreams in Los Gatos, San Jose, and surrounding communities.
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