What Happens at a Buyer Consultation for My First Home in Lodi?

Your first home starts with a buyer consultation, a sit-down before any tours that turns "someday" into a plan. We usually meet at my office at 301 S. Ham Lane in Lodi. Moving here from somewhere else? We can meet by phone or video.

It isn't a commitment to buy. It's your map.

Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence. I'm Audrey Schmierer, and I've lived in Lodi my whole life.

1. What you'd love. Three bedrooms? A yard? A walk to dinner downtown? Tell me everything, along with your budget and timeline.

2. The whole path to your keys. I lay out every step, so nothing comes as a surprise. See how buying a home works with me.

3. Your lender. I work with a number of lenders I trust and connect you with one who fits your situation, like a smaller down payment, a lower monthly payment or a self-employed income.

4. Down payment help. San Joaquin County has programs like the GAP Loan, STAND and programs through the San Joaquin Housing Authority. With about $20K, many buyers look in roughly the $350,000 to $450,000 range, and your lender confirms what fits you. Read why you don't need 20% down.

5. Your buyer agreement. In California, a written agreement is signed before you tour a home. With me, it's my commitment to you and our agreement to each other, and signing it creates no obligation to buy a home.

Your lender pre-approves you, and "I think we can afford something" becomes a real number. Then the tours begin. See a home online that makes your heart jump? Tell me, and we'll go see it. For what to look at, read touring homes in Lodi.

Counting yourself out. Plenty of people who assume their credit isn't good enough turn out to be closer than they think. See what credit score you need to buy in Lodi.

Here are two made-up examples.

Say you love older homes with character. We'd talk about Downtown Lodi, with its older homes on tree-lined streets near the Lodi Street Faire.

Say you'd like something move-in ready. Parkwest, on Lodi's west side, has mid-size homes that are often move-in ready. Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence.

One sit-down before any tours, and you leave with a plan, a lender and a clear first step.

One of my buyers, Gage M., wrote, "Thank you Audrey for helping me buy my first home!" I'd love to help you with yours. Read about how I help first-time buyers, or call, text or email me to set up a time. Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence.

This article describes how I generally help buyers. It isn't legal, tax or lending advice, and every purchase has its own details. Loan and program details depend on your situation, and a lender will confirm what applies to you.