Buyer Process

First Time Buyer's Guide

Purchasing a home in the Bay Area is a significant milestone and a complex process, especially for first-time buyers. This step-by-step guide is designed to help navigate the journey, offering insights and advice tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in this competitive market.

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Getting Started

Our journey begins with a personal consultation, where I take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences. This initial call is about listening to you — what you're looking for in a home, your must-haves, and any concerns you might have. My goal is to ensure that I can be most helpful to you from the start, providing a personalized approach tailored to your situation.

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Buyer Preparation

Buying a home can be overwhelming, especially in the competitive Bay Area market. I firmly believe an educated client is an empowered client. That's why I provide comprehensive upfront education for new buyers or those needing a refresher. When you confidently approach your purchase, you are in the best position to succeed.

After our initial call, the buyer (you) will get pre-approved if you intend to finance your purchase. This ensures you’re prepared to act when the perfect house comes along. Once you’re pre-approved, we’ll have a formal buyer meeting where I cover everything you need to know before purchasing your home.

Finally, I will send a buyer representation agreement, and once that is signed, we start looking at houses. By ensuring you have the right type of financing and a clear understanding of the process, you'll be more confident and less stressed when we start making offers. 

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Evaluate Properties

Whether you prefer the flexibility of visiting open houses on your own or the personalized experience of private showings, I adapt to your needs. We'll tour properties that match your criteria, and I will ensure we see promising homes early to give you ample time to make informed decisions. Throughout this process, I maintain open communication with listing agents to ensure we have all the relevant information and stay updated on any developments.

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Offer and Negotiations

This stage is often the busiest, but I'm here to guide you. I prepare a polished offer package, ensuring no corners are cut. We dive deep into every detail, answer all your questions, and make sure you are confident in your bid. We'll discuss negotiation strategies, ensuring my approach aligns with your preferences and goals. While your first offer may not be accepted outright, the majority of my clients do end up going into contract on the first house for which they submit an offer, thanks to thorough preparation and strategic negotiation.

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In Escrow

Once your offer is accepted, I'll send you a "what to expect" email outlining the next steps and priorities. We will stay in regular contact to ensure everything progresses smoothly towards closing. I keep track of all tasks and deadlines, so you don't have to worry. My goal is to make this phase as seamless as possible, handling the logistics so you can focus on the excitement of your new home.

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Closing and Post-Closing

Our relationship doesn't end at closing. I remain a resource for real estate advice, vendor recommendations, and anything else you might need. Many of my clients become friends, and we stay in touch regularly. Whether you need a plumber, handyman, or advice on your new home, I'm here for you!

Working with me means more than buying a house; it means having a dedicated partner who cares about your journey and happiness. Let's find your dream home together in the beautiful Bay Area.

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Contact Alexandra Sung

Ready to start your personalized home-buying journey? Contact me today to schedule your initial consultation.

Congratulations!

After completing the paperwork and closing the deal, the buyer becomes the official owner of a new home in one of the most desirable markets in the country. Whether moving into a cozy condo or a spacious family home, having a seamless transition is key to enjoying the new chapter in life.

This guide provides a roadmap for navigating the Bay Area real estate market. However, each buyer's journey is unique, and having an experienced agent ensures a personalized and successful home buying experience.

What Alexandra’s Clients Have to Say

E.E. San Mateo

E.E. San Mateo

My husband and I have had the privilege of working with Ali on 3 transactions over the last 5 years and she has been nothing short of amazing. We really value her dedication, real estate knowledge, data-driven approach, attenti...
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P.J. Palo Alto

P.J. Palo Alto

We had the pleasure of extensively working with Ali Sung to find a house in Palo Alto, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. Ali's expertise and dedication were evident in every step of the process. She took ...
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J.L. - Los Altos Hills

J.L. - Los Altos Hills

Ali helped us to purchase the land to build our forever home after nearly a year of searching. We highly recommend her as a realtor and advisor! Ali is extremely diligent in her approach to her work and went above and beyond to...
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L.L. - Campbell

L.L. - Campbell

Ali helped us purchase our first home in July of 2021, and I cannot believe it has taken me this long to write a review. I truly don’t know where to start, so I will start with what was most important to me- her character. In t...
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P.H. Monte Sereno

P.H. Monte Sereno

I highly recommend Ali. With her guidance, we were able to secure acceptance of our first offer in a very competitive market in October of 2021 for the first house we fell in love with. Ali specializes in the intricacies of mak...
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M.I. - Los Altos Hills

M.I. - Los Altos Hills

Ali is a rockstar! Consider yourself lucky if you have the good fortune of working with Ali! She is the smartest agent in the game. Deeply analytical (from comps to negotiation analysis), empathetic, diligent (she will read all...
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Work With Alexandra

With a proven track record in Bay Area real estate and a data-driven approach, Alexandra Sung brings a deep market knowledge and personalized strategies to every client. Her passion for helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals is matched by her strong negotiation skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding results. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or looking to sell, Alexandra is the dedicated expert you need to navigate the competitive market with confidence. Start your real estate journey with Alexandra today!

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