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Assess finances, set a budget, include all costs: mortgage, taxes, insurance, closing, maintenance, utilities, and moving.
Lenders consider income, debt-to-income ratio (max ~43%), credit score, assets, and down payment for loan approval.
Down payments can be as low as 3.00%; $25,500 on $850K home vs. $170,000 for 20% down.
Explore programs: FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% down), USDA (0% down), H.E.R.O. Loan (0% down, no PMI for CA law enforcement).
Compare mortgage quotes within 30–45 days to minimize credit impact; credit unions offer guidance and flexible loan options.

A recent national survey found 60% of Americans would rather co-buy half a home now than keep renting until solo ownership feels possible.
Cost drove interest most: 94% named at least one affordability reason, led by sharing monthly mortgage payments, splitting down payments, or reaching better homes.
Family was the most common path, with 68% open to buying with relatives, while younger and lower-income Americans showed greater openness to friends.
Nearly all prospective co-buyers wanted written agreements covering exit and payment terms, and brokers can add value as non-traditional down payment sources reached 29%.
The shift looked deeper than financing: 61% viewed co-buying with friends or family as serious as marriage, and half saw it helping avoid later-life solitude.

Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

One aspect of homeownership that often catches buyers by surprise is the ongoing cost beyond the initial closing. A 2026 survey revealed that 63% of Americans underestimated what it truly takes financially to own a home, with 73% of first-time buyers misjudging expenses outside of their monthly mortgage. It’s no wonder that homeownership strain remains so prevalent: 64% of respondents reported financial stress, more than half dipped into savings or emergency funds, 55% made cuts to everyday spending, and 41% took on new debt.

With decades of experience guiding clients through these complexities, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to understand not just the purchase, but the lifelong financial journey of owning a home. Lenders who provide value after closing—whether through seasonal maintenance reminders, property-value insights, or education around equity—help homeowners stay prepared. Many borrowers are already juggling childcare, student loans, medical bills, or shifts in income, so resources that support budgeting, emergency planning, and ongoing assistance can make a real difference.

For those of us committed to serving our clients in the San Ramon Valley and beyond, it’s clear: the relationship doesn’t end at closing. Building trust and offering guidance throughout homeownership is what truly sets apart a real estate professional.

We’re seeing continued strength in Contra Costa County’s housing market, with typical home values posting a modest 0.2% increase from mid- to late-Q3. This marks the second consecutive month of gains across all nine counties in our broader region—a notable sign of steady upward momentum. While Contra Costa’s increase is described as modest, it aligns with several neighboring counties that also saw smaller but positive monthly gains. The data, which covers single-family homes, condos, and co-ops and is seasonally adjusted for accuracy, gives us a clear, current snapshot as of late-Q3 2026. After decades immersed in the San Ramon Valley market and leadership roles with state and national Realtor associations, we appreciate how even these incremental movements can shape both opportunities and strategies for buyers and sellers. Local knowledge and experience are key to understanding what these numbers mean for your next move.

Condos continue to offer an accessible entry point for many California buyers, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods where single-family homes may be out of reach. However, as we've seen across the state, that initial affordability can sometimes mask significant ongoing costs—high HOA dues, parking charges, and emergency assessments are realities many owners face. For example, a San Clemente community recently encountered a $26,000 per-unit assessment for roof replacement, a direct result of delayed repairs. With California’s condo buildings aging, stricter balcony inspection standards in place, and insurance premiums rising due to wildfire risk, such costs are becoming more common. Drawing on our combined 60 years of experience and deep involvement with local and state Realtor boards, we know that despite these challenges, condos remain a vital part of California’s housing landscape and can be a sound first step for buyers—provided you go in well-informed and prepared for both the opportunities and obligations of ownership.