Prepare your position
- 01
Understand your buying power
Determine a realistic budget before touring homes.
- 02
Prepare your financing
Cash buyers gather proof of funds; financed buyers speak with a lender and prepare a pre-qualification letter.
Buyer guide
Buying a home in San Jose, from first search to keys
A clear, practical path through a San Jose or Bay Area purchase — buying power, MLS access, viewings, offers, and escrow — with Francisco keeping you informed at every step.
The complete buyer path
From buying power to the keys
Every step of a purchase, from buying power to the close of escrow.
Search and tour
- 03
Search MLS listings
Use the live IDXHome search to find homes in the right area.
- 04
Build a shortlist
Select the homes that fit your needs and priorities.
- 05
Schedule viewings
Francisco coordinates appointments with sellers' agents and tours the properties with you.
Offer to close
- 06
Submit an offer
Francisco helps prepare and present the offer — the decision stays in your hands.
- 07
Enter contract
Once the offer is accepted, complete the required contract and contingency steps.
- 08
Close escrow
Complete funding and recording, then take possession of the home.
Know your buying power first
01
Set your budget
Determine how much you can spend on the purchase of your home before touring anything. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments a person can make.
02
Talk to a lender
If you are financing, contact your lender to find out how much you can buy your house for. Francisco can help you get in touch with lenders in the area.
03
Get pre-qualified
Obtain a pre-qualification letter once your lender has helped you determine what you can afford and prepared you for a loan.
04
Prepare proof of funds
Cash purchase? Have proof of funds ready to show prospective sellers so your offer carries weight from day one.
Location, location, location
Decide where to live before deciding what to buy
The distance from work and other daily activities is, for some people, a major concern. Before the search starts, Francisco discusses the amenities, features, and characteristics of the home you are looking for — then opens access to active properties listed for sale in the area where you need the property to be.
- Commute and daily-activity distances weighed early
- Amenities, features, and characteristics agreed before touring
- Search focused on the area where you need the property to be
Search and view
Search, shortlist, and view with full MLS access
Your Realtor gives you access to MLS listings in the area. Prepare a list of prospect properties, and Francisco sets up showing appointments with the sellers' agents and walks the homes with you.
- Live MLS inventory through the existing IDXHome search
- A prospect list you build together, then tour on your schedule
- Appointments coordinated with each seller's agent
- A local read on location, condition, and timing at every stop
Your decision, his tools
You decide the offer. Francisco brings the tools, experience, and suggestions.
When a home is right, you meet with Francisco to prepare the offer and a suggested purchase price. He helps you submit it, negotiate terms, and get into contract — always with the decision in your hands and the details made clear.
Then escrow carries it home
01
Open escrow
Your accepted offer puts you in contract and opens escrow, where your earnest-money deposit and documents are coordinated by a neutral party.
02
Inspect the property
During the contingency period you have a specified time to inspect conditions — preliminary title report, property, pest, roof, plumbing, and any others you want.
03
Clear contingencies
Comply with the purchase contingencies, provide escrow with required documents, and obtain loan approval. Time is of the essence — dates matter.
04
Fund and record
You sign loan documents, the lender funds, and the deed is recorded in your name at the county recorder's office. You take possession of the house.
Escrow explained in plain language — see the dedicated guide for each stage from earnest money to recording.
After the keys
A short list for moving into your new home
01
Set up utility accounts
Electricity, water, garbage, and the other services the house needs from day one.
02
Update your address
Notify the DMV and the other companies you deal with of your new address.
03
Note important dates
Track mortgage payment dates and the other deadlines that come with ownership.
04
Learn the shutoffs
Find the locations and emergency procedures to shut off electrical power, water, and gas.
A coordinated purchase
One local broker helps keep the moving parts connected
Francisco's role extends beyond opening doors. He helps buyers understand the process, schedules property viewings, prepares and presents offers, and stays involved through escrow. When the transaction calls for another specialist, he coordinates with the lenders, title companies, insurance providers, escrow officers, and other real estate professionals involved in the purchase.
Francisco Chavarria
San Jose real estate broker · California DRE #01436603
- Direct guidance from Francisco rather than a call-center handoff
- A referral-led approach built around clear process education
- Coordination through contract, contingencies, funding, and recording
In real estate since 2005 · California real estate broker since 2011
Buyer questions, answered straight
01What should I do before searching?
Clarify your budget and, if financing, speak with a lender about buying power and get a pre-qualification letter before touring homes. Francisco can help you get in touch with lenders in the area.
02How do viewings work?
Prepare a list of prospect properties with Francisco. He sets up showing appointments with the sellers' agents, walks the properties with you, and helps you compare them.
03What can I inspect during the contingency period?
Buyers have a specified time to inspect property conditions — including a preliminary title report and property, pest, roof, and plumbing inspections. Most inspection expenses are the buyer's; see the escrow guide for how the period works.
04Who decides the offer price?
You do. Francisco assists with tools, experience, and suggestions so the number you choose is an informed one.
05What happens after my offer is accepted?
You get in contract and open escrow — deposits, contingencies, funding, and recording, with Francisco coordinating through close.
06Can Francisco help me compare different property types?
Yes. Francisco works with residential purchases including detached and attached homes, condominiums, townhomes, and investment or multi-unit properties. He can help you compare ownership structure, condition, location, and the trade-offs that matter to your plans.
07Who else may be involved in my purchase?
Depending on the transaction, you may work with a lender, inspector, insurance provider, title company, and escrow officer. Francisco helps keep those roles and next steps clear while each professional handles their specialty.
Ready to talk buying power?
Tell Francisco your budget, your preferred locations, and your timeline — and get a practical next step, not a pitch.