Resources
Guides for buying, selling and owning in the South Bay
Plain answers to the questions Diana hears most, with links to the official sources.
01 — Buying
- First-time buyersA step-by-step guide for first-time home buyers in Santa Clara County: budget, pre-approval, searching, offers, contingencies, inspections and closing.
- Home loansThe main home loan types for South Bay buyers, conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA, and how loan limits, down payments and mortgage insurance differ.
- HOAs, condos and townhomesWhat to check before buying a South Bay condo or townhome: HOA dues, reserves, the budget, rules, insurance and the documents California sellers must provide.
- Real estate glossaryPlain-English definitions of California real estate terms: escrow, contingency, disclosure packet, appraisal, earnest money, Prop 13, title insurance and more.
02 — Selling
- Closing costsWhat buyers and sellers usually pay at closing in Santa Clara County: transfer taxes, title, escrow, commission and prorations, with a free cost calculator.
- Buyer and seller FAQAnswers to common South Bay real estate questions: what your home is worth, when to sell, how offers work, what to fix before listing and how Diana works.
05 — Free tools
Run your own numbers
- What's my home worth?A free home value report Diana prepares herself.
- Seller cost calculatorYour net after transfer taxes, commission and closing costs, for every city in the county.
- Home payment calculatorMonthly payment and cash to close, with property tax and HOA dues.
- Community guidesTwelve South Bay cities: homes, getting around and school districts.
- Market reportsMonthly numbers for South Bay cities.