Buy your home, or your first investment, with a plan
From first-time buyers to house hackers and investors, I help you buy the right property with the right financing, and avoid the mistakes that cost buyers the most.
Buying is more doable than you think
Gifts, savings, retirement funds and investments can all count toward your down payment.
43× source: National Association of Realtors, 2025 estimate based on Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances data ($430,000 homeowner vs. $10,000 renter net worth).
Ways to buy
The right strategy depends on your goals. These are the paths I help buyers take most often.
Keep the seller’s lower interest rate
Many FHA and VA loans can be assumed by the buyer, rate and all. I focus your search on homes with assumable loans and help you cover the seller’s equity.
- Search only homes with assumable loans
- Confirm with the listing agent that the seller is open to it
- A lending partner offers second loans to help cover the gap
For primary residence purchases only. Buyers must qualify with the loan servicer.
Your journey home
Every purchase follows the same five steps. Tap a step to see what you do and what I handle.
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Buyer consultation
We learn your goals, budget and timeline. Free and confidential.
You do
- Share your goals and must-haves
- Estimate your savings and gift funds
- Bring every question
I do
- Build your personal buying plan
- Explain the buyer agreement
- Introduce a trusted lender
California requires a written buyer agreement before touring homes. I review it with you line by line.
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Loan pre-approval
Know your budget, and show sellers you’re serious.
You do
- Gather ID, pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements
- Get a gift letter if family is helping
- Keep your credit steady
I do
- Connect you with trusted lenders
- Compare loan options with you
- Set your price range
Loan Down payment Best for FHA 3.5% Modest savings or credit Conventional 3–5% Solid credit VA 0% Eligible veterans and service members Jumbo Varies Prices above loan limits Until closing: no new credit cards, car loans, job changes or big unexplained deposits.
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Home search
We find and tour homes that fit your life and budget.
- MLS listings every home listed by an agent
- Coming soon an early look
- Off-market less competition
- Bank-owned possible discounts
- Assumable loans keep the seller’s lower rate
- 2–4 units rent helps pay the mortgage
You do
- Tour homes and take photos
- Visit the area at different times
- Rank your favorites
I do
- Set up instant listing alerts
- Check prices, permits and HOA
- Spot ADU and upgrade potential
Zillow and Redfin often show homes already sold or pending. Your MLS alerts are real-time.
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Offer and negotiation
Strong enough to win. Safe enough to protect you.
You do
- Choose your price and terms with me
- Wire your deposit (about 3%) to escrow
- Pick your contingencies
I do
- Price your offer from recent sales
- Negotiate price, terms and credits
- Track every deadline
Contingency Protects you if… Typical Inspection The home has problems you didn’t expect 17 days Appraisal The home is valued below your price 17 days Loan Your financing falls through 17 days Documents and title Disclosures, HOA or title reveal issues 17 days Once you remove contingencies in writing, your deposit may be at risk if you back out.
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Closing and keys
About 30–45 days of escrow. I guide every step.
- 1 Escrow opens
- 2 Inspections and disclosures
- 3 Appraisal and loan approval
- 4 Contingencies removed
- 5 Final walkthrough
- 6 Sign, fund, get keys
You do
- Get insurance quotes early
- Answer lender requests fast
- Review your Closing Disclosure
I do
- Review every report and disclosure
- Negotiate repairs or credits
- Coordinate escrow, lender and title
Wire fraud alert: always call escrow at a verified number before sending money. Never trust emailed wiring changes.
When you can negotiate
Negotiation doesn’t stop at your offer. Raise every concern before your contingencies are removed.
Strongest leverage, while contingencies are in place
Less leverage
How much can you buy?
Put down as little as 3.5% (sometimes less) and borrow up to the amounts below.
These are maximum loan amounts, not home prices. Add your down payment to see the price you can buy at. For example, a $1,249,125 loan with 3.5% down buys a home of up to about $1,294,000.
| Property type | Max loan in high-cost areas |
|---|---|
| 1 unit | $1,249,125 |
| 2 units | $1,599,375 |
| 3 units | $1,933,200 |
| 4 units | $2,402,625 |
Limits vary by county and are lower in many areas. I’ll confirm the exact limit for where you’re buying.
Buying a 2–4 unit building? The maximum loan goes up with each unit. Live in one unit and let rent from the others help pay your mortgage.
Words you’ll hear
Real estate has its own vocabulary. Here’s what the most common terms mean.
Hi, I’m Rick Albert
Broker Associate, LAMERICA Real Estate · DRE #01884303I bought my first home the way I now help many clients buy: I purchased a condo and rented out a bedroom. That house hack grew into 17 rental units across three states and a case study in The House Hacking Strategy, published by BiggerPockets. I’ve been licensed since 2010 and have been part of over 300 transactions.
What buyers say
“Rick brought clarity and ease to an otherwise unfamiliar and oftentimes nerve-wracking process.”
First-time buyer, Agoura Hills
“This was by far the easiest transaction.”
Buyer, Westlake Village
“We couldn’t have asked for a better real estate experience.”
Buyer and seller, Woodland Hills
Ready to start? Let’s talk.
Book a free, no-pressure buyer consultation. We’ll map out your budget, financing and best path to buying.
Strategy, Creativity, and Accountability
Rick Albert, Broker Associate, DRE #01884303, LAMERICA Real Estate, DRE #01860093. Not tax, legal or lending advice. LAMERICA Real Estate does not lend or arrange residential mortgages; loans, including assumptions and second loans, depend on lender and servicer guidelines and qualifications. Rates, programs and loan limits are subject to change without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.