Answers by Carmen Galzerano

Hi Cornell, there are many ways to pursue loan options. A loan broker will have access to multiple companies and can source the best options for you. My main go-to loan broker is Tyler Gray 661-476.7953. If you have a relationship with an investment firm, such as Fidelity, they often have in house deals with great interest rates. Be sure to ask about loan fees, get monthly payment breakdowns (ask if they include taxes and insurance), and think about how long you might plan to be in the home to access be loan options. Good luck!

Hi Chloe! Buying a home with a friend can be a great pathway to home ownership. It’s important to have a clear written agreement in place with a real estate attorney that outlines ownership percentages, who pays what, and how decisions are handled. Most importantly, build in an exit plan: agree on a minimum hold period before either person can force a sale, include a buyout option where one person can purchase the other’s share based on a defined valuation method, and outline what happens if neither can buy the other out (typically the home is sold). It’s also smart to address future scenarios like one person moving out, renting their space, or a partner moving in. Setting these expectations upfront helps protect both the investment and the friendship.

Hi Cindy! Since you’re in Iowa and I’m based in California, I’ll speak generally—but this can vary quite a bit by state and insurer. In most cases, insurance will cover water damage from sudden events like a burst pipe, but issues can arise if the damage is connected to unpermitted work that wasn’t built to code or disclosed properly. Flooding from natural causes (like heavy rain or rising water) is typically not covered under a standard homeowners policy and requires separate flood insurance. From a real estate perspective, if you buy a home with unpermitted improvements, you’re usually accepting them as-is and taking on responsibility for any violations with your local city or county. When you sell, it becomes a disclosure item: some buyers will be fine with it, others may not, so it can impact resale depending on your market. It’s always smart to check with a local insurance provider and real estate expert in your area for specifics.

Hi Monica, that does sound a bit awkward, but I’d give her the benefit of the doubt. It may genuinely be she is not be used to being “interviewed” because she does a lot of referral business. That said, putting ego aside, it’s smart to speak with multiple agents before choosing one. This is a big financial and personal decision, and finding the right fit matters. Most experienced agents expect it and actually respect clients for doing their homework. You ultimately chose her, which says a lot, and it sounds like the working relationship has been positive so hopefully it was just an offhand comment rather than a reflection of how she’ll operate moving forward.

Hi Dustin! Might be worth asking your agent directly what’s behind the pushback. Speaking from California, it’s 100% standard for buyers to attend the home inspection. The seller typically vacates and the property is made available during that window. It’s actually encouraged so you can see things firsthand, ask the inspector questions, take measurements, and get more comfortable with the home. If you’re getting resistance, there may be a specific reason (timing, tenant in place, seller sensitivity, etc.), but it’s not the norm. I’d simply ask your agent to clarify and advocate for you. This is your due diligence period, and you should absolutely have access.

Hi Vanessa! If I had a dollar for everyone who’s been waiting since rates started rising in 2022…waiting hasn’t proven to be a great strategy. I’ve seen buyers miss out on hundreds of thousands in potential equity while continuing to pay rent, hoping for a shift that hasn’t come. The reality is, it’s very hard to time the market: rates, prices, and competition all move differently. If you’re financially ready, can comfortably afford the payment, and plan to hold the property for at least 5–7 years, it often makes sense to move forward. You can always refinance later if rates improve, but you can’t go back and buy at today’s prices.

Hi Mera! In California, generally no—the seller can’t just back out once you’re in contract. The buyer is typically in the driver’s seat at this stage. The main exception is if you, as the buyer, miss a contractual deadline (like contingency removal) and the seller issues a Notice to Perform and you don’t comply, then they may have grounds to cancel. Otherwise, a couple weeks from closing, assuming timelines are being met, the seller is contractually obligated to move forward. If you’re sensing issues, it’s a good time to have your agent stay very on top of communication and make sure all timelines and paperwork are tight so you stay fully protected.