Purchasing your first home, regardless of when it occurs, is a significant event. Holding the keys to her first home was a hard-won accomplishment for Lariel, a 20-something professional in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the result of extensive saving and preparation. She claims that purchasing a property in the Bay requires a lot of good fortune, fervent prayer, and perfect timing.
Lariel attended college out of state despite growing up in a community in the Bay Area. She demonstrated her commitment to hard effort by succeeding in both school and sports. She returned to live with her mother after graduating in an effort to save money for a first apartment on her own, like many young people in their early 20s. She was prepared to move on after building a career in the thriving tech sector, developing a plan, and living cheaply. Lariel adds, “I was fortunate to see my parents go through the home-buying process two years before I did. It inspired me to pursue it on my own, she said.

THE SEARCH
Northern California’s housing market is well-known for being expensive and competitive, with more potential buyers than available homes. But it also means that buying a home there is often a wise investment. Lariel started her search after locating a trustworthy real estate agent and jumped on available listings as soon as they appeared. But instead of going after a newly listed house, she wound up being interested in a home that wasn’t even for sale.
Within minutes of walking through the door of the 1920s bungalow with a charming backyard in San Leandro that her agent had arranged a showing for, Lariel knew she had found her house. Lariel claims, “I fell in love with the location in no time at all.” In the coming months, she could already see herself furnishing the two bedrooms and moving in with her cherished dog.

ARRANGING A DEAL
Lariel was pleased that the seller quickly accepted the offer after learning that she had the required financing and down payment. Her journey from inspections to appraisals and everywhere in between, however, proved difficult. She says, “I wish that understanding the procedure was taught in school. Because the house is older, I might have taken on problems that weren’t my responsibility to fix if it weren’t for my mother’s advice.
Lariel’s experience emphasizes how crucial it is to start the home-buying process with a reliable team by your side. The ability to close on a dream home or pass up the chance depends on having the right help.
Rocket Mortgage has streamlined the process by focusing on the unique requirements of each client. Rocket Mortgage will be your partner throughout the entire process, whether you are purchasing your first home or refinancing an existing one. And if you need to act quickly in a market where real estate is moving quickly, a Rocket Mortgage Verified Approval letter* can help you make your offer stronger and help you close the deal.
For Lariel’s benefit, her family, real estate agent, and mortgage expert all assisted her in reaching the closing table and finalizing the deal. She is now completely settled in and has been busy making the house her own with new paint, cozy furnishings, and quaint spaces where she can relish her success. Lariel claims, “I feel a huge sense of satisfaction from buying something that I really worked hard for. I’m pleased with myself for succeeding!