Thinking about buying a home in Walnut Creek, the East Bay, or elsewhere in California but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make—and it can feel overwhelming.

I’m Brendan Moran with Five Star Real Estate, and after helping hundreds of buyers navigate the California real estate market, I can tell you: the process doesn’t have to be intimidating when you have the right team by your side.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect when buying a home, especially in competitive markets like Walnut Creek and the surrounding East Bay communities.

Step 1: Get Qualified as a Buyer

Before you even start looking at homes, the first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This means:

• Exploring different loan programs

• Calculating your actual monthly payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance

• Understanding your budget range so you can shop with confidence

Getting pre-approved makes you a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers—and it’s absolutely essential in today’s fast-paced East Bay real estate market.

Step 2: Start House Hunting in the Right Neighborhoods

Once your finances are in order, it’s time for the fun part: house hunting.

Our team will help you narrow down your search based on:

• School districts (key if you have or are planning for kids)

• Commuting needs (including access to BART and major highways)

• Neighborhood vibes (each community in the East Bay has its own unique charm)

Whether you're looking for a condo in downtown Walnut Creek or a family home in nearby Pleasant Hill or Lafayette, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Step 3: Making an Offer That Gets Accepted

Found a home you love? Great—now it’s time to make an offer.

We’ll help you:

• Analyze the current market conditions

• Craft an offer with the right price and terms

• Understand seller expectations and competition (especially important in California’s seller-friendly market)

Having a local real estate expert can make the difference between winning the home and losing out.

Step 4: Home Inspections and Negotiations

Once your offer is accepted, we’ll guide you through the inspection process. Depending on the property, we may:

• Recommend certain home inspections

• Review the reports and negotiate repairs or credits

• Monitor deadlines to make sure your interests are protected

This is one of the most important phases, and our team ensures that you don’t miss a thing.

Step 5: Close and Move In!

Once everything is in order and all contingencies are cleared, we head to closing—and you get the keys to your new home!

We’ll coordinate everything with your lender, escrow company, and the seller to make sure the process is smooth and stress-free.

Bonus: It Costs You Nothing to Work With a Great Agent

One of the best-kept secrets in real estate? Buyers don’t pay agent commissions.
The seller pays the commission for both the listing and buying agents—so working with an experienced, professional buyer’s agent like me costs you nothing out of pocket.

What does cost you? Going it alone, missing key steps, or working with someone who doesn’t know the local Walnut Creek or East Bay market inside and out.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're thinking about buying a home in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, or anywhere in the East Bay, let’s talk. A quick 15-minute conversation can get you moving in the right direction.

Message us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward owning your California dream home.

Ask Brendan is your local hub for Walnut Creek real estate FAQs, home buying tips, and expert guidance throughout your East Bay real estate journey.