Your dream home
Journey starts now

Buying your first home doesn't have to be overwhelming. I'm here to guide you through every step, making the process simple, clear, and fun.

Local Expertise

Trusted Guidance

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Your First Steps to Home Ownership

Follow our proven roadmap to make your home buying journey smooth and successful

Get Pre-Approved

Start with a pre-approval to understand your budget and show sellers you're serious.

Contact a lender to review your finances and get a pre-approval letter. This typically takes 1-3 days and helps you shop with confidence. I'd be happy to connect you and get this started.

Define your needs

Create a wish list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves for your future home.

Consider location, size, amenities, and proximity to work/schools.

Start house hunting

Now the fun begins! We will tour homes together that match your criteria and budget.

Sometimes learning what you don't like helps you get to the one you love.

Make an offer

Found the one? I'll help you submit a competitive offer, which will include price, closing date, and any contingencies.

Home inspection

Hire a professional inspector to check for any issues with the property.

This protects you from unexpected problems. Most issues can be negotiated with the seller.

Close your home

Sign the final paperwork and get your keys!

We'll review all documents, and celebrate your new home!

Homes Perfect for First-Time Buyers

Understanding Real Estate Terms

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  • Amortization

    The process of paying off a debt over time through regular payments. Part of each payment goes toward the loan principal and part goes toward interest.

  • Closing Costs

    Expenses over and above the price of the property in a real estate transaction, including attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal, and more.

  • Equity

    The difference between how much your home is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. It's the portion of your home that you truly 'own.'

  • FHA Loan

    A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to help first-time and low-to-moderate income buyers with lower down payment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about the home buying process

Throughout the homebuying or selling process, you will need an agent who is honest, listens to your needs, and is proactive in moving you towards the finish line. I will be by your side, supporting you through the entire journey. There is no concern too small, and I absolutely love troubleshooting; afterall, no two transactions in real estate are the same, and that is what makes it fun! I look forward to working together.

When buying a home, pre-qualification is a quick and easy way of finding out your true "budget." This is quickly calculated by a lender, and is helpful in getting a sense of your parameters. However, if you are truly serious in buying a home, I will ensure you have been "pre-approved" by a lender. This process is more thorough, but very important to making sure that a loan will fund on time. This also makes your offer much stronger if you are in a multiple offer home buying scenario.

As a realtor, it is my job to stay up to date on a variety of home options, ranges, and neighborhoods. I grew up in Los Angeles, and have extensive knowledge of the west side of Los Angeles, and proudly live in West LA/Sawtelle.

That's up to you! Transparency is incredibly important to me. I want you to feel like you are in the driver's seat, and will work with you to make sure that you are updated on our process in the way that best meets your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get in touch today for a free consultation. We're here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

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Laura Ponchick
Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker Realty
(323) 609-8786  |  (310) 820-6651  |  02238672 CA   |  laura.ponchick@cbrealty.com
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