A California-licensed real estate agent serving the Greater Sacramento area. Whether you're a first-time buyer or moving up, I'll guide you every step — from budgeting to keys in hand.
Nowroz Khan Shirzad | CA Licensed Real Estate Agent | Merge Real Estate | 📞 916-477-8832 | ✉️ nowrozkhanshirzad@gmail.com
Great home buying starts with honest math. Your down payment typically ranges from 3–20% of the purchase price. California closing costs add another 2–5%. And your true monthly cost includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA dues (if applicable), and cash reserves.
3–20% of purchase price depending on loan type and program eligibility
Typically 2–5% in California — title, escrow, lender fees, prepaid items
PITI + HOA + reserves — not just the mortgage payment alone
Lenders often require 2–6 months of payments held in savings post-close
In Sacramento's competitive market, a real pre-approval matters. It means your income, assets, and credit have been verified — not just estimated. Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously when homes move fast. Within 3 business days of applying, your lender must deliver a Loan Estimate detailing cash to close, estimated payment, and closing cost categories.
A quick self-reported estimate. Not verified. Not enough in Sacramento's market.
Lender verifies W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and credit. This is what wins offers.
Required within 3 business days of application — your official cost breakdown in writing.
Delivered at least 3 business days before closing — final verified numbers to review carefully.
Finding the right home in Sacramento means more than browsing listings. It means building a disciplined search strategy, touring with purpose, understanding local market dynamics, and writing an offer that protects you while standing out to sellers.
Your criteria should align with your budget and long-term costs. Consider home condition, major system ages (roof, HVAC, plumbing), HOA rules and dues, insurance exposure, and resale fit — not just square footage and finishes. We'll filter for homes that truly work for your life and finances.
Budget, commute, school district, condition, HOA tolerance — set priorities before you tour.
We compare comps in real time, noting value signals and red flags on every showing.
Hot market? Bid at or above list. Slower market? Negotiate credits, repairs, or closing costs.
A strong offer is clean, credible, and contingency-protected — not just high-priced.
A well-crafted California offer covers your purchase price, earnest money deposit (typically 1–3%), and three critical contingencies that protect your investment:
Standard ~17 days to inspect and negotiate repairs or credits
Lender won't finance above appraised value — this protects your equity
Safeguards your deposit if financing falls through for documented reasons
If Shariah-compliant financing is important to you, several structures are available through specialized lenders. Always request written cost estimates before committing — and I'll help you compare total cost against conventional options.
These avoid interest (riba) through co-ownership, leasing, or cost-plus arrangements — all recognized by Islamic finance scholars.
Once your offer is accepted, Sacramento's closing process moves through escrow — not attorneys. A neutral escrow company holds your earnest money, coordinates all signatures, and ensures every condition is satisfied before funding and recording. Here's exactly what to expect.
Each phase has a purpose. Miss a deadline and you risk delays — or losing contingency protections. I track every milestone so nothing slips through the cracks.
Licensed inspector evaluates structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical. You receive a written report and can negotiate repairs or credits within your contingency window.
Your lender orders an independent appraisal mid-escrow. If the home appraises low, your appraisal contingency gives you options — renegotiate price, bring extra cash, or exit.
The lender's underwriter reviews your full file. Expect requests for updated documents. Respond quickly — delays here push your closing date.
"Clear to Close" means underwriting is satisfied. Loan documents go to escrow. You'll sign within 1–2 days, then fund and record.
Your Closing Disclosure (5 pages, delivered at least 3 business days before closing) must align with your original Loan Estimate. Compare these three items line by line:
Should match exactly what was locked — confirm rate, loan type, and prepayment penalties
Some fees are fixed; others can change. Large unexplained increases must be questioned
Your final wire amount — bring a cashier's check or confirm wire instructions with escrow directly
You sign loan documents at escrow. Lender funds the loan. County records the deed — same day or next business day. Then you get your keys. 🏡
"Tell me your price range, timeline, and whether you want conventional or Islamic financing — I'll map your exact next steps to pre-approval, offer strategy, and a smooth close in Greater Sacramento."
— Nowroz Khan Shirzad, CA Licensed Real Estate Agent | Merge Real Estate | 📞 916-477-8832
Your Sacramento Home Journey Starts Here