5 Things We Wish Every Homebuyer Knew Before Starting Their Search in Sonoma County

Buying a home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Over the years, we’ve helped dozens of buyers across Sonoma County—and we’ve seen a few common challenges show up again and again.

Here are five things we wish more buyers knew before they started their search:

1. Pre-Approval Should Come First

Before you start attending open houses or falling in love with homes on Zillow, get pre-approved by a trusted lender.
This gives you clarity on your budget, strengthens your offer, and helps avoid surprises later.

2. The Buying Process Takes Time

Even in a fast-moving market, it’s normal for your home search to take 3–6 months (or more). The more time you give yourself, the less pressure you’ll feel.

3. Your Down Payment Isn’t Your Only Expense

Many buyers are surprised by closing costs—which typically add 2–3% to your total purchase. That includes inspections, title, escrow fees, and more.

4. You Don’t Have to “Just Know”

We often hear buyers say they expect to “just feel it” when they walk into the right house. Sometimes that happens—but not always. It’s okay for your confidence to grow over time.

5. Talking to an Agent Early Makes a Difference

The biggest mistake we see? Waiting too long to ask for help. Talking to a local agent early gives you insight into neighborhoods, timing, and how to navigate the market based on your goals.

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Need All the Answers Yet

If you’re even thinking about buying a home in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, or anywhere in Sonoma County, we’d love to connect and walk you through what to expect.

Whether you're buying in 3 months or 12, we're here to be a resource.

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We’re realtors, moms, locals, and dog lovers serving Sonoma County and Marin County, who love sharing everything about where we live and the neighborhoods we explore. Follow along by signing up for our weekly newsletter with local favorites and the latest in real estate.