Buying Your First Home in San Diego? Let's Make It Simple.
From your first pre-approval conversation to closing day, Rudy Flores, alongside Jeff McKelvey, walks first-time buyers through every step — no jargon, no pressure.
(619) 392-6714The basics, without the overwhelm
Every buyer's path looks a little different — here's where most people start.
Get Pre-Approved First
Knowing your budget before you start touring homes makes everything else easier.
20% Down Isn't Required
Many first-time buyers qualify for loan programs with a much smaller down payment.
Down Payment Help May Exist
There are assistance programs for qualifying first-time buyers — Rudy can help you find out what you might qualify for.
Inspections Matter
A good inspection protects you — Rudy makes sure you understand exactly what you're buying.
Talk to a lender. Rates, loan programs and approvals come from lenders, not from websites or real estate agents. Talk to your own mortgage broker, or use our preferred lender, Point Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #231073), at (619) 475-4095. You are always free to choose any lender you like, and you can verify any lender’s license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Rudy Flores
Real Estate Strategist, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker West
Former Real Estate Developer for Google, AT&T, T-Mobile, FirstNet (911) and the U.S. Navy (DoD) for 12 years
Watch Rudy's interviewRudy Flores enjoys helping first-time buyers get their footing in the San Diego market — explaining each step clearly, connecting you with trusted lenders, and drawing on the Patti & Jeff McKelvey Team's 40 years of local experience to make sure you feel confident (not overwhelmed) by the time you get the keys.
Read Patti’s book. Real Estate Magic: How a Real Estate Rock Star Helped 6,000 Families Attain the American Dream is available free through Amazon Kindle and in paperback. Get Patti McKelvey’s book on Amazon
Know Your Numbers in Minutes
Free calculators for buyers and sellers, starting with today’s rates.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
See your real monthly payment: principal, interest, taxes, insurance and HOA in one number.
Try itHow Much Home Can I Afford?
A quick, friendly estimate of the price range that fits your income, debts and savings.
Try itRent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the long-run cost of owning with renting the same kind of home, with your own assumptions.
Try itYour First-Time Buyer Toolkit
A roadmap in order, answers to the questions first-time buyers ask, and two practical reads on offers and inspections.
The First-Time Buyer Roadmap
Buying your first home is far less overwhelming when you know the order of events. Here are the ten steps, from the first budget conversation to the day you get the keys.
Read the guideFirst-Time Buyer Questions
Clear answers to the questions first-time buyers ask most, without the jargon.
See the answersPre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: Why the Difference Matters When You Make an Offer
The two terms sound alike, but sellers treat them very differently. Here is what each means and why pre-approval belongs at the start of your search.
Read the articleLet's Talk About Your First Home
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General information only, not financial advice. Loan programs and down payment assistance vary by lender and change over time — Rudy can connect you with a lender to confirm what you currently qualify for.