Buying Your First Home?
Start Here.
Tiegen Boberg, Broker Associate at Nick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty, guides first-time home buyers through every step of purchasing in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Serrano, and greater Sacramento, California — from mortgage pre-approval to closing day, with patient, judgment-free guidance.
Every experienced homeowner was a first-time buyer once.
Tiegen Boberg is a Broker Associate with Nick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty who helps first-time buyers purchase homes across El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Serrano, and greater Sacramento, California. From understanding what you can actually afford to knowing what a home inspection turns up, Tiegen explains every step in plain language — no jargon, no rushing, no judgment for not already knowing the answers. Tiegen's full Buyer's Guide covers the general process; this page is built specifically for buyers doing this for the first time.
The real questions keeping first-time buyers from starting.
Down Payment Confusion
Not knowing how much you actually need to put down, or whether assistance programs could help.
Credit & Pre-Approval
Uncertainty about your credit standing and what a lender will actually approve you for.
Hidden Costs
Not realizing closing costs, inspections, and moving expenses add up beyond just the down payment.
Overwhelming Jargon
Terms like escrow, contingency, and earnest money that nobody bothers to explain in plain English.
Fear of Overpaying
Worrying you won't know if an offer is fair, or if you're walking into a bad deal.
The Reality Check: The True Cost of Buying Your First California Home
A quick, honest breakdown of what buying your first home in California really costs — beyond just the down payment — so you can walk in prepared, not surprised.
From your first question
to your first set of keys.
Get Pre-Approved
Connect with a trusted local lender to understand your true budget before you start touring homes.
Define Your Search
Tiegen helps narrow down neighborhoods, must-haves, and deal-breakers based on your budget and lifestyle.
Tour, Offer & Negotiate
Walk homes together, and when you find the one, Tiegen builds a competitive, protective offer strategy.
Inspect, Close & Get Your Keys
Navigate inspections, contingencies, and final loan approval — then celebrate. You're a homeowner.
"We highly recommend Tiegen Boberg for all of your real estate selling and buying needs! He recently sold our townhouse in Rocklin in just one week, thanks to his exceptional marketing skills. From the moment we began working with Tiegen, his professionalism and dedication were evident. Not only did he sell our home quickly, but he also went above and beyond by representing us as buyers in Southern California. If you're looking for a realtor who cares about his clients and delivers great results, Tiegen is the one to call!"— Mojo B., Buyer & Seller Client
First-Time Buying, Answered
How much money do I need to buy my first home in California?
It depends on the loan program — some options allow down payments as low as 3-3.5%, while others require more. Closing costs typically add another 2-5% of the purchase price. Tiegen Boberg connects first-time buyers with trusted local lenders in El Dorado Hills and greater Sacramento, California to get an exact, personalized number.
Are there down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers in California?
Yes, California offers state and local down payment assistance programs for eligible first-time buyers, and eligibility and terms change frequently. Tiegen Boberg can connect you with lenders who stay current on which programs you may qualify for.
Do I need perfect credit to buy my first home?
No. Different loan programs accommodate different credit profiles. A lender can review your specific situation and let you know which loan options are realistically available to you.
Does it cost anything to work with a buyer's agent?
Buyer's agent compensation is negotiated directly between the buyer and their agent and outlined in a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes. In many transactions the seller still offers to cover some or all of this cost as part of the listing terms, but this varies by transaction — Tiegen Boberg will walk you through exactly how compensation works before you begin your search.
What's the first step to buying my first home?
Getting pre-approved with a lender and connecting with a buyer's agent early — before you start touring homes — gives first-time buyers in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and greater Sacramento, California a realistic budget and a clear plan from day one.
Start your first-time buyer consultation.
Fill out the short form and Tiegen will reach out personally to answer your questions and walk through what buying your first home actually looks like.
Request Your First-Time Buyer Consultation
Tell us a bit about where you're at in the process.
Tiegen Boberg
Broker Associate · Nick Sadek Sotheby's International RealtyWith 12+ years of experience and over $800M in career sales, Tiegen brings the same patient, no-pressure approach to a first-time buyer's $400,000 starter home as to a $3M estate — every client deserves to understand exactly what's happening and why.