Must-haves and trade-offs
List the space, access and daily routines the home must support. Mark which locations and features you are willing to reconsider. Bring a few example listings and explain what works or does not work for you.
Buying with Cody · Southern California
Buying a home
in Southern California.
Cody represents buyers across Southern California. Bring your preferred move date, essential features, a few example listings and any sale or financing commitments. Use them to decide which homes—and which areas—are worth comparing.
Your first conversation
Before the first tour.
Dates and dependencies
Note your target move date, lease end, any home to sell and work needed before moving in. Identify which dates are fixed and which depend on another transaction.
Purchase budget
Ask your lender or financial adviser for estimates of the cash needed to close, financing costs and ongoing payment for the homes you are considering.
The details behind the decision
Compare costs.
Check the obligations.
Use the same checklist for each home. Record the source and date of estimates, and keep unanswered questions visible.
- Price and financing
- Compare asking price with relevant closed sales. Obtain a lender’s estimate of payment and cash needed to close.
- Cost to own
- List taxes and assessments, association dues, insurance quotes, maintenance and planned work. Separate recurring expenses from one-time costs.
- Condition and planned use
- Track disclosures, inspections, permit records and specialist advice. Identify who will resolve questions about the condition or proposed changes.
- Association commitments
- Read the rules, financial documents, assessments and maintenance responsibilities. Note costs or restrictions that affect your plans.
- Insurance coverage
- Compare the actual coverage, limits, deductibles and exclusions with a licensed insurance professional. A premium alone does not describe what the policy covers.
Buyer representation
823 Arguello Road
Cody represented the buyer of this Lower Riviera home in Santa Barbara. It closed for $2,340,000 on October 14, 2026. View the photographs and verified sale details.
Explore 823 Arguello RoadHistorical transaction; not current availability or a valuation of another property.
A few practical answers
Questions before
you commit.
What if I also need to sell?
Discuss both moves at the outset. Review sale proceeds, financing, housing between closings and offer conditions with Cody and the relevant professionals before relying on a particular sequence.
How does buyer representation work?
Ask Cody to walk through the proposed written agreement, including the services, scope, duration and compensation, so you understand the arrangement before deciding. Discuss your questions about the specific terms and keep a copy of the agreement.
What happens after an offer is accepted?
Use the accepted agreement to track inspections, disclosures, financing and deadlines. Identify unresolved questions and the person responsible for each. Confirm closing and possession arrangements against the transaction documents.
Further reading
Cody Garcia · The Agency
Discuss your
next move.
Tell Cody what you’re buying or selling,
and the timing you have in mind.
Cody Garcia · The Agency · CA DRE #01959655