Home Buying One Step at a Time

  1. Initial consultation with Chrissy & Steven to evaluate your needs
    As professional real estate agents, we have extensive market knowledge and will work to find the right home for you. Once we establish your needs, we will provide guidance to financial institutions where you can obtain information in order to get the best financing available.
  2. Identify property to Buy
    We will forward you homes based upon the criteria you establish. The more precise and direct you are, the more successful your search will be.
  3. Determine Seller’s motivation
    Once you have found the home that you wish to purchase, we can assist with the necessary research to help you structure an effective offer.
  4. Write offer to purchase
    We will draft the Purchase Agreement and advise you on protective contingencies, customary practices, and local regulations. At this time you will need to provide an “earnest money” deposit, usually from 1 to 3% of the purchase price (the deposit is not cashed until your offer has been accepted by the Seller).
  5. Presentation of offer
    We will present your offer to the Seller and the Seller’s agent. The Seller has three options: they can accept your offer, counter your offer, or reject your offer.
  6. Seller’s response
    We will review the Seller’s response with you and negotiate to reach a final agreement.
  7. Open Escrow
    When the Purchase Agreement is accepted and signed by all parties, we will assist in opening escrow for you. At this time your earnest money will be deposited. The escrow will receive, hold and disburse all funds associated with your transaction.
  8. Contingency time period
    This is the time allowed per your Purchase Agreement to obtain financing, perform inspections, and satisfy any other contingencies to which your purchase is subject. Typical contingencies include:
    • Approval of the Seller’s Transfer Disclosure Statement
    • Approval of the Preliminary Report from the Title Company
    • Loan approval, including an appraisal of the property
    • Physical inspections of the property
    • Pest inspection and certification
  9. Homeowner’s insurance
    We can help coordinate between your Insurance Agent and the Escrow Officer to make sure your policy is in effect at close of escrow.
  10. Down payment funds
    You will need a Cashier’s Check or money transfer several days prior to the closing date of escrow.
  11. Close Escrow
    When all of the conditions of the Purchase Agreement have been met, you will sign your loan documents and closing papers. You will deposit the balance of your down payment and closing costs to your lender will deposit the balance of the purchase price. The Deed will then be recorded at the County Recorder’s office and you will take ownership of your home.

Check out Schools Before You Buy

School Districts and Reviews

Before you buy, learn more about school districts and individual schools serving your neighborhood choices. 

Poway/Rancho Bernardo/Carmel Mountain Ranch/Rancho Penasquitos
Del Sur/4s Ranch/Santa Luz/Torrey HighLands

Scripps Ranch/Mira Mesa

Carmel Valley/Solana Beach/Del Mar

School Info and Ratings

Trusted ratings and school information help parents find the right school for their family. Niche and GreatSchools are great resources for information on schools.

Tips to Sellers – Preparing to list your home

  1. First impressions are lasting. Make sure it is fresh and clean.
  2. Let the sun shine in by opening draperies.
  3. Can you see the light? Turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.
  4. Repairs can make a big difference. Have them fixed.
  5. Remove all unnecessary articles. Avoid cluttered appearances.
  6. Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal.
  7. Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show space is ample.
  8. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture.
  9. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.
  10. Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
  11. Three’s a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during inspections.
  12. Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer.
  13. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the agent and buyer talk, free of disturbances.
  14. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way – preferably out of the house.
  15. Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections.
  16. Be in the background. The salesperson knows the buyer’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home.
  17. Let your us discuss price terms, possession and other factors with the buyer.
  18. Show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through Chrissy & Steven.

Home Improvements to Consider

Many of you ask me about what improvements they should make before preparing to list their home. This is truly your decision and we are here to help guide you through the options. As a member of the California Association of Realtors, I received this helpful infographic that I wanted to share. It shows the data behind the potential return on different home improvement projects. If you need any help deciding how to prep your home for sale, I hope you find this useful.

Chrissy & Steven Stone, RealtorS®

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This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited. Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited. This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by NSDCAR®. Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display. The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived is protected by copyright. Compilation © 2023 NSDCAR®, Inc.

©2024 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. DRE# 01317331.