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.