An overview of the home buying process

1 . Getting started

There are many reasons for moving to a new home. Perhaps you have a new job and must relocate, or you want to take advantage of the low interest rates, or maybe you are tired of renting and want to own! It could be any number of reasons. No matter what your situation, we can work together to find the right solution for you and your family.

2 . Determining your financing strategy

Lending options change daily. If you are not currently talking to a lender, I will personally introduce you to an experienced professional I trust. He or she will be able to explain all your options and advise you on the smartest way to finance your future property. Knowing this information will help us move on to the next step.

3. Finding the perfect home

I make it my business to know the inventory! After discussing your requirements, I will put together a list of properties, and we'll start our search. I'll even look for properties not currently listed on the MLS. If you'd like to do some research yourself, use the links to the right. Contact me if you see something of interest.

4. Making an offer

Every offer we make should be made according to the seller's motivation, the market, and the current listing price of the home. We'll look at all three of these elements and plan our strategy so that you get the best terms possible. I'll go the extra mile by personally delivering your offer to the listing agent and buyer (if at all possible) so that our terms can be explained face-to-face, and so that I can tell them a little about the wonderful person who wants to purchase their home!

5. The Escrow process

After an offer is made and accepted, escrow is opened through a Title Insurance company. For first time buyers and even for seasoned investors, escrow can be a confusing stage of the process. "Escrow" is the holding of buyer and seller funds by a neutral third party until all requirements have been met by both parties. After all contingencies to the sale have been removed, the Escrow Officer releases the appropriate, prorated funds to both the buyer and the seller, confirms the recording of the transaction documents, and declares escrow to be closed.

Let's look at the high-level events of a typical escrow. This timeline will vary according to the specifications of the contract.