Our Step-By-Step Plan to Secure your Dream Home.
We know buying a home is a major investment, and our aim is to make it as stress-free as possible. With over 30 years of living in the Bay Area, we have gained a deep understanding of the region, including the schools and micro-neighborhoods on the Peninsula. As trusted local experts, you can count on us to lead you through the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. A licensed lender can help evaluate your financial standing and provide a pre-approval. Getting pre-approved doesn't obligate you to a lender, but it will help guide your decisions during the home shopping process. Having a pre-approval or even pre-underwritten letter in-hand is imperative as it is usually required by the listing agent and increases the attractiveness of your offer, particularly when a seller has multiple offers to choose from. We can provide recommendations to trusted mortgage professionals.
Now the fun begins! You can start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. As your Real Estate Agents, we will also search for homes on your behalf, including pre-list properties that have not yet been shared with the general public. When you find a home that you like, we'll schedule a showing tour for you to preview the property in person. Remember, what you don't like is just as important as what you do like. All of your thoughts and opinions will help us improve the quality of the home search process and help us to guide you to the perfect home for your lifestyle.
When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, we will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible and draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss not only the purchase price, but also the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject, or counter the offer. If the seller counters the offer, we will skillfully negotiate on your behalf, advocating for your interests until an agreement is reached or the offer is rejected by either party.
Once your offer is accepted, you will be officially under contract. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point, unless you are making a cash purchase, it will be time to make an earnest money deposit (usually within 1 business day of acceptance), and secure your mortgage loan. Lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender you trust to help you determine the best loan for your specific circumstances.
Inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home-buying process. A licensed home inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire property and report any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems. The inspector will also investigate pest infestations, fungus or similar damage.
In the Bay Area, it is customary for the seller to conduct home inspections upfront and provide disclosures for the buyer to review, sign and include along with the purchase offer. If the home warrants further investigation we can guide you through this process.
Your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the fair market value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to either renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract provided you have an appraisal contingency.
Prior to closing, we will take a final walk through the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed, and that the home is in the same condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any issues identified with the home before you close. You will sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walk-through is complete, and the condition of the home is acceptable.
Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure document that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and any other costs associated with the closing. They will also confirm that you are clear to close, and you will sign all of the paperwork required to complete your purchase and loan agreement. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive keys and you'll be ready to move into your new home!
Estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI.
We pride ourselves in providing personalized solutions that bring our clients closer to their dream properties and enhance their long-term wealth. Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!