OUR PROCESS
The experiences from hundreds of transactions has lead to the creation of our simplified home buying process. The steps are as follows:
- You will have a meeting with the team to fully understand the your needs and desires. Together we complete our special questionnaire that becomes our business plan.
- In the case that a new lender is needed a conference call is prepared in the same meeting with our preferred and proven lender for loan discussions and a preapproval.
- Based on our client’s time line the search begins. In most cases it begins in the initial meeting with live MLS searches to research areas, prices, and properties. The outcome of the final search criteria will become the guidelines of the regularly emailed auto-prospect notification.
- When you see a property or two that you like simply call, text, or email us back for our opinion. If you want to see it, we will immediately arrange a showing. Time will always be of the essence in this market.
- Based on our experiences it takes about 10 showings to see a property you like and it takes offering on 3 different properties to get you into a new home.
- When you have chosen a property to offer on we will work to negotiate hard for the best possible price and terms for you.
- When you are in escrow we will review every document and attend every inspection. We will advise you in every step until escrow closes. With our extensive knowledge of construction we will advise on illegal, not permitted, and non conforming additions and changes during the home inspection process.
- We will review your closing statement with you to make sure there will not be any exorbitant or unexplained charges.
- Hand you the keys.
QUICK TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOUSE HUNT
- Carefully craft your wish list and try to stick to it. If you are shopping with your partner, discuss your must-haves and deal breakers together so you’ll be on the same page during your house hunt.
- Remember you are not only buying a house, but the neighborhood too. Is it safe? Talk to neighbors and ask questions. Spend time in the area to determine if it offers the lifestyle conveniences you’ll need.
- Don’t see too many houses in one day. You may begin to feel overwhelmed and confused after touring several homes. Too many homes in a short period of time will run together in your mind and you won’t recall which kitchen or which master bedroom belonged to which house.
- Stay within your price range and consider added expenses such as taxes, home owner’s association fees, maintenance etc.
STEPS TO TAKE TO PREPARE TO BUY A HOME WITHIN A YEAR
- If you are planning to purchase within the year then your priority right now should be to clean up your credit. Pull those reports, see if there is anything that may make the process difficult. Any past dues? Any lates? Judgements? Discuss your findings with your lender. The lender may recommend you call the creditors and work out a deal. The key to getting a good mortgage rate is credit worthiness.
- Make sure you have filed your taxes. Mortgage companies will need your last 2 and sometimes 3 years of tax returns so pull that together.
- SAVE SAVE SAVE! Also, it will be worthwhile to sit with a loan agent now and get preapproved. This way you’ll know in advance what your purchasing power is. And if you can’t get preapproved, at least you’ll know why and you can begin to start cleaning your profile up.
QUICK NOTES AND REFERENCES FOR THE BUYER
- If you are planning to purchase within 12 months, call us to advise you on how to boost your credit and increase your purchasing power.
- Look at different purchasing and mortgage payment scenarios. We like the Zillow Mortgage app.
- If you will be holding title in an LLC or trust, make sure it is prepared early. You’ll typically only have 30 days to close escrow.
- Contact us for a detailed 1031 exchange discussion.
- We can refer you to a well qualified tax accounting and trust firms.