Home Buying

Step by Step
Choose & Meet Your Realtor
Building a solid relationship with a realtor is important. He or she will be
working closely with you in finding the perfect home to meet your unique
needs. Professional realtors have extensive market knowledge and will provide
guidance in your buying process.
Finding the Perfect Home
Your realtor will show you homes based on the criteria that you have
given him. The more precise and direct you are with your realtor, the
more successful your search will be.
Determine the Seller’s Motivation
Once you have found your perfect property, your realtor will research the
homeowner’s motivation for selling, helping leverage your negotiating
power in an offer to purchase.
Offer to Purchase
Your realtor will draft a purchase agreement, advising you on customary
practices, local regulations, and protective contingencies. You will need to
provide an "earnest money" deposit at this time, usually ranging from 1%
to 3% of the purchase price (deposit amount is not cashed until your offer
is accepted by the seller).
Your realtor will present your offer to the seller’s realtor. The seller will then
either accept your offer, counter your offer or reject your offer.
Seller’s Response
You and your realtor will review the seller’s response. Your realtor’s
knowledge of the process and strong negotiating skills will help you reach
an agreement you feel good about.
Open Escrow
Your realtor will open escrow for you once the purchase agreement is
accepted and signed by all parties. Your "earnest money" will be deposited at
this time. All funds associated with your transaction, either held, received, or
distributed, will be handled by your escrow or title company.