Having a clear understanding and vision of your goals, needs, and financial capacity when it comes to buying a home is a great way to start your journey. Whether you’re sick of paying rent, or are in a place to settle down and have more control of your living space, homeownership is a great investment that also allows you to build equity over time. In addition, the tax benefits of homeownership can provide a considerable advantage over renting. Choosing the right home starts with you and I will be right by your side the entire process.
Build your ‘Green File’. A green file contains all your important financial documents. You’ll need it to secure financing for your home. It’s also important to know what your credit rating is and to be careful not to make any big purchases, or hard credit checks during the home buying process. You want to present your best financial self in order to optimize the loan process.
Let’s take a moment to start narrowing down the area you want to live in. Start voicing what’s important to you as far as proximity goes. Every neighborhood has its own vibe and personality that can help make the essence of your home complete. I have both personal and professional experience with countless neighborhoods on the East Bay; giving you the best possible recommendations and matching your needs with the perfect community.
The right neighborhood makes for the right home. Imagine yourself walking around the neighborhood and getting a sense of what it would be like to live there every day. Ensuring you're in close proximity to whatever is important for you to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Building a rapport and staying organized allowed me to create a reliable reputation with other agents, who look forward to working with us. After reviewing and comparing home sales in the area, the next step of the process will be discussing enticing offer strategies. Being able to confidently present an offer in a competitive market may seem intimidating, however, giving yourself a bit of wiggle room opens up your opportunity to negotiate further and gives you an advantage. Work closely with me to figure out how you can present the strongest offer to get your dream home.
The true waiting game. Opening an escrow account means you're putting down all deposits and fees necessary to purchase the home, showing you're serious about the purchase and have the funds. The funds stay in escrow and will not be transferred to the seller until all documents and negotiations have been settled and the transaction closes. This can be a lengthy and confusing process, however, that’s what our team is here for. I'll be here to explain what’s happening on the back end, as well as there to keep you accountable for maximizing your opportunity of getting that approval.
You definitely want to know what you’re getting yourself into. Make sure you take the time to complete any necessary inspections and understand the condition of the home before purchasing. Being aware of any challenges with the property ahead of time will allow you to remedy the situation, whether it be through negotiating with the seller or adding to your to-do list.
You’re at the finish line and, luckily you haven’t had to complete this process on your own. I'll continue to be there for the final inspection, helping to keep you accountable for pating all the necessary fees and understanding what fees the seller is required to pay. Once you receive the closing statements and sign the final documents, including loan documents, the transaction is closed and the house is yours.
It doesn’t end there. I will be helping you with all of the details of your move and settling in with a large network of trusted experts who can provide everything from movers, home designers, painters, electricians, etc.
Have a checklist created to ensure all utilities are in your name and any necessary vendors are contacted. I can assist and provide phone numbers of preferred vendors for whatever is needed.
