What to expect during the home buying process. Refer back to this anytime during the process, but we will also be updating you along the journey. 

This document outlines an exclusive buyer representation agreement, detailing the buyer's and broker's responsibilities, compensation terms, and cancellation conditions. Our commitment: we will always strive to negotiate for the seller to cover the buyer's broker commission

The pre-approval stage is the most critical step in ensuring a successful transaction. Our process involves a rigorous verification of assets and creditworthiness to provide you with a definitive 'Green Light.' Once complete, you'll receive a formal pre-approval letter that strengthens your negotiating position and demonstrates your readiness to close

When submitting an offer, there are (3) main contingencies to consider. Take a moment to read through - we will discuss each one so that you can make an informed decision when submitting an offer on a home.

Looking for a new home is only a step away, most clients prefer to have a property alert set up so they can be alerted when any new property comes on the market that fits their criteria.

We will dive deep into the data and see what homes are listed for and sold for in the surrounding area to give you a better idea of how much to offer

Here is the sample contract paperwork we will need to fill out when making offers in California. They include the 

1) Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship

2) Possible Representation of More Than One Buyer or Seller - Disclosure and Consent

3) California Purchase Agreement

4) Buyer Inspection Advisory

5) Market Conditions Advisory

When preparing your offer, you'll need to make some big decisions. The purchase price is a major one, but you'll also have to think about other terms like inspections and contingency periods. When the time comes, I'll guide you through the purchase agreement and advise you on writing the winning offer.

Here's a sample of the Purchase Agreement so you can familiarize yourself before writing offers.

Here is the sample contract paperwork we will need to fill out when making offers in San Francisco. They include the
1) Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship
2) Possible Representation of More Than One Buyer or Seller - Disclosure and Consent
3) San Francisco Purchase Agreement
4) Buyer Inspection Advisory
5) Market Conditions Advisory

When preparing your offer, you'll need to make some big decisions. The purchase price is a major one, but you'll also have to think about other terms like inspections and contingency periods. When the time comes, I'll guide you through the purchase agreement and advise you on writing the winning offer.

Here's a sample of the Purchase Agreement so you can familiarize yourself before writing offers.

What happens if you get your offer accepted and then discover something negative during your inspection period? Can you cancel the contract? What happens to your deposit? These types of questions are very common and important.  

Buyers should read and understand the "Liquidated Damages" and "Arbitration/Mediation" paragraphs in the Purchase Agreement.

What happens if you get your offer accepted and then discover something negative during your inspection period? Can you cancel the contract? What happens to your deposit? These types of questions are very common and important.  

Buyers should read and understand the "Liquidated Damages" and "Arbitration/Mediation" paragraphs in the Purchase Agreement.

You've found the perfect home- now what? The next step is contacting me for the disclosure package so you can begin due diligence.  

State and city laws require specific seller disclosures to be part of every property transfer. All of them are important to read, although many of them are generic advisories used state-wide for all types of listings. Sellers provide their knowledge of the property by filling out a Transfer Disclosure Statement and other supporting forms; they may also choose to provide various inspections, such as a pest/termite inspection or a home inspection.

1. SPQ (seller property questionnaire)

Look at what is marked YES

2. TDS (transfer disclosure statement)

Look at what is marked YES

3. NHD (natural hazard disclosure)

Check flood zone because it could cost extra insurance.

Landslide, all the other hazards, everyone else you live around will be in as well.

-Check for mello Roos. This is additional property tax to keep in mind. 

4. INSPECTIONS

Check for major big red flags that the inspector pointed out 

Section 1 termite - important fix now items 

Section 2 - keep watch of 

They will usually give you a quote of how much to pay to fix certain items

5. PRE-LIMINARY TITLE REPORT

Who owns the property

The exact parcel number to know what you’re buying

Are there any liens on the property

Sellers will have to pay them first 

6. PROPERTY SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES

HOA DOCS

Check for what is allowed and what is not. If you have any questions, better to ask for permission than forgiveness.

The term 'closing costs' basically means how much it costs a buyer to do the deal. Bulked into this term are: lender fees, escrow fees, title insurance, pro-rated property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and pro-rated HOA dues (if applicable). 

Upon acceptance, you put your deposit into escrow, and then just before the close date, you'll need to come up with the remaining funds, which includes the balance of your down payment and all of the fees. 

And here's some good news: Our commitment is to always negotiate the seller to pay for buyers brokers closing costs

If you're not already familiar with how the fiscal year works in terms of property taxes, here's a handy chart. Some lenders may require that the borrower/buyer set up "impound accounts" at the close of escrow, which means that a monthly amount is added to your mortgage payment to cover your yearly property tax bill. 

Some buyers like this arrangement because it breaks up the tax payments into monthly amounts and the lender sends the funds to the assessor; but if you choose to decline impound accounts, then your tax bill is mailed to you directly, and it's due twice a year. Don't be late, because there are stiff penalties for delinquent payments.

If you don't have an impound account, 

The first installment of your tax bill is due on November 1 and becomes delinquent by the close of business on December 10. The second installment of your tax bill is due on February 1 and becomes delinquent by the close of business on April 10.

Who pays what? County by County break down of City and County Transfer Tax.

Single? Married? Sole ownership? Joint tenants? Community property? Right of Survivorship? Your type of ownership taken, also known as 'vesting of title' will dictate how you sign your closing papers and record the transaction.  

Here's a great informational brochure explaining the common ways to hold title.

Gather this information when speaking to a lender to ensure a smooth process

An independent resource to help veterans, service members, and their families navigate VA.gov. Learn how to access VA benefits, healthcare, disability compensation, education programs, and more, simplified and explained

Map of all of the neighborhoods of San Francisco

CostHelper Home and Garden - Find out what price other people are paying. Contains information on how much various Home and Garden goods and services should cost.

Ready to sell your home? Check out our in depth guide of how our team will prepare to sell your home.