The Buying Process: Step-by-Step Guidance

​Buying a home is an exciting journey, and we are here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way. Our process is designed to be clear, informative, and focused on achieving your specific goals.

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1. Understanding Your Vision & Priorities

• Initial Consultation: We begin with a detailed discussion about your reasons for buying, desired timeline, and ideal property characteristics—including location, style (especially if seeking specific architectural or historic features), condition, and price range.

• Defining Priorities: We help you clarify and prioritize your key purchase criteria.

• Financial Preparation: We discuss the importance of financial pre-qualification or pre-approval to ensure you're ready to make a strong offer.

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2. Curated Home Search & Viewings

• Targeted Search Setup: Based on your criteria, we utilize comprehensive MLS tools to identify suitable properties, focusing the search to match your specific needs.

• Timely Notifications: You'll receive instant notifications for new properties matching your criteria as soon as they hit the market.

• Personalized Showings: We schedule and accompany you on viewings of properties you're interested in, offering insights along the way.

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3. Crafting a Strategic & Informed Offer

• Financial Readiness: We ensure you have your lender pre-approval and proof of funds readily available to support your offer. We also discuss the earnest money deposit required.

• Market Analysis & Valuation: We provide a thorough analysis of comparable sales and market conditions for the property you wish to offer on, applying nuanced valuation techniques especially important for unique or historic homes.

• Property Context Research: We research the property's history (time on market, previous listings, etc.) to provide full context for your offer strategy.

• Offer Strategy & Preparation: We discuss optimal offer terms based on the analysis, property context, and any specific seller requirements, helping you craft a compelling and competitive offer package.

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4. Offer Submission & Expert Negotiation

• Professional Presentation: We submit your offer, along with all supporting financial documentation and required disclosures, ensuring it is presented professionally to the seller and listing agent. We advocate for presenting offers in person whenever possible.

• Diligent Follow-Up: We confirm receipt with the listing agent and maintain clear communication regarding the offer status.

• Navigating Counter-Offers: Should you receive a counter-offer, we provide expert consultation on the terms and help strategize your response to reach a successful agreement.

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5. Guiding You Through Escrow & Inspections

• Initiating Escrow & Loan Process: Once your offer is accepted, we coordinate the opening of escrow and ensure all ratified documents are promptly submitted to your lender to begin the formal loan approval process, including ordering the appraisal.

• Earnest Money Deposit: We guide you through the secure process of delivering your earnest money deposit to escrow within the contractual timeframe.

• Reviewing Key Documents: We assist you in reviewing the preliminary title report and all seller disclosures (Natural Hazard, Transfer Disclosure, etc.), answering any questions you have.

• Thorough Inspections: We help coordinate and facilitate any inspections you wish to perform. For architectural or historic homes, this might include specialized inspections (e.g., foundation, sewer line, chimney, roof) in addition to a general home inspection. We attend inspections with you and help you assess the findings with the professionals.

• Addressing Repairs/Concerns: Based on inspection results, we consult with you on the condition and advise on negotiating any potential repairs, credits, or price adjustments if necessary.

• Appraisal & Loan Coordination: We meet with the appraiser, providing relevant comparable data to support the purchase price, especially vital for unique properties. We liaise with your lender throughout the process to ensure timely loan approval and document delivery.

• Contingency Management: We carefully track all contractual deadlines and guide you on the implications of removing contingencies (inspection, loan, appraisal).

• Final Loan & Closing Steps: We coordinate with escrow and your lender for the final loan document signing, ensure your closing funds are transferred correctly, and monitor the recording of the sale.

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6. Closing & Keys to Your New Home

• Final Documentation: We ensure you receive your complete closing package from escrow.

• Key Handover: We arrange for you to receive the keys to your new home!

• Utility Transfers: We provide guidance on setting up utilities in your name.

• Ongoing Resource: Our service continues beyond closing; we remain available to answer questions and assist with your future real estate needs.​