SERVICES
Buyers Guide
SERVICES
Buyers Guide
PROPERTY BUYING GUIDE
Once you've found the property you want to purchase, negotiations with the seller begin. Buyer and seller typically reach an agreement within about a week, at which point escrow opens and the formal transaction process begins. Escrow is a neutral period during which a third-party escrow company manages the transaction on behalf of both sides, protecting the buyer throughout the process.
The buyer first deposits an initial deposit (about 3% of the purchase price) into escrow. From there, the buyer's property investigation begins and the loan application process starts — including inspections, along with a full disclosure report from the seller covering repairs, past work, and other relevant history. Buyers also receive a natural hazard disclosure report, the seller's title report, and a termite inspection report, among others. This review period is known as the contingency period. If a significant, unresolvable issue is discovered with the property during this time, the buyer can cancel the transaction within the contingency period.
Once all findings are cleared, the contingency period ends and the transaction moves toward closing. When escrow is about three days from closing, the buyer deposits the remaining balance. If financing is involved, loan funding is completed and title is officially transferred. Escrow then closes.
For buyers based overseas, escrow deposits can also be arranged from abroad. In addition to the purchase price, buyers should expect closing costs — covering escrow fees, inspection fees, homeowners insurance, and prorated property taxes — of roughly 1–2% of the purchase price. Please reach out to discuss agent commission details.
If you're purchasing from outside the U.S., see our International Buyers page for details specific to cross-border purchases.
PROCESS TO BUY PROPERTY
Consulting with Agent and Loan Officer
Before beginning your search, we'll talk through your budget, target areas, home type and size, and financing options together.
Getting a Pre-Qualification Letter
For buyers financing their purchase, this step confirms your borrowing capacity before you start touring properties.
Showing Property
Once your criteria are set, we'll review MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings together, and head out to tour properties as soon as we find a good match.
Making an Offer
After touring a property you'd like to purchase, we submit a purchase offer to the seller and begin negotiations.
Making an Agreement
Once buyer and seller reach agreement, both parties sign, and the purchase agreement is finalized.
Open an Escrow
(about 30 to 60 days)
The purchase agreement is submitted to the escrow company and escrow opens, typically lasting 30–60 days. The buyer deposits the initial funds while remaining neutral third parties manage the process.
Start Loan Application
Required documents are submitted, and the full loan underwriting review begins.
Buyer's Property Investigation
This includes buyer-ordered inspections and full disclosure of property-related information from the seller.
Loan Final Approval and Funding
Once the loan review is complete and final approval is granted, loan documents are signed and funding proceeds.
Recording Title
The title company records the change of ownership with the county.
Closing Escrow
Escrow closes, and the property officially becomes yours.