Buyers

Let's Get Started

In the link below, you will find everything you need to know about buying a home in the Bay Area. The guide will go through qualities you want in a dream home and also your preferences for your future neighborhood. We also provide a step-by-step timeline, walking you through the entire home-buying process. 

The Home Buying Process - Let's Break It Down!

Step 1: The Consult

Your first step on your journey to home ownership starts with an initial consultation meeting. Typically, we schedule a 45 minute call via Zoom or Google Meet. We ask that you watch our webinar: Home Buying in the Bay Area, prior to our consultation. During our webinar, we talk about the ins and outs of home buying in the Bay Area, and explain all the steps of the process. If you watch the webinar before our meeting, we can focus on getting to understand your home goals and begin mapping out custom plan for getting you keys! We will also tell you a bit about how our team works, answer all your questions, recommend a lender that will fit your financial profile, and we set you up on a customized home search!

Step 2: The Finances

Interest rates are at historic lows, which makes locking in a great rate on your mortgage super appealing – if you’re ready. It’s also important to be prepared before you dive into the process, especially with the lack of inventory we’re experiencing.  Having strong financing terms and using a reputable lender  can make a huge difference as to whether or not your offer gets accepted. We are here to advise you on which steps to take to get your finances in order. 

Step 3: The Search

Narrowing down your criteria before seeing homes in person is a great way to streamline your search. Complete our buyer questionnaire so we can set up your search criteria in RealScout. Once we set up your account, we can communicate directly through the app. You can start saving your preferences and "favoriting" homes you're interested in learning more about. We can even set up alerts for you to receive information when there is a change in the home's status. 

Step 4: The Tour

Once you find a few homes you would like to tour on RealScout, message us to set up a time to tour. Showings these days require prior scheduling and a signed PEAD form (Property Entrance Advisory & Declaration) that states you will abide by COVID-19 precautions. Click the button below for a list of questions to ask yourself as you're touring a home. A lot of these questions can even be answered BEFORE you tour in person. (Always ask us if there is a virtual tour available!)

Step 5: The Reports

What are “disclosures”? And why are they important? Due to COVID-19 and SiP guidelines, there is now a more rigorous process to go through before viewing a home. The disclosure package is the compilation of all the material facts about the home. It also typically includes reports and estimates, which can help give you quick yes or no about a home. If you’re buying a condo, the most important focus will be on HOA docs and investigating the HOA. 

Step 6: The Offer

There are currently more buyers looking for houses than there are houses for sale. Our inventory levels are at an all time low and buyers are having to compete with multiple offers to get their dream home. Helping our buyers' offer stand out is one of our super powers. We have decided to package up that expertise and share the strategies we use with our own buyers in this checklist! Our goal is to help you prepare for house hunting in the competitive Bay Area market so that you're ready!

Step 7: The Escrow

Escrow is the period of time between when you get your offer accepted and when you get the keys to your home! 

Step 8: The Key Handoff

Check out the link below to see a video we made on closing day for our one of clients. Creating a "closing day" video is part of our gift to you when you close escrow!

More Resources

Your Custom Home Search

BUYER QUESTIONNAIRE

What's Your Style Home?

TAKE OUR QUIZ

First Time Home ​​​​​​​Buyer

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Make Your Offer Stand Out

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE

New ​​​​​​​Construction

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