FINDING YOUR DREAM HOME
| BUYERS
Pre-Qualification
Before you begin your home search, meet with a trusted mortgage broker to determine how much home you can afford. This step provides a clear picture of your financial position and ensures you're looking in the right price range.
Pre-Approval
Taking it a step further, pre-approval demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Unlike pre-qualification, pre-approval involves applying for a mortgage and receiving a written commitment from a lender. With this in hand, you avoid disappointment by focusing only on homes within your budget and gain an edge in competitive markets. Sellers are more likely to favor buyers who are pre-approved because it shows you’re ready to move forward with confidence.
List of Needs & Wants
When searching for your dream home, it’s important to prioritize your needs and wants. Start by listing your must-have features your that your future home absolutely needs to fit your lifestyle. These are things such as the number of bedrooms for your family, a one-story layout for accessibility, or a location close to work or school. Then, consider your nice-to-haves, like a pool, a den, or a spacious backyard—features that would be wonderful but aren’t dealbreakers. While you may not get everything on your wish list, focusing on your priorities will keep you on track to find the perfect place to call home. Let’s create your personalized list and get started!
Representation You Can Trust
As your dedicated real estate agent, I work for you—the buyer—not the seller. Let’s find your perfect home together.

- -Nationally Connected
- -Market Expertise and Knowledge
- -Personalized and Perfected Search Plan
BUYING YOUR HOME
GIVING YOUR DREAMS AN ADRESS
Step 1: Outlining Your Objective
Outlining Your Objectives
• What’s motivating you to buy a home?
• What price range are you targeting?
• What’s your ideal timeline for moving?
• What features are must-haves and “non-negotiables” for you?
• What qualities are you seeking in a neighborhood?
Planning & Preparation
• Collaborate with your Realtor® to define your goals and outline the process
• Secure a loan pre-approval letter
• Sign an exclusive buyer-broker agreement with your Realtor®
• Explore your desired neighborhood with your Realtor®
Understanding the Market
• Evaluate active, pending, and closed transactions
• Examine contracts and key deadlines
• Consider personal timing and seasonal trends
• Analyze market dynamics: supply versus demand, macro and micro factors
Step 2: Finding Your Home
The Search
• Explore and evaluate online listings with your Realtor®
• Stay informed about new and off-market properties
• Take virtual tours of listings from the comfort of your home
• Choose your perfect location and dream home
Offers & Negotiation Strategies
• Understand the Purchase Contract with guidance from your Realtor®
• Explore strategies for handling multiple offers (if applicable)
• Present your offer effectively, emphasizing buyer strengths
• Negotiate to achieve the best price and terms
• Manage offer acceptance or counteroffer negotiations
Step 3: Going Into Escrow
The Escrow Process
• Inform escrow of the accepted offer and provide the fully executed contract.
• Transfer the initial deposit to escrow according to the terms of the agreement.
• Notify the lender to initiate the loan process and arrange for the appraisal.
• Review, sign, and return the escrow opening package and instructions.
• Reach out to your insurance agent to secure homeowner's coverage.
• Submit vesting (title) details to escrow.
Inspections & Disclosures
• Arrange for all necessary home inspections (e.g., sewer scope, etc.).
• Review inspection reports and negotiate or approve any needed repairs.
• Examine and approve all required disclosures from the seller and state.
• Review and approve the preliminary title report.
• Meet all deadlines and address contractual contingencies.
• Schedule the final walk-through before closing escrow.
Step 4: Closing
Welcome Home
• Review the closing statement provided by escrow.
• Meet with escrow virtually to sign loan documents.
• Coordinate the wire transfer for your down payment and closing costs.
• Set up utility transfers to your new home.
• Celebrate closing day with key delivery!
• Move into your new property.
• Use a move-in checklist to stay organized.
Working Together Again
• Providing a move-in checklist for a seamless transition
• Offering resources and valuable connections
• Maintaining communication and keeping you updated
• Exploring options for second homes and investment properties
• Gathering referrals, reviews, and testimonials
Focus & Organization
Keep essential items in a convenient location to help you make the most of your home search. These items might include:
- A file containing the properties your agent has shown you
- Photos from your camera roll, taken during a home showing, can be an excellent way to refresh your memory about specific properties, especially when visiting several in a short period.
- A notebook and pen, perfect for jotting down notes during your search.
- When evaluating a potential property, consider it from the perspective of the seller. Think about whether a potential buyer would be drawn to the property based on factors such as the quality of the school district, safety (crime rate), and its proximity to desirable amenities (shopping centers, parks, freeway access) as well as undesirable elements (abandoned properties, landfills, noise sources).
Picture the house both as a blank slate and with your own decor in place.
Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?
Be Objective
Determining your budget is the first step, but it’s equally important to approach the process thoughtfully. Instead of letting emotions guide you when you find a home, take a step back and evaluate it logically. Does this home truly meet your needs? With so many options available, avoid rushing into a decision you might later regret.
Be Thorough
Spending a little extra now can help you avoid significant expenses down the road.
Make sure to prioritize essentials like:
Incorporate inspection and mortgage contingencies into your written offer. *If Applicable
Schedule a professional inspection of the property.
Arrange for a second walk-through to occur within 24 hours before closing.
Ensure that no unauthorized changes have been made, such as a high-end chandelier you expected to be included being swapped out for an inexpensive ceiling light.
All of this might feel a bit overwhelming. That's why having a professional to guide you and handle the details is highly recommended. Feel free to email or call me directly to discuss these topics further.
Are You
| Looking to Buy
A Home