Home Buying Guide

• We like to meet in person or over video chat (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc.).
• Meeting you and hearing your goals helps us determine how to best help you.
• Introduce ourselves and how we work, and keep the process fun and exciting!

• The loan is a vital step in the process. Ensuring you are comfortable with monthly payments, qualify, and understand different options is the first step.
• Pre-approval letters are a must-have when submitting an offer. Sellers of desirable homes accept offers quickly. We want to be ready when the time is right.
• Mortgage Broker vs. Direct Lender
• We advise buyers to shop around.

1. Rates, downpayments, programs, monthly payments, and loan programs vary.
2. Some personality types work better together.
3. It’s free to talk with them, and all it takes is a phone call to start the process.

• Market trends
• Style of home: starter home vs. a long-term family home
• Pros and Cons of Remodeling vs. Move-In Ready vs. Fixers New Build and All Variations
• Home vs. Condo
• Schools
• Commute to work
• Proximity to restaurants, stores, parks, etc. vs. quiet neighborhoods
• Price per square foot, amenities, and street-to-street evaluations in determining price
• And more!

• Now that we have narrowed our focus, we will see all of the homes that fit your criteria.
• Continue your search on whatever websites you are most comfortable with.
• Send us anything that catches your eye online. This helps us understand your preferences, and we can further research the homes.
• Visiting as many homes as possible helps you fully understand the price range and what your money will get you in different neighborhoods. It also validates making an offer when we find a home you love.
• Specifically, how do we help?

1. We will also be searching on and off the market for all of the homes that fit your family's needs.
2. We will preview homes during the day if you are busy and take photos and videos.
3. Set up private showings based on your schedule.
4. Call our network of brokers, post in private Facebook groups, and send out email blasts for off-market properties where you are looking.
5. Send letters and doorknock homes that are not listed in the areas you like to see if owners would consider your offer and not go to market for the public.
6. We will develop a relationship with the agent representing the homes you are interested in. Having a good working relationship with the people involved is essential and helps make the process as smooth as possible. It also helps get your offer accepted.

1. Sit down in person or over the phone [whichever you prefer] to go line by line through the offer paperwork. Again, we want you to be comfortable and confident.

2. Select and show you comparables of similar sold homes in the neighborhood. We want you to purchase at fair market value, ideally below!

3. Pre-negotiate, build rapport and develop a good working relationship with the listing agent. This helps get your offer accepted with the best possible terms in your favor!

4. Educating and advising with offer strategies to get your offer accepted over other buyers. This varies depending on the property.

5. Educating and discussing the various contingencies in the offer available to you and tailoring them to your specific circumstances

• Inspection, appraisal, and loan 
• A contingency of the sale of your home

6. Ensuring we have everything we need to make your offer as solid and attractive as possible to the seller

1. Once escrow opens, we work very closely with you, your lender, the listing agent, the title company, and the escrow officer to make sure that we stay ahead of each contingency deadline agreed upon in the accepted offer.

2. Inspections:

a. General, Sewer, Plumbing, Structural, Roof, Termite, Mold, Water/Air Quality, Disclosures, HOA Docs [if applicable], Natural Hazards Disclosure, etc.

b. We recommend you come to the inspections to ask the experts questions and hear their feedback firsthand. We will be at every inspection, so if you can’t make it, no problem!

c. After we get written reports and quotes from the licensed experts, we will send you a “Request for Repairs” to the sellers.

D. It's time to re-negotiate on your behalf!

3. Quick responses to any questions or concerns throughout escrow We love what we do and have been on the phone with clients late at night and early in the morning to advise on strategies and answer questions and concerns. We like to keep the process as smooth, fun, and exciting as possible.

4. We stay on top of everything to help make sure you are meeting the deadlines, avoiding delays, and keeping the process fun and exciting!

5. Transaction Coordinator:

a. Our amazing TC Wendy has been working in real estate for 20+ years. She is an amazing part of our team and helps ensure the paperwork is executed on time, kept organized, and can help answer questions during escrow.

6. Title: We ask our title rep to review the title report to see if there are any red flags we should be concerned about. Both Aaron and Devin will review it as well.

7. We need written confirmation from your lender before we remove the loan contingency.

8. Before escrow closes, we will send you a pre-move checklist of items to take care of.

9. Upon confirmation, we will pick up the keys and deliver them to you. Time to celebrate!

1. Aaron and Devin come with the house! If you ever have any real estate questions or need referrals for contractors, painters, plumbers, etc., we are here to help!

2. We also know a few moving companies that clients have used in the past and had good experiences with.

3. We will help remind you when property taxes are due and when you can renew your home warranty.

4. Interested in a housewarming party? We have been known to help host and cater such events for our clients!