The Buying Process
Buying a home can be exciting and a little overwhelming. As local experts, we’ll guide you step-by-step so you feel comfortable and confident from your first conversation to closing day.
01
Get Pre-Approved
A pre-approval helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you’re serious. We can connect you with trusted lenders and help you compare options so you’re ready when the right home hits the market.
02
The Home Search
We’ll narrow down your must-haves, neighborhoods, and timing, then set you up with a smart home search so you don’t miss the best opportunities. When you’re ready, we’ll tour homes and refine the plan as we go.
03
Making An Offer
We’ll review comps, the home’s condition, and market demand, then structure an offer that protects you and stays competitive. We’ll also help you choose the right terms and timelines.
04
Going Under Contract
Once your offer is accepted, we’ll coordinate escrow timelines, deposits, and your lender’s next steps. You’ll always know what’s due, when it’s due, and what’s coming next.
05
Home Inspection
Inspections help uncover issues you can’t see on a quick walk-through. We’ll help you hire a great inspector, review the report, and negotiate repairs or credits when appropriate.
06
Home Appraisal
If you’re financing, the lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. We’ll walk you through what to expect and support you if the value comes in above or below the contract price.
07
Final Walkthrough
Before closing, we’ll do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the agreed condition and that any negotiated repairs are complete. This is your last check before you sign.
08
Closing!
Final signatures, funding, and recording, then it’s official. We’ll make sure you understand what you’re signing and when you’ll get keys. Welcome home.
Tools For Buyers
Moving Checklist
Two months before you move
- Start collecting moving quotes and set a budget.
- Sort and purge: donate, sell, recycle, less to move = less to pay.
- Create a “move folder” for receipts, contracts, and documents.
- If renting, review your lease and notice requirements.
- Research schools, commute, and service providers.
A month before the move
- Book movers or reserve a truck.
- Order supplies and start packing non-essentials.
- Schedule utilities to start/stop.
- Arrange time off and pet/child care.
- Use up pantry and freezer items.
Two weeks before you move
- Confirm mover details and special items.
- Update your address (USPS, banks, subscriptions).
- Label boxes by room and priority.
- Set aside valuables to move personally.
- Schedule cleaning or repairs.
The week of your move
- Pack an essentials kit.
- Photograph electronics before unplugging.
- Confirm keys and access details.
- Defrost and clean appliances.
- Prepare a first-night box.
The day before you move
- Finish packing and mark fragile boxes.
- Charge devices.
- Final walkthrough of the home.
- Separate documents and valuables.
- Get rest.
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of September 26, 2026 2:04 PM UTC This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
