Serving Santa Clara County, California for over 30 years
Offices in Saratoga and Los Gatos, California

An overview of the home buying process:

1. Getting started

There are many reasons for moving to a new home. Perhaps you have a new job and must relocate, or you want to take advantage of the low interest rates, or maybe you are tired of renting and want to own! It could be any number of reasons. No matter what your situation, we can work together to find the right solution for you and your family.

2. Determining your financing strategy

Lending options change daily. If you are not currently talking to a lender, I will personally introduce you to an experienced professional I trust. He or she will be able to explain all your options and advise you on the smartest way to finance your future property. Knowing this information will help us move on to the next step.

3. Finding the perfect home

I make it my business to know the inventory! After discussing your requirements, I will put together a list of properties, and we'll start our search. I'll even look for properties not currently listed on the MLS. If you'd like to do some research yourself, use the links to the right. Contact me if you see something of interest.

4. Making an offer

Every offer we make should be made according to the seller's motivation, the market, and the current listing price of the home. We'll look at all three of these elements and plan our strategy so that you get the best terms possible. I'll go the extra mile by personally delivering your offer to the listing agent and buyer (if at all possible) so that our terms can be explained face-to-face, and so that I can tell them a little about the wonderful person who wants to purchase their home!

5. The Escrow process

After an offer is made and accepted, escrow is opened through a Title Insurance company. For first time buyers and even for seasoned investors, escrow can be a confusing stage of the process. "Escrow" is the holding of buyer and seller funds by a neutral third party until all requirements have been met by both parties. After all contingencies to the sale have been removed, the Escrow Officer releases the appropriate, prorated funds to both the buyer and the seller, confirms the recording of the transaction documents, and declares escrow to be closed.

Let's look at the high-level events of a typical escrow. This timeline will vary according to the specifications of the contract.

week 1: the offer

The offer is made and accepted.

Escrow is opened at a title company and the good faith deposit from the buyer is delivered to the Escrow Officer.

The buyer and buyer's agent review and sign disclosures, order inspections, and notify the lender of the purchase.

week 2 and 3: inspections

The buyer receives inspection reports and finishes reviewing disclosures. If any additional work needs to be done to fulfill the requirements of the contract, it is usually done at this time. In addition, the buyer generally increases the good faith deposit (often from 1% to 3% of the purchase price).

week 4 and 5: approvals and paperwork

The buyer and the buyer's agent do a final walk-through of the home for verification that contract terms are met.

Around this time, the loan is approved and the buyer signs the paperwork for the new loan and title transfer.

The remaining funds to complete the sale need to be wired, or a cashier's check mailed overnight or hand-delivered to the title company.

The lender funds the loan and the new deed is recorded at the County Recorder's office. The escrow officer releases the funds to the seller as necessary, and escrow is closed.

Why purchase Title Insurance?

In Northern California, Title Insurance companies hold most escrows, and buying title insurance is part of every escrow process. Title insurance came about to protect buyers and lenders from problems relating to the title to a property. Since the home you are buying may have changed owners several times, and the land may have gone through many more owners than that, there may be unpaid real estate taxes, liens, or mechanic's liens from many years ago. In the event that something like that comes up, it is necessary to have title insurance to protect yourself and your lender.

6. Ownership!

Congratulations - you are ready to enjoy the pride of ownership!

As your area expert, I am only a phone call away. I will be here to offer information and advice as you get to know the neighborhood, so contact me with any questions you might have. I look forward to serving you in the future!

By the way, if you are happy with my work and have friends or family who need my services, please contact me and pass along their name and phone number. I will be happy to follow up with them.