Let Thomas-Chambers Company
BRE # 01208644 assist you in buying a new home in Oakland

For a lot of people, purchasing a home can be an intimidating event. But with some planning ahead of time, it isn't all that difficult. I like to furnish buyers with an overview of the entire deal so they understand exactly what they can expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
Before you commence your home search, there are many things you should do. It's likely that you'll want to assemble a list of items you need to have, get a plan of what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good guideline to follow.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent
This is where I come in. I'd be more than happy to arrange a time to meet with you and speak with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Oakland area.

In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan. Thomas-Chambers Company
BRE # 01208644 partners with some of Oakland's finest mortgage professionals, so you'll be in great hands. They will assist you with deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin house hunting
After our first meeting, I'll start searching for houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll research most of the houses and eliminate the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour the houses, I'll show you the positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you what things you like and don't like. Oftentimes, buyers amend their must-have list as we tour homes and some features become more crucial than others. If such is the case, I'll look through the listings once more and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
My knowledge of the Oakland home market is an imperative factor in your house search. I am acquainted with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I'll communicate what areas are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful analysis.

As we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate when the list price has room for bargaining and when I believe the home is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and make sure you ask your agent a lot of questions, as every real estate agent in Oakland will tell you they comprehend the housing market. If it seems like they don't know everything, call me at 5106010116 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
We'll find the home of your dreams in Oakland, and when that happens, I'll precisely create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including a lot of contingencies, such as getting financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we present your purchase offer, you'll probably need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure an offer to buy the property and is usually put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the first offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market will play a big part in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
After we sign the final contract, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. It won't be a long process at all if you're pre-approved, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of accepting your application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a precise range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and comfortable occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to call me at 5106010116 or e-mail me at .