Buying or selling a home in Oakland?

Purchasing a home is intimidating for most people. However, with a bit of planning ahead of time, it's not too difficult. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the whole deal so they know exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are many things you should consider prior to beginning your home search. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to make a list of items you want, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. A good principle to go by is that your mortgage payment should be less than or close to 1/3 of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent
This is where I can help. We can set up a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Oakland area.

I'll also help you facilitate the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Oakland, and I partner with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They'll help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking
Following our initial meeting, I'll begin finding available homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the houses and throw out the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

As we view homes, I'll point out positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to revise their list of must-haves as we view homes and some things become far more substantial than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through all the listings once again and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
My knowledge of the Oakland home market is a crucial factor in your house search. I'm familiar with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will let you know certain areas are "hot" and warrant prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful analysis.

When we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the asking price has room for negotiation and also when I trust the home is "priced to sell." Every REALTOR in Oakland will convince you they comprehend the housing market, but keep an eye out, and be sure to ask a lot of questions. If things don't add up, call me at 5106010116 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer your questions. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
We'll find your dream home in Oakland, and when we do, I'll precisely develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

When we present your purchase offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is often put towards the cost of closing. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals don't close on the initial offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a large role 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 compose a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
Once the contract is complete, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, this shouldn't take long at all, but you'll need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your application. This estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely occur at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and hassle-free affair.

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