The home-buying process, step by step.
Whether this is your first purchase or your fifth, this guide explains what happens at each stage and what I'll be doing for you along the way.
Consultation
We'll start with a conversation about your goals, timeline, and budget. Before we tour homes, we'll sign a Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (BRBC), which confirms in writing how I'll represent your interests.
Get pre-approved
If you're financing, a pre-approval defines your budget, shows sellers you're a serious buyer, and lets you search with confidence. I can introduce you to experienced local lenders who can explain your options.
Define what you're looking for
We'll talk through your must-haves and your preferences for location, size, style, and features, then turn them into a focused search profile.
Search for homes
Using your criteria, I'll search the MLS and draw on my professional network, including off-market opportunities when they come up. You'll receive personalized alerts as new listings match your search.
View and evaluate homes
We'll schedule showings so you can see promising homes in person, ask questions, and weigh how each one fits your needs.
Vacant homes are usually easy to see on short notice. Occupied homes often need 24 hours or more to schedule, so reaching out a few days ahead helps, especially for weekends.
Make a competitive offer
When you've found the right home, I'll review recent comparable sales and market conditions with you and help structure an offer that appeals to the seller while meeting your goals. A complete offer package typically includes the purchase agreement, your pre-approval letter, proof of funds, and signed disclosures.
Negotiate
Once your offer is submitted, I'll work directly with the seller's agent to reach a price and terms that protect your interests.
Secure financing and lock your rate
Once your offer is accepted, escrow opens and you'll work with your lender to finalize your loan application, submit the required documents, and lock in your interest rate.
- Your initial deposit goes into escrow, usually within 1 to 3 business days of acceptance.
- Your lender will give you an itemized estimate of closing costs early in the process.
Due diligence
Inspections and the appraisal help you understand the home's condition and confirm its value before you commit. I'll recommend qualified inspectors, review the reports with you, and negotiate repairs or credits where it makes sense.
Closing and keys
I'll guide you through closing, review the documents with you, and coordinate with escrow and the title company so everything is in order. Escrow commonly runs about 21 to 45 days, and cash purchases can close sooner.
After the deed records, the keys are yours. I'm still available afterward for vendor referrals and questions about your new home.
Your buyer agreement, explained
Since the National Association of REALTORS® settlement, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. In California this is the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (BRBC).
It describes the services I'll provide, the terms of our working relationship, and how compensation is handled. It doesn't obligate you to buy a home. It confirms in writing who represents you before we start touring.
What buyer representation means
As your buyer's agent, I represent only you in the transaction. I owe you fiduciary duties, which means putting your interests first in negotiation, advice, and confidentiality.
My ABR® designation reflects specific training in representing buyers.
"I'll walk you through each step and make sure you know what's coming next."Tanya Gianatasio