Home is where the Story Begins

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Buying a home is exciting and can be overwhelming. We're here to work together with you to make the process smooth and seamless. That includes listening to your wish list of wants and needs, bringing you up to speed on the market and introducing you to our curated resources. We don't just want to help you find your next home, we want to help open the door to the Marin lifestyle and welcome you as our new neighbors.

Let's get started. Tell us more about yourself…

 

Phase 1

Defining Success

  • What is your motivation to buy?

  • What is your time frame to move?

  • Ideal features vs. Non-negotiables

  • What neighborhood attributes are you looking for?

Preparation

  • Select a lender for pre-approval process and letter

  • Discuss how the numbers work with our home search

  • Review contracts and timelines

  • Sign exclusive buyer-broker agreement

Understanding the Market

  • Research neighborhoods of interest

  • Analysis of active, pending and sold homes 

  • Seasonal nuances 

  • Market forces today

 
 

Phase 2

Let’s Find Your Home

  • Notifications of new and off-market listings

  • Review listings online with Compass Collections tool

  • Attend open houses and showings

  • Select your ideal home

Offers and Negotiation Strategies

  • Discuss terms to make a compelling offer

  • Strategize for a possible multiple-offer situation

  • Offer presentation, highlighting buyer strengths

  • Negotiate to optimize price and terms 

  • Acceptance of offer

 
 

Phase 3

Escrow Process

  • Obtain fully executed contract and open escrow

  • Wire initial deposit to escrow account per terms
    of agreement

  • Notify lender to begin loan process and order appraisal

  • Sign and return escrow paperwork

  • Contact insurance agent for homeowners coverage

  • Provide escrow with vesting (title) information

Inspections and Disclosures

Schedule all desired home inspections

Review disclosures and reports

Approve or negotiate repairs based on inspection reports

Review and approve preliminary title report

Honor timeline and remove contractual contingencies

Schedule final walk-through prior to closing

 
 

Phase 4

Closing

  • Review closing statement from escrow

  • Meet with escrow to sign loan docs and
    closing paperwork

  • Wire remaining down payment and closing costs
    to escrow

  • Transfer utilities to new home

  • Receive recording confirmation and key delivery

  • CELEBRATE

Working Together Again

  • Staying in touch

  • Providing resources and recommendations

  • Referrals, testimonials and online reviews

  • Second homes and investment properties