The initial consultation will usually last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.  During this time, we will explore your needs and wants, discuss your financing options, and ultimately ensure that you have clear expectations throught the home buying process.

By getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan, you will get a definitive answer for how much a bank or lender will lend to you.  This will allow both you and your REALTOR® to understand your maximum budget, so that you can focus on the right homes during your home search.

Throughout your search for your dream home, your REALTOR® will provide you all for sale listings available through the Multiple Listing Service that best match your criteria and budget.  Additionally, your REALTOR® will monitor off-market listings, pocket listings and properties being offered For Sale By Owner to help you identify the perfect home.

Upon finding a home that you are interested in purchasing, it's time to make an offer.  Your REALTOR® will help guide you through the steps of submitting an offer, including determining an appropriate offer price and terms based on recent comparable sales, the terms of your loan, and other pertinent criteria.  Once your offer is drafted, your REALTOR® will present your offer on your behalf.  Typically, the seller will either accept your offer, reject your offer, or propose a counter offer.

Once you have successfully submitted an offer and received an acceptance, the escrow process begins.  During this time, a title seach will provide a historical review of all legal documents related to the property ownership to ensure there are no legal claims against the title of the property, so that title insurance can be issued.  Escrow will also ensure that any outstanding liens are released before the sale of the property is complete.  
 
This is also the time period for you as the buyer to have your home inspeciton conducted, and for your lender to have the home appraisal conducted.

You have completed your home inspection and appraisal, the title search has determined that there are no legal claims against title that would prohibit a title insurance policy being issued, and your lender has fully approved your loan and you have remitted the funds for your down payment and closing costs.  It is time to close on your home!  
 
Upon receipt of all funds to close and authorization from all parties involved (buyer, seller, lender) the escrow company will submit to the county recorder's office for confirmation of recording, making you a new home owner!