Step 2: Meet with Mortgage Broker
If you are planning to purchase a property through financing, it is imperative that you meet with a mortgage broker and receive a "prequalification" letter. This is important because 1, it will tell you what you will be able to afford, and 2. many sellers will not allow you to view their properties (private showings) without this document or other proof of funding.

Step 3: Market Education
Based on what you can afford, and what you're willing to spend we will undergo a thorough market study. This will involve my researching of properties that fit your profile, then I will schedule showings for you to visit them.

Step 4: Select Home to Buy/Submit Offer to Purchase
Once you have selected a property for purchase, we will submit an offer. This will involve some strategy based on research – based on market trends, and a comparative market analysis (study of comparable units recently sold in the same neighborhood). This process may also involve negotiation of the selling price if the seller counters the offering price (or other terms).

Step 5: Acceptance of Contract
When the seller accepts the offer, the offer turns into a binding contract.

Step 6: Open Escrow/Deposit Earnest Money
I will open an escrow account on behalf of the buyer (you) with your initial deposit (earnest money). At the same time, you will be responsible for submitting your mortgage application, and reviewing the disclosures.

Step 7: Receive Escrow Instructions
The escrow will collect your information. The mortgage company will begin processing your loan. And you will be asked to review the inspection reports and to submit requests for repairs.

Step 8: Title Search
The escrow company will conduct a title search (to determine if the property is clear of any outstanding liens). Upon loan approval and as the transaction moves forward, we will work to remove loan and other contingencies.

Step 9: Arrange Homeowner's Insurance
This step is sometimes required by the mortgage company.

Step 10: Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through is normally a few days before the scheduled closing day and usually takes 15 – 30 minutes. The walk-through is to ensure that the condition of the property meets the agreed upon terms. This is also when the buyer begins the transfer of utilities into their name (scheduled to take effect on the day of closing).

Step 11: Deposit Balance of Down-Payment and Closing Costs
Deposit the balance of payment into escrow.

Step 12: Sign Closing Documents and Loan Papers

Step 13: Loan Funding

Step 14: Close Escrow - Get Keys!

Real Estate Transaction Flowchart

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