1.  Find the right representative

Even if you’re not quite ready to buy, as your buyer’s agent I can be an absolute wealth of information, and can often offer ‘scoops’ on upcoming porperties or developments you might not have known about otherwise. Use me as a resource. Click on my Community Resources for help first as it is pretty extensive. 

2.  Find out what your price range is

Online mortgage calculators are a good place to start, but as you get closer to being ready to buy, there is no substitute for a written mortgage pre-approval. Just speaking to your lender, or preferably Woodward-O'Connor Mortgage, is an extremely worthwhile venture – this is the only way to really get an in-depth picture of your overall financial picture and to discover exactly what you can reasonably afford to spend on a home (and possibly on renovating). Having this is a first step before you start going to homes anywhere is a critical step as you will not waste your time looking at homes that are out of your range. You will have fewer disappointments this way.

3.  Find out what your local market looks like

The website can be incredibly valuable in doing preparatory research. Start with me – I can help you to determine where you will find what you are looking for. Use my Advanced Home Search as a valuable resources and immediately start  receiving e-mails of real estate listings that may interest you (or at least give you a better idea of what your needs and wants are). By talking with your for a few minutes, I can hep you set up the searches that will yield the best results. I don't bite and am not pushy, so call me at 831-688-1830.

4.  Find out what your true needs and wants are

Compose a needs/wants list that takes into consideration the local market conditions, your price range, and the time frame you think you will have. This is a critical step as it helps focus on what is most important.

5.  Find your dream home!

Once you’re ready to act, you may be surprised by how quickly you can make a decision. Armed with your pre-approval, a little market knowledge, and your needs/wants list, let's find you a home. With the knowledge and experience you are ready to make and offer.

With the right team behind you, it really can be that easy!

Your Agent
A successful purchase starts with the right agent who has a combination of experience and knowledge.So far, you’ve selected the best agent to represent you,me. WE will work as a team to find what you want.Once we find the right home. I can recommend other professionals to join our team, taking more of the responsibility off of your shoulders.

Lender  and her appraiser
A bank is not just a bank, in fact most of the time it is a mortgage broker.Using a highly skilled and locally knowledgeable lender such as Woodward O'Connor Mortgage  with her local appraisers will give you the best chance for a great rate and a smooth transaction. Having the right lender can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. Out of area lenders have historically had a hard time with loans due the the wide variety of properties and values. The internet is rife with these quick buck, too good to be true rates, and then don't deliver. Unless you are paying all cash, this is one of the most important people on our team.

Escrow & Title  These people are very helpful and necessary in making the transaction happen.They guarantee through their title insurance that the property is being sold by the rightful owners.They are the third party intermediary that holds all the funds, receives and processes all the documents for the lender and records the deeds and documents with the county.They are part of our team.

Lawyer and CPA
Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues.Having a lawyer who can to answer your questions and who specializes in real estate law is often helpful. There are many questions on estate and trus,t and tax consequences that a professional is best suited to answer.

Home and Termite Inspector
No inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road. I highly recommend we get these and potentially others, depending on the property and circumstances.

Contractor
Planning some renovations? You’re not the only one! The home renovation industry is booming, and in some markets, booking a contractor must be done months in advance (that’s a long time to go without a kitchen). Don’t let finding the right contractor slip through the cracks – planning ahead will almost certainly make your renovation smoother, and you contractor will appreciate the advance notice.