Here are the 15 steps that need to be taken to purchase a home:

1. The Initial Interview


Determine what you need and want in your new home


Discuss the parameters of your search


Discuss financing


2. Get Pre-Qualified By a Lender


Obtain a pre-qualification letter


3. Property Tours


View available properties that match your needs and emotions


Listen to you carefully to find out what features you need in your ideal home


Provide you with information about the current market and what it means to you


4. Find the Home That Matches Your Needs and Write The Offer


Writing the offer will take between 1-3 hours


Complete the purchase agreement contract


Deliver the earnest money deposit(this will be held until and accepted contact is created)


5. Present the Offer


Prepare a presentation by highlighting the strengths of your offer and your strengths as a buyer


Present the offer to the seller and the sellers' real estate professional


The sellers will either accept, counter or reject the offer


6. Counter-Offer


Discuss the counter offer and how it relates to your goals, and prepare a response


7. Escrow


When the offer is accepted and has been signed by all parties, the escrow will be opened


Your earnest money deposit will be deposited


The Escrow Officer will order a Preliminary Title Report and send copies to the lender and I


8. Loan Application


Submit a complete loan application and all the necessary loan documents to your chosen lender


9. The Contingency Period


Your approval of the sellers Disclosures


Your approval of the Preliminary Title Report


Physical inspections and pest inspections


Property appraisal and loan approval


10. Homeowners Insurance Coverage


Select an insurance company and discuss coverage


Give the insurance agent the escrow information(they will need to order a copy of the policy for the new lender prior to escrow closing)


11. Signing Documents at the Title Company


The lender will send the loan documents directly to the title company


You will receive copies of the title and lender documents


You will need a current photo ID


12. Down Payment and Closing Fund


Bring a cashiers check to the title company(depending on circumstances) several days prior to closing


The Escrow Officer will prepare a Buyers' estimated closing statement, which will itemize costs and credits, and estimate the total money due


13. Funding


The lender will wire the funds to the title company


14. Close Of Escrow


The deed will be recorded at the county recorder's office by the title company(you will receive the original back from the county in approximately six weeks)


I will coordinate the transfer of the house keys


15. It's Time to Move In!




Hamid Grinage sells Real Estate in Oakland with Prudential California Realty