For buyers

We’ll get on a call (or a Zoom, if you’re inclined to a video chat). We’ll discuss your vision for your new home, your ideal neighborhood, and your non-negotiables. Do you need an office? A big yard? Close to BART? On that one specific block that you really love because of all the street trees? This is the time to lay out all your hopes and dreams, and we can narrow it down later. I’ll have input and ideas, and together we’ll outline a rough idea of the house we’re looking for.

I’ll be thinking of you on broker’s tour, when I’m researching on the MLS and when I hear about off-market or back-on-market listings. Meanwhile, you can be checking Redfin and Zillow. We’ll share potential properties with each other, and when you see one you like, we’ll tour it in person. While we tour I’ll be pointing out everything it’s my job to keep eyes out for; how’s the health of the structure? What’s the remaining serviceable life of the foundation? How’s the traffic? How’re the schools? I’ll be teaching you what to look for in a house, and you’ll be teaching me what you like and dislike.

When you fall in love, we’ll be ready. We’ll have reviewed all the paperwork included with the offer in advance, so there will be no surprises on offer day. Our goal will likely be to make a non-contingent offer (and I’ll explain this more when we talk in person), so we’ll have reviewed the home’s disclosure packet and possibly pre-inspected so that removing contingencies is feasible and comfortable for you. In the preceding days, I’ll research what comparable homes recently sold for in the area. I’ll advise on where I believe the sale will land and what I suggest you offer to be a strong contender, but you, of course, will choose the final number. When I submit, we’ll craft the narrative together of who you are and why you love the home, and then I’ll be your fierce advocate through negotiations. Every transaction and negotiation process is a little different – that’s what makes this job so exciting – but what remains the same is that if you want the house, I’ll do everything in my power to make it yours.

When you’ve won your home, we’ll celebrate, maybe cry, and then I’ll open escrow. We’ll review this process in much more detail, and will revisit the topic many times, but in summary we’ll enter the period of transferring funds and title between buyer and seller. I’ll be there to shepherd you through this phase – mostly a lot of Docusign emails – and answer all of your questions along the way. And finally, when the deed has recorded, I’ll meet you to deliver the keys for your new home, so that you can begin your wonderful new chapter. ♡