Buyers

Buying a home is one of the major purchase decisions of your life; therefore, it's important to be an informed buyer. The following information will help you better understand the buying process and assist you in your efforts.

For detailed information for buyers, please download the buyers report to the right. You can also sign up to receive email updates of all the new listings that meet your search criteria. Please let me know if you are interested in previewing any of the homes you see on my website.

Thank you!

Tips on preparing for home ownership:

10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership
5 Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes
Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®
Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR®
7 Reasons to Own Your Home
Tax Benefits of Homeownership
 Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

Financing your home:

Specialty Mortgages: Risks and Rewards
Loan Types to Consider
6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home
Lender Checklist: What You Need for a Mortgage
Get Your Finances in Order: To-Do List
Budget Basics Worksheet
What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit
5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score
 How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford?

Finding the right property:

8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search
How High Tech is Your Home?
5 Property Tax Questions You Need to Ask
10 Questions to Ask the Condo Board
Your Property Wish List
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
Tips for Buying in a Tight Market
Pros and Cons of Going Condo
10 Questions to Ask Home Inspectors
 What a Home Inspection Should Cover

Buyers: Preparing for the closing & beyond:

5 Things to Know About Homeowner’s Insurance
Tips for Lowering Homeowner’s Insurance Costs
5 Things to Know About Title Insurance
What’s a Home Warranty?
What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through
Common Closing Costs for Buyers
Moving With Pets
Closing Documents You Should Keep
 17 Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Choosing the right real estate office and agent can be one of the most important decisions you make in the entire home buying process.

my mission is to help you find the right home with the best possible terms. The purchase of your home can be a complicated process but I will familiarize you with the various inspections, documents and procedures that you will experience throughout the escrow process.

Your Agent should be:

• Aware of the local and state laws and requirements that affect your transaction.
• Knowledgeable about the communities and neighborhoods that you are interested in.
• Effective at negotiations.
• Highly-trained, with access to programs for continued learning and additional certifications.
• Technology-focused.
• Supported by professional legal counsel.
• Finding the Right Home

There are many factors to consider in selecting a home, including location, size, school district and amenities. Based on what you're looking for, your sales associate will help you find the perfect home.

Dawn will apply her extensive community knowledge and professional resources to research available properties and show you the homes that best meet your needs. If you find a property that interests you through the Internet or your own research, Dawn can arrange a private showing.

As you view different properties, your criteria may change. Open and direct communication with your Sales Associate is a key element of a successful property search.

Making an Offer

Once you have found the home that you wish to purchase, Dawn will apply her professional training and do all the necessary research to help you structure an effective offer.

This is where your Dawn’s negotiation skills come into play. When an offer is made, the seller will have the option of accepting, rejecting or counter-offering. Dawn will negotiate the best possible terms for you.

Dawn will draft the purchase agreement, advising you of protective contingencies, customary practices, and local regulations. Home warranty, title and escrow arrangements will be detailed in the offer. Although Dawn will give you advice and information, it is your decision as to the exact price and terms that you wish to offer.

Managing the Escrow

When the purchase agreement is accepted and signed by all parties, Dawn will open escrow for you and your earnest money will be deposited. The escrow is a neutral third party that will receive, hold, and distribute all funds associated with your transaction.

Removing Contingencies

Prior to closing escrow, all of the contingencies of the Purchase Agreement must be met. Dawn will coordinate this process. Typical contingencies include:

• Approval of the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement.
• Approval of the preliminary title report.
• Loan approval, including an appraisal of the property.
• Physical inspections of the property.
• Pest inspection and certification.
• Acquisition of homeowner’s insurance.
• Closing Escrow and Moving In!

When all of the conditions of the purchase agreement have been met, you will sign your loan documents and closing papers. You will deposit the balance of your down payment and closing costs to escrow, and your lender will deposit the balance of the purchase price. The deed will then be recorded at the County Recorder’s office and you will take ownership of your home.

Dawn is a valuable source of helpful tips for planning and coordinating your move.