• Select a Real Estate Agent

• Determine your “wants” and “needs”

• Determine your financial eligibility

2. Loan Qualification

• Discuss your finances

• Obtain pre-qualification (Lenders)

3. Find a Home

• Select an affordable property that fits your needs

• Discuss the offer with your agent

• Buyer reviews the contract with their agent

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Nothing is quite so frustrating as forgetting why you liked two or three particular homes after weeks of looking. 

With this scorecard (PDF Format), you can keep a record for yourself. Not only does this list include most of the features you’ll be needing in a home, it takes into account the importance of the surrounding community. Maybe even more important, it allows you to set up a priority list ahead of time, a ranking order of features from the most vital to insignificant. 

Since most home purchases are compromises, this should help make your decision easier. The priority list can also help a realtor get a picture of what you are looking for in a house to select those houses available that best meet your requirements. When you are visiting different homes, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about pulling out this check list and making notes. After all, you have a big decision to make, and it behooves you to take every precaution. 

You’ll want to protect the title to your property with title insurance from Professional Title Services, Inc. You want to be sure that you have a good title, free and clear of any claim which might possibly affect your ownership in the future. A title insurance policy insures your rights as a homeowner. 

4. Present and Negotiate Offer

• Buyer prepares “earnest money” deposit (typically, 1% to 3% of purchase price) -Seller accepts offer (seller can accept, counter your offer or reject your offer)

5. Open Escrow

• Deposit “earnest money” into escrow -Escrow will order Preliminary Report

6. Submit Loan Application

7. Contingency Period

• Conduct physical inspection of property by a qualified inspector

• Approve seller’s transfer disclosure statement -Contact property appraisal

• Obtain loan approval from Lender

• Perform termite inspection and certification

8. Obtain Homeowner’s Insurance

• Select insurance company and coverage

• Insurance will be in effect at the close of escrow

9. If applicable, obtain Home Warranty Insurance

10. Sign Documents

• Professional Title Services, Inc. receives signed documents

11. Down Payment

• Need cashier’s check or money transfer prior to closing date.

12. Closing the Escrow

• Deposit down payment and closing costs to escrow

• Lender sends balance of purchase price to Professional Title Services, Inc.

• Deed is recorded with County Recorder’s office -Get your keys and move on in!