STEP 1

We’ll Discuss Your Dream House

We’ll sit down to discuss your dream home in person or on a video call. We'll dive into what makes your perfect home. Paint me a picture of your ideal living space and the neighborhood that calls to you. What are your deal-breakers? Maybe you're after a dedicated workspace, a sprawling backyard, or a place nearby public transit. Perhaps you've got your heart set on that one street with the gorgeous canopy of trees. Now's the time to let your imagination run wild - we can pare things down later. I'll chime in with my two cents, and we'll sketch out a rough blueprint of the home that's waiting for you out there.

STEP 2

Decide on your budget

If you've already got the green light from a lender and are pre-approved, we'll dive into your budget sweet spot. We'll pinpoint a figure that you feel comfortable paying monthly. No pre-approval yet? No sweat. I've got a list of top-notch local lenders. These folks aren't just number crunchers - they're the kind of allies you want when it's time to make an offer on your dream home.

STEP 3

Tour Properties

This part's where the fun really kicks in - it's like a treasure hunt, but for your future home! I'll be your eyes and ears on the ground, scouting properties during broker tours, combing through listings, and keeping my ear to the ground for those hush-hush off-market gems.

Meanwhile, you'll get access to a curated collection of homes in your price range. It's like your personal real estate playlist - swipe right on the ones that catch your eye, and we'll chat about them.

When a place really piques your interest, we'll go see it in person. Think of me as your home detective during these visits. I'll be pointing out the nitty-gritty stuff you might not notice - is the roof holding up? How's the foundation looking? What's the neighborhood vibe? Are the schools up to snuff?

It's a two-way street, though. While I'm teaching you the ins and outs of house hunting, you'll be schooling me on your likes and dislikes. It's like we're fine-tuning our home-finding radar together. By the end, we'll be a well-oiled house-hunting machine!

STEP 4

Make an Offer

When you've found "the one," we'll be prepared with a game plan. No eleventh-hour surprises here - we'll have already combed through the property disclosure packet with a fine-tooth comb. I'll be digging into recent sales of similar homes nearby and give you my two cents on what number might give us the edge, but you're the boss - the final call is all yours.When it's go-time, we'll craft your offer. Then, I'll step into the ring as your champion, ready to go to bat in negotiations. I'll pull out all the stops to make it yours. It's not just about closing a deal; it's about opening the door to your new home.

STEP 5

Escrow Period

Once you've clinched the deal, we'll toast to your victory, and I'll set the wheels in motion. We're entering the home stretch now - the escrow phase. Don't sweat the details just yet; we'll dive deep into this process multiple times. In a nutshell, this is when the money and property title change hands. Think of me as your personal guide through this paperwork jungle - I'll be decoding the legalese and fielding your questions every step of the way. Expect a flurry of DocuSign emails, but don't worry, I'll be your digital wingman.

STEP 6

Welcome Home!

The grand finale? When the ink's dry on the deed, I'll meet you for the most satisfying handoff of all - your new house keys. It's not just a set of keys; it's the key to the next exciting chapter of your life. Ready to turn the page?

My compass tools and programs help you find your next home

Collections

Collections lets you compare multiple properties—their size, neighborhood, amenities—within a central visual workspace. I can monitor market activity in real time, stay in constant contact, and invite collaborators to join in on our search discussions.
Collections

Key Terms

1
Pre-Approved
Advanced approval from a bank or other lending institution for a home mortgage.
2
Pre-Qualified
Potential buyers provide an overall financial picture and mortgage brokers provide an estimate of what level of loan you will likely be pre-approved for.
3
Appraisal
Assessment of the property’s market value, for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage and performed by a licensed appraiser.
4
Assessed Value
Value placed upon property for property tax purposes by the Tax Collector.
5
Closing Costs
Expenses incidental to a sale of real estate, such as loan fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and escrow fees.
6
Closing Statement
The statement which lists the financial settlement between Buyer & Seller, and the costs each must pay.
7
Contingency
Certain criteria that have to be met in order to finalize the sale.
8
Conventional Mortgage
A mortgage or Deed of Trust not obtained under a government insured program such as FHA or VA.
9
Credit
Money given to a buyer from a seller through escrow or closing.
10
Escrow
A neutral third party that handles the transfer of any money during the sale of a home from initial deposit to final funding and closing.
11
Earnest Money Deposit
Buyers in California usually deposit 3% of the purchase price to show that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. It is usually refundable in the event a contingency in the sales contract cannot be met.
12
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A loan on which the interest rate and monthly payment do not change.
13
Home Warranty
A policy that covers certain repairs (e.g. plumbing/heating) of a newly purchased home for a period of time, typically one year.
14
Preliminary Title Report
A report showing the condition of title before a sale or loan transaction. After completion of the transaction, a new title insurance policy will be issued.
15
Title Insurance
Insurance to protect the buyer and lender against losses arising from disputes over the ownership of a property.
16
Recording Fees
Money paid to the lender for recording a home sale with the local authorities, thereby making it part of the public records.

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Work With Elena

Schedule a complimentary consultation with me. During our one-on-one session, I'll take the time to understand your unique situation, address your questions, and provide tailored guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

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