Calle Katrina dining room, the kind of home the buying process delivers

Buyers · The Process

How a real estate transaction works.

Ten clear steps, from pre-approval to keys in your hand.

The path

From the first showing to handing you the keys.

Some of these steps take a day, some take weeks, but you'll always know where we are, what's next, and what's expected of you.

Pre-Approval

Before starting your home search, talk with a few lenders to determine your budget.

Paperwork and a fountain pen on a clean desk during loan signing — Pre-approval, not prequal.

Offer Process

Buyer's agent will research the home, market dynamics, and comps to advise offer price.

Modern home exterior under a clear afternoon sky — The number on paper, not in the air.

Purchase Negotiation

Sales price, terms, and contingencies are negotiated and agreed upon.

A refined living room in a home moving under contract — Terms are where deals are really won.

Sellers Disclosures

Seller provides disclosures on all known material facts about the home.

Bright modern kitchen with honest morning light — Every line, read twice.

Earnest Money Deposit

Buyer has 3 days to send EMD into escrow, which is held in earnest.

Hands exchanging a house key at a closing table — Good faith, in writing.

Inspection Period

Buyer begins inspection period and submits any request for repairs.

Details of a well-kept kitchen during a buyer walkthrough — The walk-through with a flashlight.

Title Search

Concurrent with the loan and appraisal process, Title confirms that there are no clouds or encumbrances on the property.

Clean home exterior with manicured front yard — Clear title is quiet title.

Contingency Removal

Once financing, repair requests, and appraisal are complete, contingencies are removed.

Quiet living room staged for a final walkthrough — Removed in writing, not in spirit.

Closing Docs Issued

Lender provides loan estimate and closing disclosures detailing all terms and costs.

A home lit up at twilight as the closing paperwork is finalized — Every line item, compared.

Final Walkthrough

1–5 days before close, buyer confirms that the home is in the same condition as when purchased and all repairs have been made.

A handed-over key in front of a new home — Keys, in hand.

Representation & compensation

Fiduciary representation, in writing, before the first tour.

Before we tour homes, you'll have a clear written understanding of how I represent you and what I'm obligated to do on your behalf. That is fiduciary representation, and it is put in writing through a buyer representation agreement so there is no ambiguity about whose interests come first.

You'll also know exactly how compensation works under current NAR guidelines. The agreement spells out my fee in plain terms before you commit to anything. Where possible, I negotiate for that buyer-agent fee to be covered by the seller, so your out-of-pocket cost is minimized. If a seller is not offering to cover it, we discuss your options up front, never at the closing table.

Next step

Ready to start looking?

Tell me what you're looking for. I'll send active listings plus off-market and coming-soon options.

Schedule a consultation