A clear, step-by-step look at the buying process - and where a great agent actually earns their commission.
Every purchase is different, but almost every California home sale moves through the same seven stages.
Before you tour a single home, talk to a lender about how much you can actually borrow. A pre-approval letter tells you your real budget and signals to sellers that you're a serious, financeable buyer - which matters a lot in competitive California markets.
A buyer's agent represents your interests - not the seller's - and should know your target neighborhood cold. Since 2024's changes to buyer-agent compensation rules, you'll typically sign a written buyer representation agreement up front that spells out how your agent is paid.
Your agent sets up a search matched to your budget and must-haves, then walks you through listings in person - pointing out things photos hide, from foundation cracks to noisy streets.
Once you find the right home, your agent helps you decide on price, contingencies, and terms, then writes and submits a formal purchase offer to the seller's agent.
The seller can accept, reject, or counter. Your agent negotiates on your behalf until both sides agree on price and terms - at which point the home is officially "in escrow."
A licensed inspector checks the home's condition, and your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the property is worth what you're paying. Findings here can reopen negotiations on price or repairs.
You sign final loan and title documents, wire your down payment and closing costs, and escrow records the deed in your name. Keys in hand - the home is officially yours.
A good buyer's agent does more than unlock doors:
Pricing, inventory, and negotiating norms vary block by block in California - an agent who works your specific city sees things a generalist misses.
In multiple-offer situations especially, an experienced agent knows how to structure an offer that stands out without overpaying.
Inspection surprises, appraisal gaps, financing hiccups - a good agent has seen it before and knows how to keep your deal on track.
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