Esther Davis | North County San Diego Real Estate

Your Home Journey Begins HEre

Buying a Home

Homeownership is a major milestone that will shape your lifestyle and family life for years to come. It is also one of the biggest purchases you will make and requires careful financial commitment. 

With rising home prices, limited inventory, and shifting market conditions, buying a home in San Diego can be challenging.  As your trusted real estate advisor, we advise how to best position yourself for the home you want, break the complex process into manageable steps, and help you make good decisions.

Dedicated Buyer’s Representative

From the initial consultation to handing you the keys, we handle every detail of the transaction, keep you informed every step of the way, and answer any questions about forms, contracts, and procedures.

We provide expert advice so you can make the best decision for achieving your real estate goals.

Home Buying Summary

1. Initial Consultation

During our free no-obligation consultation, we listen carefully to your needs, goals, timeline,  preferences, and priorities so we can personalize our service to locate properties that fit your criteria.

2.  Buyer Representation Agreement (NEW NAR Policy)

Beginning August 17, 2024 all agents across the country are required to use a buyer representation agreement before showing properties, advising, and preparing offers.  The agreement must specify upfront what services will be provided, contract duration, and compensation amount (which is negotiable).  Buyers can request in the purchase offer for sellers to pay their agent fees as concessions for closing costs. 

3.  Get Pre-Approved

Unless you’re paying cash, we recommend consulting with a lender for a pre-approval. This step will help you understand what price range you can afford and streamline the buying process.  A pre-approval letter is typically submitted with offers.  

Do not make any big purchases, change jobs or open any new credit when home shopping and especially during escrow.

4.  Home Search Strategy

We use advanced tools and market knowledge to access an extensive database of properties, including exclusive listings and off-market properties.  Narrow your options to top 5 favorites that match your criteria and we will arrange showings or virtual tours.  Focus on your higher priorities while being willing to accept tradeoffs for lower priorities.   If you see a home you would be upset to see sold, consider making an offer.

5.  Offer & Negotiation

When you choose a property to make an offer, we will conduct a thorough market analysis so you have data about fair market value, recent sales, market time, price changes, seller motivation, property condition, and other market conditions. Objective data will help us formulate an informed offer you feel comfortable with. 

6.  Contract & Escrow

When you and the seller have agreed to the price and terms, your accepted offer becomes a purchase contract and escrow will be opened.  The purpose of escrow is to hold the earnest deposit, research title history, and reconcile loan payoffs, property taxes, HOA fees, liens, etc.

7. Buyer Escrow Process

  • Earnest Money must be deposited within 3 days. Always confirm by phone with your escrow agent before wiring any money.
  • Finalize Loan Application
  • Get a Home Inspection
  • Lender will order an Appraisal
  • Renegotiate if needed
  • Review Seller Disclosures
  • Get Homeowner’s Insurance policy
  • Title Insurance
  • Remove contingencies
  • Schedule movers
  • Final Walkthrough
  • Closing Documents
  • Close Escrow & Get Keys!

Let’s find you a home!

Every transition presents an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, expanding your family, downsizing, or seeking a change of scenery, we are here to help position you for success.