Summary
Mortgage Loan. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (learn more)
Research. Understand the market by searching properties on your own and requesting alerts for our exclusive off-market listings before they go public.
Preparation. We’ll help you understand the disclosures, inspections, appraisals of the home you love, and develop a strategy for making an offer.
Make an Offer. We will guide you through the complicated legal process of making an offer that has the best chance of success, to minimize surprises and stress.
Closing. We will help you close on your offer and navigate all the complicated legal requirements so you can take possession of your home as quickly as possible.
Whether you are an experienced or a first-time homebuyer, the Patty Dwyer Group is here to help you reach your Real Estate goals. The process can be complex and overwhelming to even the most experienced buyer. We are committed to making the transaction as stress-free and efficient as possible for you. Our full-service business model will provide you the guidance, market statistics, and negotiation experience you need for a successful and completed transaction.
Finding the right house for you takes direction and guidance about the loan process and your purchasing power. We will show you what the many diverse Peninsula neighborhoods have to offer you and your family. Based upon your qualifications and your specific needs and preferences we arrange neighborhood tours, private showings, and open house visits that accommodate your schedule.
We will introduce you to experienced inspectors who evaluate the home’s conditions and will explain all reports to you. The Patty Dwyer Group is here to guide you every step of the way. Our most important job is to explain each step to you clearly. We are ready to embark on this exciting journey with you.
Looking for a Home
Our exclusive insights and relationships will help you:
Find homes before they hit the market
Get into homes on the MLS immediately
Have the edge on timing and pricing strategy
Other steps to take early on in the process:
Reach out to mortgage broker/banker to obtain a pre-approval for a loan, ideally “under-written – for best chances of getting the home (learn more about getting a loan)
Identify price and housing parameters for purchase
We will provide estimated closing costs
Full review of purchase agreement in advance to discuss details and commitments and risks
Prior to writing an Offer
We Will:
Meet to review all property disclosures (learn more about disclosures)
Have a thorough discussion of seller questionnaires, inspections, HOA docs, local advisories
Review a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
Devise strategic offer game plan
Check with insurance to make sure it is insurable
Collect “proof of funds” document
Prepare a letter about you to the sellers (this can include specifics about the property that you think are special: how you will continue to care for the house/neighbors, design of kitchen, outdoor access, light etc.)
Writing an Offer
We will reach out to the listing agent and utilize our relationships to get insights into the pricing strategy
We prepare the purchase agreement (the contract between buyer and seller)
How many days to close escrow
Contingencies (loan, inspections)
Expiration of offer
Title company
Percent down
Sign all disclosures provided by seller (learn more about disclosures)
Provide pre-approval letter and proof of funds
Check with insurance company to make sure house is insurable and get quote
Offer Accepted – Congratulations!
Our Responsibilities:
Open escrow (learn more about how escrow works)
Send the contract to the lender
Ensure lender is well aware of any loan contingency
Lender will order an appraisal (usually immediately due to lead time)
Coordinate with appraiser for timing/meeting (buyer does not attend)
Buyer Responsibilities:
Title will notify you with wire instructions and escrow number
Determine how you want to hold title, typically:
Trustees of a Trust
Community Property
Community Property with Right of Survivorship
Joint Tenancy
Wire your 3% deposit to escrow (within 1 to 3 days depending on contract terms)
Confirm escrow number with officer by phone prior to sending
Please provide all answers and docs requested by lender ASAP
Obtain homeowners insurance (lender requires evidence of insurance)
Prepare to wire balance of down payment 2-3 days prior to close (use only the same escrow number as the first wire – do not agree to change the escrow number without alerting Diane and title)
Closed Escrow – New Homeowner!
Buyer Responsibility:
Be prepared to sign all closing documents 2-4 days before close of escrow
Bring you ID
You will either meet at the title company or sign by mobile notary (we can discuss options)
Get utilities in your name
Sale will be recorded with the county (one day after lender sends funds)
Optional Steps:
Change all locks
Complete work identified in structural pest report
Keep property inspection handy for reference to electrical panel, gas shutoff, etc.
Join your area’s “Next Door” online community
Keep “closing statement” in tax files for next year’s tax filing
You might want to read our Checklist for Buyers – after you own your new home.