The buying process begins with understanding your goals - the size of house you need, the architectural styles you find attractive, the neighborhoods that you would like to live in - and by assessing your "particular" reasons for buying a home.

We discuss general market conditions, and go over recent sales data in different neighborhoods. We make detailed profiles of relevant East Bay communities - go over transportation, schools, shopping and other quality of life issues. I do a "Buyer's Prep" with you and seek to demystify the buying process: we discuss a typical time-line for buying a home, explore strategies for writing offers and negotiating with sellers, go over financial aspects of home-buy8ng and outline escrow procedures. We ensure that you are matched with a reliable mortgage-broker, are pre-approved for a loan, and are well-equipped to write offers on property.

I keep you apprised of inventory as it comes on the market and together we look at homes that interest you.  We request disclosure packets for properties, thoroughly examine their history and condition, and write offers on suitable properties.

We strive to make your offer competitive:  The price of your bid should be in accordance with market conditions and makes fiscal sense for you.  We frame the contingencies - the conditions that your offer is based on - wisely complementing your interest with the desires of the sellers.

I arrange the necessary inspections and negotiate the purchase based on discovery from the inspections.  I assist you in finding home owner's insurance.   I make sure that the paperwork flows as it should and make sure that loan papers etc reach the title company when needed.  I attend the signing of loan papers at the title company.

We schedule a walk-through of the property prior to close of escrow.

After escrow closes and you have moved into your new home, our relationship continues.  I am available to provide names of tradespeople and advice on every aspect of homeowership.  My clients frequently contact me for information on home-repair and maintenance.  Most clients refer their friends and contacts - Personal referrals account for nearly all my business.  And when my clients are ready to move to a different home, they typically ask me to represent them again.