Buyers

Buying a home can be intimidating to say the least.  Even if you’ve bought and sold many homes the Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley market places are unique and still hold many ways to get burned.  Brian has sold literally hundreds of homes in the Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley areas and whle every deal is different he has pretty much seen it all.  Get in touch with Brian to see what his experience, knowledge and thorough professionalism can do for your peace of mind as well as your bottom line.  Generally, prospective home buyers want to view properties first.  So, click on any of the following to view HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKLAND, HOMES FOR SALE IN PIEDMONT  or HOMES FOR SALE IN BERKELEY. 

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If you are new to the home buying process it is important to know that it can be broken down into 3 basic components.  Each phase has plenty of potentially costly pitfalls for you the buyer.  Many of the markets ever changing risks can be avoided with experience and proactive planning.  Becoming an educated home buyer before you begin the home buying process will substantially increases your odds of a successful, happy and profitable purchase. 

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I believe that an educated home buyer transitions into a happy home owner.  That’s why I offer a comprehensive “Home Buyers-101″ seminar that will introduce you to the complete home buying process.  The sit down is complementary and is not an immediate commitment to work together.  It will however give us an opportunity to get to know one another and see if a working relationship feels like a good idea.  At the minimum you will be provided with a comprehensive overview of the local home purchasing process.  Only after you have had an opportunity to evaluate a real estate professionals knowledge, professionalism and expertise in their local market should you consider hiring them as your agent.  Just because a Realtor has worked with someone you know in their past doesn’t mean that they are the best one to work with you in your future.  Once you’re up to speed with the current real estate climate, only then can you determine if it is the right time to pursue becoming a home owner.

 the home buying process at a glance.

 Phase 1: Market Education

  • Neighborhoods
  • Property values
  • Rules of agency
  • Types of homes
  • Fixer properties
  • Foreclosures
  • REO’s
  • House hunting
  • Loans
  • Pre-approvals
  • Closing costs
  • Sunday Open Homes
  • Disclosures

Phase 2: Structuring an Offer

  • The contract
  • Offers in competition
  • Contingencies
  • Time-lines
  • The inspection process
  • Deposits
  • Pre Approval letters
  • Picking your price
  • Negotiations
  • Acceptance, now what

Phase 3: Escrow

  • Your good faith deposit
  • Clear title reports
  • Title insurance
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Permits, disclosures, repairs
  • Inspection process
  • Appraisal process
  • Underwriting process
  • Removing Contingencies
  • Closing process

 

Some Home Buying Resources & Links

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I’ve sold hundreds of Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley homes since entering the business in 1998.  Take a look at what some of my past clients have to say about their working experiences with me as their real estate agent.  You’re also welcome to take a look a some of my YELP reviews.  Even if you’ve only got the most basic of home buying questions I welcome you to get in touch.  Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.  Brian Santilena.