What can you expect as a Buyer 

Determining your Criteria

Our first meeting will include a comprehensive question and answer between us to determine exactly what you are looking for and what you expect from me.  This will include discussing your lender pre-qualification and referral if need be, districts and price ranges, the use for your property, property condition, orientation (ie...south garden), property amenities, neighborhood needs, transportation needs (parking), concessions plus alternative purchasing criteria.

I will provide you with a district map and Zephyr Buyers guide, outlining how real estate is transferred in San Francisco, plus a San Francisco real estate booklet explaining our unique requirements, the flow for escrow and a hazards guides to keep you u-to-speed on what to watch out for in your properties condition.  Information will also be given about my company, our position in the SF market and my career book for your review.

 It’s your Process that matters.

We will determine what your buying process is.  Do you prefer phone conversations, e-mails or would you like me to take you to view property. Would you like me to follow-up after each viewing, or would you like to contact me when you have questions only?  I will then provide you with what meets your needs, in terms of, Brokers Tour and Open House Listings weekly, a personalized MLS search tool that allows you to search for property with your specifications.  Once your criteria is determined, I will preview property on Brokers Tour and provide you with any off-market listings that come my way. 

 When you locate property prior to viewing or view property that you like, I will provide feedback on that property with research that includes:

· Conversation with the listing agent to communicate pros and cons that may not be covered in the MLS listing.

· A disclosure package for a property that you are seriously considering to provide in-depth info for that property.

· Feedback including  MLS marketing remarks, which you do not have access to.

· Search and report to you with comparables for properties within 1/4 mile of subject property to determine sales activity, overbids and market pricing.

· Conduct a public records search for hidden info not included in MLS.

· E-mail you detail reports from the MLS on each property of interest. 

· Provide you with a list of properties shown on Brokers Tour and OPEN House with times and dates and then the accompanying MLS details for those listed.

· Arrange private showings or lockbox showing if needed.

· I will personally preview that property. 

· Most importantly the offering process must be determined for each property to

      determine if there is an offer date or find out if pre-emptive offers are accepted,

      or Offers-as-they come to make sure you can compete by offering for  your

      chosen property.

The Offer

 Together, we will determine when offers are due, how to strategize for that offer and make the process seem easy.  Comps will be provided to determine how offers are made in that neighborhood, ie...days on the  market for that area, offer dates, multiple offers, overbids (if so, how high is the average percent).  The offer can be prepared in person, prepared in advance, on the spot at a viewing, or you can sign online with the DocuSign program that allows electronic signatures and submission of the offer.

You will provide a check and/or copy of a check for the initial deposit, and authorize your mortgage  broker to e-mail a pre-approval letter to accompany the offer and discuss your loan process with me for follow-up during the purchase period.  A cover letter will be written describing you and your desire for that particular property and the salient terms of the offer.  You will designate the terms, with my advice, which will include the strategy for the offer; briefly, discussing competition, which inspections, if any, to conduct, appraisal contingency, financing contingency, non-contingent offers, length of escrow and purchase price. 

The offer process is an educational opportunity to find what you are most comfortable with and what works in terms of having your offer accepted.

The offer will be submitted as requested by the listing agent in a timely and professional manner, and if possible, in person.

The Escrow

I will work with the listing agent for the accepted offer to perform as dictated by the terms of your offer.  This will include accommodating the appraiser, scheduling and monitoring inspections, and receiving and reviewing reports for possible re-negotiation, detailing with your lender for approval and timely close of escrow, opening the escrow with your chosen title company and providing documentation throughout the sale, keeping abreast for removal of contingencies and arranging your escrow signing, while maintaining your transaction file.

The Big Picture

Having  Realtor representation is like having a negotiator, advocate, advisor and protector.  There are 100’s of decisions in a real estate transfer, the trick is making it comfortable for you.   It is my job to make the process seamless and easy while protecting you from difficulties during and after your property purchase, making sure you avoid any legal traps or repercussions and using my network of agents, vendors and contacts to bring you a successful and rewarding experience before, during and after the sale.  After all, I’m hoping you refer me to your friends and colleagues.