Buyer’s Guide to Real Estate

Schuyler Oliver, Realtor
Red Oak Realty

Buying a home in the Bay Area can be challenging because of the competition for homes on the market. The more you know about the buying process and what kind of home you desire, the more successful you will be. Here are some questions prospective buyers ask me.

Right now, I ’m just looking. Any suggestions?

Great. An easy way to find out about every property available is to subscribe to the Multiple Listing Service on this Web site. The service is free and property listings will be sent in real time to your email account. You will have the same listings realtors do and receive new listings at the same time they do.

With this information you can see what properties are selling for and what is available in East Bay neighborhoods. You can also go to Open Houses if you wish.

OK, I’m ready to buy? What happens next?

Let’s meet and talk about what you are looking for and what you need. Through our discussion I will try to discover what you desire in a neighborhood. For example, we’ll discuss the size and condition of the housing in various neighborhoods and what you can expect to find on the market. I’ll want to know all kinds of details such as whether schools, shopping, access to Bart or a large garage are priorities.

During this meeting, I will pick up the phone and connect you with a mortgage broker that I work with. I’ll get you started on the pre-approval process. This will also help you to look at houses in your price range and enable us to make an offer quickly if and when we find the right house.

After our initial meeting, we’ll visit some properties that I have selected according to your criteria. There are many houses on the market at any time but I can sift through and target those, which are most likely to please you. If you see a property that looks interesting, I can obtain complete information for you or arrange a visit.

How long will it take?

In most cases, I will be able to help you find a home within a couple of months. This provides time to refine your criteria, sample the market, and expand your choices as new places come up for sale.

It can also take more or less time. Sometimes people see a home they love in the first two weeks of looking and can successfully purchase it. I will help you with your choice, advise you as you start the loan process, negotiate a purchase price, and set up the inspections,

Who does the broker represent?

If I represent you as a buyer, I will represent only you. Under no circumstances will I share any information about you with the seller except with your permission where it might help me to negotiate for the property.

How does the realtor get paid?

The realty is paid a commission by the seller when the sale is completed.

Can you show me properties listed with other Realties?

Yes. We can show you any property listed on the market. I want to show you everything that meets your criteria or you request.

How can I be the first to find about new properties?

Buyers now have access to the same information as realtors. By signing up for the MLS on this site, you will have new listings at the same time that realtors get them.

Okay. I’ve found a property I love. What happens next?

I will help you prepare an offer. I will provide you with supporting information about similar properties in the area that have sold recently and help you decide on an offer. I will work with you and directly with the mortgage broker to get your offer and/or counter offer processed quickly.

How soon can we close?

When an agreement is reached, closing can take place in 4-6 weeks; it depends on the financing, your needs and the needs of the seller. I have experienced people that I rely on to handle inspections, repairs, insurance and title. I will make sure that everything is coordinated for a smooth closing.

Please explore this web site. At the top of this page you’ll find a link to a diagram of the buying process. There is also information on what you’ll need to get pre-approved, how get a loan, and the inspection process process.

If you are ready to buy a home give me a call at 510-280-2175. You can also use the email box on the upper right side of this page to send me an email message.

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 Resources for  Buyers:
    who pays what
    tax savings
    the loan process
    finding a lender
    pre-approval
    loan checklist
    mortgage details
    inspections

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