Archive for February, 2012

How to Buy a Home in California – Orange County style

Posted on February 23, 2012. Filed under: First Time Buyer help |

Hi everyone!

We’re helping lots and LOTS of first time home buyers in Orange County lately, and naturally they have questions about the buying process and how it works from start to finish!  Of course, each of these points could be a post in its own, but here’s 10 easy steps and your order of operations:

How to buy a home in California

1. Select your Realtor and get prequalified with a lender to find out how much home you can purchase
2. Locate your new home and write an offer
3. Negotiate, and get your offer accepted
4. Open escrow & pay your Good Faith Deposit
5. Handle your ‘due diligence’ inspections (home inspection, termite inspection, geo inspection, mold or radon inspection, appraisal)
6. Remove contingencies
7. Sign closing and loan paperwork
8. Wire remainder of down payment & closing costs to escrow
9. Ensure title is recorded in your name
10. Collect the keys to your new home 🙂

If you are relocating to Orange County, remember, NOT ALL STATES handle real estate transactions the same way.  Many use attorneys instead of escrow, and have varying purchase agreements.  This is why you always need a quality Realtor on your side who understands the process.  Although the steps above may seem simple, there are land mines in every part of the process to avoid so your deal does not blow up!!

The Weeks Team is always available at 877-230-3211 to answer your questions.  If you prefer the social route, ask us on Facebook, tweet @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam, or circle Angie on Google+.