Real estate, explained from start to finish.

Purchasing a Home

1. Review goals, budget, credit and cash needed for the transaction.
2. Obtain lender pre-approval and understand loan type, estimated payment and closing funds.
3. Search neighborhoods and properties; compare condition, taxes, HOA, insurance and resale considerations.
4. Prepare an offer covering price, deposit, financing, contingencies and timing.
5. After acceptance, open escrow and deliver the deposit as required by the contract.
6. Complete due diligence: disclosures, inspections, title, HOA documents when applicable, insurance and lender appraisal.
7. Resolve or remove contingencies according to the contract and complete lender conditions.
8. Review final documents, sign, fund and close escrow; title transfers when the deed records.

Selling a Property

1. Review comparable sales, current competition, property condition and likely buyer profile.
2. Choose pricing and preparation strategy: as-is, repairs, staging or selective improvements.
3. Complete required disclosures and gather property, HOA, permit and improvement information.
4. Launch photography, marketing, MLS exposure and showings.
5. Compare offers beyond price: financing, contingencies, closing date, credits and buyer strength.
6. During escrow, respond to inspections, appraisal and contractual requests.
7. Review settlement figures, sign closing documents and complete agreed possession terms.

Renting & Managing a Home

• For tenants: application, screening, income/identity documentation, lease review, deposit, move-in condition documentation, rent obligations, repair reporting and move-out procedures.
• For owners: rental pricing, marketing, fair-housing compliant screening, lease documentation, security deposits, habitability, maintenance, notices, inspections and recordkeeping.
• California and local rental rules change. Current requirements should be verified for the property and situation rather than relying on an old checklist.

Evaluating a Real Estate Investment

• Start with acquisition price, financing and total cash required—not purchase price alone.
• Estimate realistic market rent and vacancy rather than using the highest advertised rent.
• Budget property tax, insurance, HOA, management, repairs, utilities paid by owner, landscaping/pool, capital reserves and turnover.
• Review cash flow, cash-on-cash return and longer-term appreciation potential separately.
• For value-add properties, price the renovation and carrying period before projecting resale or stabilized value.
• Investigate zoning, permits, rent restrictions, insurance availability and neighborhood-specific risks before closing.

Home Inspections

A general home inspection is an important starting point, but it is not a guarantee and may recommend specialists. Depending on the property, buyers may consider additional inspections.

• General property/home inspection
• Roof and drainage
• Termite/wood-destroying organisms
• Sewer lateral or septic
• HVAC, electrical and plumbing specialists
• Foundation/structural engineer when warranted
• Pool/spa, chimney/fireplace, well or water systems where applicable
• Insurance availability and prior-loss concerns

Inspection scope and contingency rights depend on the purchase agreement. Buyers should read reports and obtain specialist advice when an issue is outside an inspector's scope.

Escrow, Title & Closing

1. Escrow opens after an accepted agreement and acts as a neutral holder/process coordinator.
2. The buyer's deposit is delivered according to the contract.
3. Title reviews ownership and recorded matters and prepares title-insurance information.
4. Buyer and seller complete contractual documents while inspections, disclosures and financing proceed.
5. The lender completes underwriting and appraisal requirements when financing is involved.
6. Escrow prepares settlement figures and signing documents.
7. Buyer funds are delivered, lender funds when applicable, and closing conditions are satisfied.
8. The deed records with the county; funds are disbursed and ownership transfers.