What to expect in a residential transaction

Buying a home involves several stages. Below is a list of the more common steps during a residential transaction.

Your situation may vary and it is best to contact your real estate professional for more information.

Common Steps for Buying a Home

Initial Meeting

• Select real estate agent
• Determine needs and wants
• Determine financial eligibility

Loan Qualification

• Discuss Finances
• Obtain prequalification
• Select an affordable property that fits your needs
• Discuss offer with agent
• Buyer reviews contract with agent
• Agent presents offer to selling side

Present and Negotiate Offer

• Buyer prepares "earnest money" deposit (typically, 1 to 3% of purchase price)
• Seller accepts offer (Seller can accept your offer, counter your offer, or reject your offer)
• Deposit "earnest money" into escrow
• Escrow will order Preliminary Report

Submit Loan Application

Contingency Period

• Conduct Physical Inspection of property by a qualified inspector
• Approve seller's Transfer Disclosure Statement
• Approve Preliminary Report
• Conduct property appraisal
• Obtain loan approval from lender
• Perform termite inspection and certification

Obtain Homeowners Insurance

• Select insurance company and coverage
• Insurance will be in effect at close of escrow

If applicable, obtain Home Warranty insurance Sign Documents

• Heritage Title Company receives signed documents

Down Payment

• Need cashier's check or money transfer prior to closing date

Closing the Escrow

• Deposit down payment and closing costs to escrow
• Lender sends balance of purchase price to Heritage Title Company
• Deed is recorded with County Recorder's office
• Get your keys and move in!