Question 1

What happens before we look at anything?

Accepted Answer

You get pre-approved, and we work out what you actually want to spend — which is usually less than the bank will lend you. A lender verifies your income, debts and credit and issues a pre-approval letter. Sellers in this market rarely consider an offer without one. The approval figure is a ceiling, not a target; we set a monthly payment you are comfortable with and work backwards from it.

Question 2

How do we find the right homes?

Accepted Answer

You search the full MLS on this site, and I set up the filters and alerts so new listings reach you the day they appear. Everything for sale is here — the same data an agent sees, updated continuously. Save the homes you like and I see them too, so we are always looking at the same list rather than trading screenshots.

Question 3

What happens when we find one?

Accepted Answer

We look at what comparable homes actually sold for, then decide on a number and the terms around it. Price is only part of an offer. Deposit size, how long you need for inspections and loan approval, and your closing timeline all matter to a seller, and some of them cost you nothing to offer. I will tell you where you have room and where you do not.

Question 4

What is a contingency period?

Accepted Answer

It is the window after your offer is accepted in which you can still walk away and keep your deposit. On the standard California purchase agreement this is 17 days for inspections and appraisal and 21 days for your loan, unless the contract says otherwise. Inspections happen here. If something turns up, this is when we renegotiate or leave.

Question 5

What does closing actually involve?

Accepted Answer

You sign, your loan funds, the deed records with the county, and the keys are yours — usually the same or next day. You will do a final walkthrough to confirm the home is in the condition you agreed to buy it in. Your closing costs are laid out in writing days beforehand; there should be no number on that page you are seeing for the first time.

Your first home, without the parts nobody explains.

Beverly Oanes

Five steps, in plain English.

Every home she has closed, in one book.

13 markets served. 4 closed in.

Two of her five closings are here.

Download my free app.

Ask Beverly anything — including whether now is the wrong time.

Your first home, without the parts nobody explains.

Beverly Oanes

Five steps, in plain English.

01What happens before we look at anything?You get pre-approved, and we work out what you actually want to spend — which is usually less than the bank will lend you.+

02How do we find the right homes?You search the full MLS on this site, and I set up the filters and alerts so new listings reach you the day they appear.+

03What happens when we find one?We look at what comparable homes actually sold for, then decide on a number and the terms around it.+

04What is a contingency period?It is the window after your offer is accepted in which you can still walk away and keep your deposit.+

05What does closing actually involve?You sign, your loan funds, the deed records with the county, and the keys are yours — usually the same or next day.+

Every home she has closed, in one book.

13 markets served. 4 closed in.

Two of her five closings are here.

Download my free app.

Ask Beverly anything — including whether now is the wrong time.