What To Expect In A Residential Transaction



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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

Find a Home

  • 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)

Open Escrow

  • 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

  • Brokers Title 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 BrokersTitle
  • Deed is recorded with County Recorder’s office
  • Get your keys and move in!