BUYING A HOME IN SANTA BARBARA
We’re here to help guide you through the home buying process. We know this market and the neighborhoods. We’ll find you the right home for the best price. We network extensively with our peers and other professionals to stay on top of forthcoming new listings. Here are the four phases for buying your new home.
PHASE ONE: OUTLINING YOUR OBJECTIVES
What is your motivation to buy?
What price range are you considering?
What is your timeline to move?
What are your ideal features and “non-negotiables?”
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Discuss objectives and Process with your Realtor
Select Lender and begin the Loan Approval process
Obtain Loan Approval Letter (Pre-Approved)
Research neighborhoods of interest with your Realtor
Analysis of Active, Pending, and Sold Transaction
PHASE TWO: FINDING YOUR HOME
Browse and Review Online Listings with your Realtor
Review how online websites work with your Realtor
Notification of new properties For Sale
Virtual Open Houses
Select the ideal location and home
OFFERS AND NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES
Learn about the Purchase Contract
Discuss Multiple Offer Strategies
Negotiate to optimize price and terms
PHASE THREE: THE ESCROW PROCESS
Notify Escrow of Acceptance & forward Contract
Wire initial deposit to Escrow per terms of Contract
Notify Lender to begin the Loan Process and Order Appraisal
Contact Homeowner’s Insurance Agent
Provide Escrow/Title Company with Vesting Title information
INSPECTIONS AND DISCLOSURES
Schedule all desired home inspections, including Termite Report
Review all Disclosures and Reports
Approve or negotiate repairs based on Inspection Reports
Review and Approve all Seller and State required Disclosures
Review and Approve Preliminary Title Report
Meet deadlines and remove Contractual Contingencies
Schedule final “Walk Thru” prior to Close of Escrow
PHASE FOUR: CLOSING
Review Closing Statement from Title Company
Sign Loan Documents
Arrange wiring of funds to Escrow
Transfer Utilities to New Address
Close Escrow
Key Delivery and Celebration!
SELLING YOUR HOME IN SANTA BARBARA
PHASE ONE: DEFINING SUCCESS
Outlining Your Objectives
What is Your Motivation to Sell?
What is your Timeline for Moving?
Where are you moving to?
What is most important to you?
UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET
Market Dynamics: Macro vs. Micro
Market Forces: Supply and Demand
The Numbers: Trends and Metrics
Analysis of Active, Pending, and Sold Transactions
YOUR HOME: STRATEGIC PLANNING
Online Features and Benefits
Determine Key Differentiators based on Active listings inventory
Establish Target Market and Buyer Profile
PHASE TWO: LISTING DETAILS
Finalize Documentation and Agreements
Complete Property Improvements
Engage Staging Consultant
Engage Professional Photographer/ Videographer
Engage Media Professional
Define Launch Timeline
MARKETING PREPARATIONS
Property Launch Collateral
Traditional Advertising
Digital Marketing Plan
Social Media Strategy
Broker Network Exposure
Open House Strategy/ Virtual and Traditional
Direct Mail and Community Approach
International Marketing Strategy
PHASE THREE: INTRODUCING THE PROPERTY
Launching the Marketing Plan
Creating the Perception of Value
Attracting and Qualifying Potential Buyers
Showing the Property (Virtually & In-Person)
Monitor Interest and Follow Up after showings
Weekly Reports, Updates, and Communication Strategy
PHASE FOUR: ESCROW PROCESS:
Execute the Contracts
Meet all Deadlines & Contingency Periods
CLOSING
Begin Transitioning from Property
Final Documentation
Closing and Celebrations
We will prepare for you a comparative market analysis (CMA) which looks at comparable homes that have sold nearby to determine the right asking price and the best marketing strategy. As local real estate experts we are committed to fast, professional, and courteous personal service to help you understand and feel comfortable throughout the process. We specialize in the southern Santa Barbara real estate market and will sell your home for the best terms, conditions, and price.
If you’re thinking of moving within Santa Barbara we can help you find your new home and assist you with how best to navigate this process if you need to sell before buying. If you’re moving outside of Santa Barbara we can recommend a reputable real estate professional to make your move as simple and easy as possible.
Mark Lomas & Kirsten Wolfe