First step in the home buying process... is to consult a loan officer! This can be done wherever you Bank at to get an idea of what your Bank will lend you. Do this when you are ready to buy, have saved funds for the down payment and closing costs. Banks are generally not good with purchase money loans as they usually cannot close transactions faster than 30 days. To make your offer more competitive... for some sellers, a faster close of escrow time might make your offer more appealing to the seller if they are reviewing similar priced offers with the same qualifications.
For refinancing a home down the line... after you have purchased it already and are not in a time crunch to close, Banks can potentially offer better rates than a mortgage lender. However, you want to make sure your lender is local for purchase money loans in case there is any issues... you have someone you can go talk with instead of having to resolve the issue over the phone or even worse through emails.
I had a client who used an out of state online lender against my recommendation a very long time ago (their rate was very competitive) ... and he almost lost his initial down payment close to $20,000. I had to track down a top executive of the company and send him a long email in addition to an email my buyer client had drafted per my request... for them to hurry up as escrow time was running out, seller was getting frustrated and if the lender had not performed my client would have lost his initial down payment. I had advised him not to use an out of state lender. However, the rate was worth the risk to him. If I had not reached out to the top executive on my buyer client’s behalf... we would have most likely NOT had a happy ending.
Find a real estate agent that you feel comfortable working with and schedule a Purchase Consultation. Real estate agents meet with buyers to understand their needs, preferences, and budget. They offer advice on the current market, neighborhood options, and what buyers can realistically afford. Agents often recommend mortgage brokers or lenders they have successfully worked with in the past... for their buyers to get pre-approved for a loan, which is an essential step for serious buyers!
Agents who have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) can find homes that match your criteria more efficiently than just surfing the internet. Agents offer insights on the community, school systems, amenities, and property values in different neighborhoods.
Agents help buyers compare the asking price of a property to recent sale prices of similar properties (comparative market analysis or CMA). Agents assist in determining an appropriate offer price, considering the seller’s asking price, local market conditions, and your budget. Agents negotiate on the price and terms, acting as intermediaries to help reach an agreement between the buyer and seller. Agents ensure that the purchase agreement is legally sound and fully understood by the buyer. They liaise with the escrow company, title company, and other third parties involved in the transaction. Real estate agents help keep track of important deadlines (e.g., inspection deadlines, loan application deadlines) to ensure the process moves smoothly.
Agents help arrange for home inspections (general, pest, radon, etc.) and may offer recommendations for reputable professionals. If issues are found, agents negotiate with the seller to either make repairs or provide a credit to the buyer if possible. Agents ensure that the home is in the condition agreed upon in the contract and that any repairs or credits have been addressed before closing. While agents don’t directly handle mortgages, they often help buyers stay in contact with their lenders to ensure all required documents are submitted on time.
Agents assist with understanding the final closing documents and may help clarify any remaining questions about the paperwork. They ensure that the closing takes place on schedule, liaising with the escrow company, title company, lender, and attorney (if necessary). Agents confirm that the buyer’s conditions are met, such as the seller completing repairs or leaving the property in agreed-upon condition. Although not required, many agents stay in touch after closing to assist with utility transfers, contractors, or any issues that arise after moving in.
Summary of Key Steps Where Real Estate Agents Are Involved:
Pre-Purchase Consultation
Property Search & Showings
Making an Offer
Escrow Process
Inspections & Negotiations
Financing & Mortgage Process
Final Walkthrough
Closing
Post-Closing Support (not mandatory)
From the beginning to the end... of the home-buying process, Ardy Mohseni DRE #01743349 brings expertise to help you navigate the legal, financial, and logistical challenges, ensuring a smoother transaction! See what a few of my past buyer clients have said below...
I was shopping for a home for a while working with another agent but we were having no luck closing the deal, I made so many good offers.. Then i met Ardy and with in 1 month we found my dream home exactly what i was looking for and closed the deal. He knows the OC market very well and has great feedback to every home, Pro's and con's. I highly recommend ardy, next time my friends or family are looking to purchase or sell a home i will recommend Ardy to them. He's good at what he does and if you want to purchase a home he will help you get the house you want!
Jay
Ardy was wonderful to work with! He helped me buy my first condo in Ladera Ranch and I couldn't be happier. I had been house hunting for 9 months with another agent with no luck, contacted Ardy, saw three homes the next day, made an offer on one and 30 days later I closed escrow! He is such a pleasure to work with, and I absolutely would recommend him to anyone looking to purchase in his territory!
Michelle
Great Real Estate Agent.. I am a first time home buyer. I was not enough educated for buying a house. Ardy personally invited me in his office. Gave a tutorial and explained the market in and around the area I was looking to purchase a home. Time was quite competitive as I was buying house when there were few homes on market and more buyers due to reduced interest rates. Ardy went above and beyond his duty and got us a house we liked only 3K above asking on the same day. I can go for hours to write about his quality and knowledge as realtor but shortly will see out of 10 or 12 realtors that I have dealt with in home buying exercise he was the best. When I say best means he was at 250% compared to other realtors in responsiveness and professionalism. I highly recommend anyone looking to purchase house in southern California contact Ardy.
Umang
Hassle Free Consultation with NO Pressure... What Do You Have To Lose? Nothing!
Call Ardy at 949-433-9668
DRE #01743349
My philosophy is simple: Clients come first! I pledge to be in constant communication with my clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. I believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, I haven’t done my job. I don’t measure success through achievements or awards but through the satisfaction of my clients.