Buyer Resources

  • Agent & Buyer determine Buyer needs, wants, timeframe, and financial options
  • Agent reviews the search and buying process, current market conditions and trends, Buyer costs, and the real estate Agency
  • Agency Disclosure and Buyer-Representation Agreement signed
  • Disclosure package reviewed with Buyer
  • Agent works with Buyer to secure loan pre-approval
  • Agent sets up automatic alert system for new listings that match Buyer’s parameters
  • Agent identifies and previews properties through MLS and brokers’ tours
  • Agent provides resources for neighborhood and community information
  • Agent and Buyer tour properties: showings by appointment, broker tours, open houses
  • Agent and Buyer review benefits and drawbacks of specific properties
  • Buyer identifies new home to purchase
  • As appropriate, Buyer checks the online Megan’s Law database, and local crime statistics with neighborhood police
  • Agent reviews with Buyer the mortgage, closing and ongoing ownership costs pertinent to selected property
  • Agent and Buyer review property disclosure package from Listing Agent
  • Agent queries Listing Agent further on property issues, Seller situation and preferences, past offers, existence of other current offers and offer presentation guidelines
  • A comparative market analysis of the property is prepared and reviewed to determine offer price
  • Financing pre-approval letter procured from loan agent
  • Agent and Buyer review offer and negotiation strategies, including offer price, due diligence contingencies, fixtures and personal property included, and close of escrow
  • Offer contract is written at Buyer’s direction; Agent collects Buyer’s initial deposit check
  • If very short contingency periods are being offered for inspections and/or financing, Agent to coordinate scheduling of tentative inspection and appraisal appointments
  • Agent prepares offer for presentation to Seller and/or Listing Agent: agency disclosure, offer letter, loan pre-approval letter, copies of Buyer-signed disclosures, etc.
  • Agent negotiates offer and counter-offers on Buyer’s behalf and at Buyer’s instruction
  • Agent receives back from Listing Agent the fully executed purchase contract, carefully reviews it for completeness, and provides copy to Buyer
  • Escrow is opened, Preliminary Title Report ordered, Buyer’s initial deposit check delivered to escrow company
  • Agents provides escrow information and copy of accepted contract to Loan Agent
  • Agent prepares a Timeline for the Removal of Contingencies and Close of Escrow for Buyer, Listing Agent and Escrow Agent detailing contractual obligations of each party
  • Appraisal appointment coordinated with Lender and Listing Agent
  • Buyer confirms homeowner’s hazard insurance for new home; Buyer’s Insurance Agent contacts Escrow Officer with required policy information
  • Agent coordinates Buyer-specified inspections—structural pest control, contractor, structural engineer, soils, roof, fireplace, etc. (see Buyer’s Inspection Advisory)
  • Agent monitors the timely receipt of property disclosures, reports and other documents, as statutorily or contractually required, for Buyer’s review and approval
  • Preliminary Title Report is carefully reviewed by Agent, Buyer, Lender and, as necessary,  Buyer’s attorney
  • Agent attends all inspections with Buyer; Agent completes Selling Agent portion of Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement after careful walk-through of the property
  • Agent and Buyer carefully review inspection reports for Buyer’s approval, further clarification or objection
  • Agent and Buyer review county/city, natural and environmental hazard and other required reports for Buyer’s approval, further clarification or objection
  • Agent facilitates collection of additional information—further inspections, contractor quotes, legal advice, etc.—necessary for Buyer to understand/quantify issues pertinent to the property’s condition or circumstances
  • Agent verifies loan commitment and funding details with Lender and Escrow Agent
  • As applicable, contingencies of sale—financing, investigation, title, etc.—are removed, or Agent re-negotiates the terms of the purchase at Buyer’s instruction. Agent prepares appropriate addenda or contingency removal documents
  • Buyer increases deposit in escrow as contractually specified. Agent prepares the Receipt for Increase Deposit/Liquidated Damages for Buyer and Seller signature
  • Property repairs or remediation, if any, are completed by Seller
  • Buyer final walk-through of property
  • Buyer consults with Buyer’s accountant or attorney to determine method of holding title
  • Agent reviews Home Warranty option with Buyer
  • Agent provides final instructions to escrow, and confirms Seller’s FIRPTA affidavits
  • Agent and Buyer review the Estimated Closing Statement, and, if Buyer desires, complete loan and closing documents for Buyer’s review prior to signing appointment
  • Agent and Buyer meet Escrow Agent for signing of closing documents
  • Buyer makes arrangements for final funds—balance of cash deposit and closing costs—to be delivered to escrow by wire or cashier’s check
  • Buyer makes moving arrangements, schedules change of utilities and alerts any Homeowner’s Association of pending change of ownership
  • Agent confirms with Escrow Agent everything is set for scheduled close of escrow
  • Buyer loan funds; transfer of title is recorded
  • Close of Escrow
  • Agent procures and delivers keys, alarm codes, garage genies to Buyer
  • Agents follows up to check in, offer help, provide resources, and solve any problems that might have arisen

Testimonials

John Twomey was my real estate agent for my first home purchase. Now, five years later, I’m still filled with gratitude for everything he did to make it a positive and enjoyable process, and a great investment. When I compare my experience to those of friends who have purchased a home, I only now fully appreciate how outstanding John is.

From the moment when I started exploring the idea of purchasing a home until long after I’d moved in, John was there, helping me understand the dynamics of San Francisco real estate, patiently listening to me as I identified my criteria, and guiding me around open houses throughout the city. His years of experience provided invaluable information about neighborhoods, buildings, location, risks and benefits of condos of various sizes, parking, traffic, tenants, and mortgages.

He combined invaluable analytical information such as comparative home prices, $/square foot comparisons and market trends as well as personalized recommendations to ensure that the home was right for me.

John made the entire process not only easy and stress free, but also fun and inspiring. If I didn’t love my home so much, I’d want to look for another home with John now. With all the drama and uncertainly in the housing market these days, and so many people full of regret, I feel so fortunate to have had John’s help.

Phil C.

John’s low-key demeanor and professionalism are much appreciated. He genuinely cares about and looks after what is in his clients’ best interests and works hard on their behalf.

Barbara H.

Concierge service at its best! John went above and beyond with his full-service approach to taking care of us as clients. From beginning to end – listing to sale to another purchase – John offered the right level of guidance and direction each and every step of the way. While transitions can be very stressful, we actually enjoyed the process, much to John’s credit. Thank you!

Leroy M.

I’ve known John for many years, and he is awesome! In the competitive SF market, it’s so important to work with someone who is well-known and respected in the real estate community transparent experienced attentive and kind. John is all of these things and more. From multi-unit new condo construction resale condo and single-family homes luxury property first-time or experienced buyers’ cash or financing buy or sell – John is your Realtor for life.

Kenny H.
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