Search For Your Dream Home
After our first meeting and a review of our "game plan", it will be time for us to go out and preview some properties. Since we will have done our homework and selected the most likely candidates, we won't waste your valuable time looking at homes that are not suitable. It's likely that once you've shared with me all of your requirements, we could find you the right home in a single afternoon. However, occasionally the first day becomes a familiarization tour and it takes another day to narrow down choices. Once you've fallen in love with a home and have made a decision, we'll write up the contract on a State of California approved form, negotiate the purchase, and you'll be on your way.

Get "The Whole Picture"
Just a word about searching through the Fresno Multiple Listing System (MLS). On MyFresnoBroker.com, you have access to ALL of the listed properties for sale in Fresno County! This is different from some agents who only want to show you houses that are in their inventory. Since this gives their client a partial picture of the available market, it could possibly result in them not getting the best chance of finding their dream home.  I show all listings in the Fresno MLS, regardless of who has them, and sometimes show "For Sale By Owners" and unlisted properties. In other words, I will do whatever it takes to find you what you want.

Negotiating Your Best Deal
In spite of the current economic climate, ours is not a market where you can steal property. Most properties in Fresno sell within 3% or less of their listed price. I'll provide the facts about recent sales and if I am representing you, I can help you determine the best offer to make which has a realistic chance of succeeding. My specific advice will be based upon years of experience and  successful transactions. 

With that in mind, here are some general tips:

• Make your offers clean and simple, with the fewest contingencies possible.
  
• Have "vision" beyond the obvious. Many Buyers can't see the potential in a property that doesn't present itself well. If you can, there may be an opportunity for you.
  
• If you are not paying cash, pre-qualify with a local lender and submit the letter of approval with your offer.
  
• Write a letter (or I can do it for you) to the Seller explaining why their home is the perfect choice for your family. We'll send it with the offer, because personalizing your offer can sometimes have a huge impact.

Financing, Title Work and Other Details
Most Fresno Buyers secure financing through locally based mortgage brokers. If you don't know a good loan broker, I can help you find one. Most homes under $1 million can be financed at 75-100% of value. Terms for loans over $1 million are determined individually, as are loans for construction and vacant land. Upon sale, California requires the escrow agent to withhold three and one-third percent of proceeds from non-resident Sellers to ensure the Seller files a tax return reporting the gain the next year. Excess funds are returned. In Fresno California, the Seller customarily pays for title insurance fees and county transfer tax fees. Escrow fees typically total approximately $300-$500 but may vary. You can review financing costs with your lender.

Long Distance Purchases
Thanks to the convenience of technology and overnight delivery, some closings are handled long distance. If you are an out of town buyer, I will oversee the completion of inspections and appraisals, as well as maintain day-to-day communications between the Seller, the Buyer, the lender and the title company. 

In Closing...
I am committed to remaining your primary source of information and assistance, even months or years after closing. I don't believe our relationship is a fleeting one, but rather an opportunity to establish a lasting working relationship. I understand that the greatest praise I can receive for a job well done is the referral of your friends and family. I look forward to meeting them!