Buyers
Buying in the valley
What the process actually involves, what it costs, and where the surprises usually are.
The process
Six steps from looking to keys
01
Get your finances straight
Talk to a lender before you look. A written pre-approval tells you your real budget and makes your offer credible when it matters.
02
Decide what you actually need
Bedrooms, commute, schools, and which of those you would trade. The list changes once you see homes, and that is normal.
03
See homes properly
Photographs flatter. Erica walks the houses with you and points out what the listing does not say, including what the repairs will cost.
04
Write a strong offer
Price is one term of several. Timelines, contingencies and deposit all carry weight, and the right mix depends on the seller, not on a formula.
05
Inspections and disclosures
Inspect, read everything, and negotiate on what the reports actually show. This is where a careful buyer saves real money.
06
Close and move in
Loan funds, the deed records, and the keys are yours. Erica stays reachable after closing, which is when most questions arrive.
Run the numbers
Mortgage calculator
Change any field and the payment updates as you type.
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Estimated monthly payment
Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or a guarantee of terms. Actual rates and payments will vary. The starting rate shown is an editable assumption, not a quote, and it does not include mortgage insurance, which most loans under twenty percent down will carry.
Trusted network
Our vendors
People Erica has worked with and trusts, grouped by trade, so you are not starting from a search engine at the worst possible moment.
[CONFIRM] Erica's own vendor list, PART 8 item 5: business name, phone and website for one to three firms under each trade below. The structure is built and the trades are in place. Nothing is published under a trade until she supplies the name.
Home inspectors
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Termite inspectors
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Fireplace and chimney
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Plumbing
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Electrician
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Pool inspectors
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Land surveyors
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Structural inspectors
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Painters and handymen
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Roofing
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
General contractors
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Carpentry and cabinets
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Landscaping
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Tree trimming
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Cleaners
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
Flooring
- [CONFIRM] 1 to 3 businesses
These are independent businesses. Erica does not receive compensation for referrals.