From First Search to Front Door
A clear, step-by-step roadmap to buying your home in California. No jargon. No surprises.
Step 1: Personal Consultation
Every home search starts with a conversation. We'll discuss your goals, budget, preferred neighborhoods, timeline, and lifestyle needs. This isn't a sales pitch — it's about understanding what home means to you.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)
Pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell a lender. Pre-approval means a lender has verified your income, credit, and finances — and you have a real number to work with. Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously. It's the difference between 'I think I can afford this' and 'My bank says I can.'
Suzanna works with trusted local lenders who can get you pre-approved quickly — often in 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Tour Properties
With your budget locked in, we start looking. Suzanna uses advanced market intelligence to identify properties that match your criteria — including opportunities that others might miss. She'll schedule private tours, point out details you wouldn't notice, and give you honest feedback on every home.
Step 4: Write a Strong Offer
Found the one? Suzanna will analyze comparable sales, market conditions, and the seller's situation to craft an offer that's competitive without overpaying. In a hot market, strategy matters — price is just one part of a winning offer.
Step 5: Offer Accepted
Congratulations — you're in contract. This is when the real work begins behind the scenes. Suzanna coordinates everything from here so you can focus on the exciting part.
Step 6: Escrow Opens
A neutral third-party escrow company holds all funds and documents until the deal closes. Think of it as a trusted middleman — they make sure everyone does what they agreed to before any money changes hands.
Step 7: Deposit Earnest Money
Your good faith deposit (typically 1-3% of the purchase price) goes into escrow. This shows the seller you're serious. The money isn't lost — it gets applied to your down payment at closing.
Step 8: Home Inspection
A licensed inspector examines the property top to bottom — foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. This is your protection. If issues come up, Suzanna negotiates repairs or credits on your behalf.
Never skip the inspection. It's the best $400-600 you'll spend in the entire process.
Step 9: Lender Orders Appraisal
Your lender sends an independent appraiser to confirm the home is worth what you're paying. This protects you from overpaying and protects the bank's investment. If the appraisal comes in low, Suzanna helps you negotiate the next steps.
Step 10: Submit Documentation
Your lender will request additional documents — pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, employment verification. Respond quickly. Delays here are the number one reason closings get pushed back.
Suzanna's team keeps a checklist and follows up so nothing falls through the cracks.
Step 11: Review Closing Disclosure
Three days before closing, your lender sends a detailed breakdown of every dollar — loan terms, monthly payment, closing costs, and what you owe at signing. Review it carefully. Suzanna walks you through every line so there are no surprises.
Step 12: Sign & Notarize
You'll meet with a notary to sign the final paperwork — loan documents, title transfer, insurance confirmation, and more. It takes about an hour. This is the moment it starts feeling real.
Step 13: Wire Your Remaining Funds
Your down payment minus the earnest money deposit, plus any remaining closing costs, gets wired to escrow. Your lender wires the loan amount separately. Always verify wiring instructions by phone — never trust email alone.
⚠️ Wire fraud is real. Always confirm wiring instructions by calling your escrow officer directly using a number you already have — never from an email.
Step 14: Loan Funds & Title Records
Your lender sends the money to escrow. The title company records the deed with the county. Officially, legally — the home is now yours.
Step 15: Get the Keys
This is the moment. Suzanna hands you the keys to your new home. Take a breath. You did it.
Step 16: Move In & Make It Yours
Welcome home. Set up your utilities, change the locks, and start making memories. And remember — Suzanna is always a phone call away if you need anything, even after closing.
When You Work With Suzanna, You Get:
- Advanced market intelligence to find the right home
- A skilled negotiator committed to your best interests
- Up-to-date market data for informed decisions
- Every detail handled from first search to move-in day
- An agent who speaks English, Russian, and Armenian