Buying or selling a home? Real Estate People Inc. can help.

	Should you have any questions about this information or if you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at kourosh@toprealproperties.com.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
Before you begin searching for a home, there are many things you should do. When you start your search, you'll probably want to make an index of items you want, get a feel for what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent
This is where I come in. I'd love to set up a time to meet with you and speak with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the GLENDALE area.

I'll also help you get started on your loan. I work with some of GLENDALE's finest mortgage professionals, so you'll be in great hands. They will help you figure out which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin your search
After our first meeting, I'll start looking for available homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll preview most of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

As we view houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you about things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers revise their must-have list as we tour houses and some items become more substantial than others. If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings once more and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the market
My awareness of the GLENDALE home market is an essential resource in your home search. I am familiar with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can alert you to some neighborhoods are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the list price has room for bargaining and also when I know the house is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent will claim to understand the market, but be on guard, and make sure you ask plenty of questions. If things don't add up, just call me at 818-800-9030 or e-mail me at kourosh@toprealproperties.com, and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
We'll find your dream home in the GLENDALE area, and when that happens, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be made with your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like obtaining financing and the results of the home inspection.

Upon sending in your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure an offer to purchase the property, and it's often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the first offer. It's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll talk over whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
Once the contract is complete, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this shouldn't take long at all, but you need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will send you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining your closing costs within three days of taking your application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your home. This will most often happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and hassle-free event.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you contact me at 818-800-9030 or send me an e-mail.