Buyer Representation in Santa Monica

What it means to have an agent on your side

When you buy, the seller has someone looking out for their interests. Our job is to do the same for you. We help you find properties that fit, judge what they are really worth, negotiate the price and terms, and keep the deal on track through escrow.

In California, buyers now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring. We walk you through that agreement line by line, including how we are paid, so nothing about our role is a surprise later.

If you also need to sell before you can buy, we can help with that side too through our seller's agent service.

What we handle for you

Pricing the property honestly

We pull recent sales of similar properties and tell you what we think a place is worth, even when the answer is lower than the asking price. You decide what to offer with real numbers in front of you.

Writing the offer

California purchases usually run on the standard residential purchase agreement. We fill it out with you and go over the deposit, the price and every contingency in everyday words before you sign.

Inspections and disclosures

We help you schedule a general inspection and any specialists the property calls for, like a roof, sewer line or termite check. Then we read the seller's disclosures with you, including the natural hazard report, and point out anything worth a closer look.

Negotiating repairs and credits

If the inspection turns up problems, we help you ask for repairs, a price reduction or a credit at closing. We tell you which requests are reasonable and which might cost you the deal.

Keeping escrow on schedule

Contingency periods are short, often around 17 days unless the contract says otherwise. We map out each due date the day escrow opens and give you a heads-up well before any of them arrives, so nothing slips past.

Signs it is time to bring in an agent

• You keep losing out on offers

  If your offers are going unanswered or getting beaten, the problem is often the terms, not just the price. We help you shape an offer sellers take seriously.

• The paperwork feels like another language

  Contingencies, disclosures, escrow instructions. If you are signing things you do not fully understand, that is the moment to have someone sit down and translate them.

• You are not sure what a place is worth

  Asking prices are a starting point set by the seller. An independent read on value keeps you from overpaying.

• You need to buy and sell at the same time

  Timing two transactions is stressful. We can coordinate both so you are not stuck paying for two places or scrambling for a place to live.

• An older property has you worried

  Many properties on the Westside were built decades ago, and older plumbing, wiring and foundations deserve a careful look before you commit.

How buying with us works

1. 1

   Getting to know your plans

   We start with a conversation at our office, over video or on the phone. You tell us what you are looking for, what you can spend and when you hope to move, and we go through the buyer agreement and answer your questions about it.

2. 2

   Getting ready to make offers

   We help you line up a lender's approval letter and proof of your down payment, so your offer is ready the moment the right place appears.

3. 3

   Touring and choosing

   We tour properties with you, from Santa Monica to nearby areas like Culver City and Marina del Rey, and give you a straight opinion on each one.

4. 4

   Offer and escrow

   Once your offer is accepted, escrow opens and your deposit goes in. We guide you through inspections, the appraisal and loan approval, one deadline at a time.

5. 5

   Closing day

   You sign final documents with escrow, the loan funds, the deed records and you get the keys. We stay in touch afterward if questions come up.

What affects the cost of buying

Our compensation is set out in writing in the buyer agreement before we start, and it is negotiable. Depending on the deal, the seller may cover some or all of it, or you may. Beyond our fee, several things change what you pay at closing.

How our fee is structured

The agreement spells out the amount and who pays it. We lay out the options and how a seller credit can sometimes cover part of it.

Loan type and down payment

Your lender's fees, points and required reserves vary by loan. A larger down payment usually lowers your monthly cost.

Inspections the property needs

A newer condo may need only a general inspection. An older property might also call for sewer, roof or foundation reports.

Escrow, title and transfer taxes

Escrow and title insurance fees are part of every purchase. Who pays which transfer taxes can be negotiated in the contract.