The Cascade Team is a real estate brokerage whose focus is centered on customer service.  Our customers are our number one priority and our local agent team works hard to not only find properties that meet your needs and wants, but also leverages their local market knowledge to help guide you through the home search process.  Our commitment to excellence in service is unparalleled in the areas in which we serve.  While we offer a number of online tools to assist you with your home search, having a knowledgeable local agent to guide you is so important, especially when the local market heats up.  Multiple offers, escalation clauses, negotiations, etc., are all critical items in helping you secure your new home, and that's where our service and local knowledge sets us apart.

Below is a standard “Road Map” that explains the typical process for buyers to close on a new home. Of course, there can be many variables along the way but this gives a good run-down of what to expect from a typical transaction.

  1. Meet with a real estate professional: Discuss the type of home you're looking for, including style, price, and location.
  2. The Buyer's Advantage: As the home buyer, your agent's commission is paid by the seller of the home in almost all circumstances. This means your representation costs you nothing!
  3. Get Pre-Approved: You will need pay stubs, W2s, and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful home shopping experience
  4. Search for Homes: The fun part! Your agent will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home.
  5. Advanced Search: Not all real estate websites are the same. Your real estate professional has tools and systems to ensure you see every available home that meets your criteria.
  6. Make an Offer: Your agent will prepare your offer based on the price and terms you choose.
  7. Negotiation and Contract: It may take a few tries to get it just right, but hang in there. You're on your way!
  8. The Contract: In most cases the contract provides you with a timeline to obtain financing as well as time to inspect the physical condition of the home. Your real estate professional will inform you of all your rights and responsibilities related to the contract.
  9. Under Contract or In Escrow: You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms. The home is effectively held for you until closing.
  10. Final Details: Perform due diligence, order the appraisal, conduct an inspection, and review terms with the lender.
  11. Preparing for Closing: You will be finalizing your loan, reviewing documents, and discussing the findings from the inspection. Your agent will manage this entire process for you.
  12. Closing: This is the transfer of funds and ownership. An escrow, title company or an attorney typically acts as an independent third party to facilitate the closing.

The Home Buying Process

As you begin to think about buying a home, you're probably acutely aware that this is likely to be your greatest investment ever (short of children or a good marriage), and you might be wondering if there's anything you really need to know as you go into this process. This is where your real estate professionals come in. With the help of a trained agent, you can come out on top of a closing that might otherwise have pushed your retirement ahead a decade!