The ultimate buyer's guide
Your home-buying process, step by step.
This guide is crafted to assist you in every step of purchasing your dream home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, it offers insights and strategies tailored to your needs — for a seamless, informed buying experience.
Get pre-approved
Should you require financing, I'm here to assist you with obtaining pre-approval. I have connections with premier lenders who can offer the most suitable financing options tailored to your specific needs — see my trusted lending partners below.
Touring homes
Most homes are vacant and readily accessible, but some may be owner-occupied or rented — in these cases we may need to schedule at least 24 hours in advance. If you can't make a scheduled tour, let me know as soon as possible so we can rearrange with adequate notice.
My weekends get busy working with multiple clients at once — reaching out early lets me coordinate showings efficiently so you see every home you're interested in.
Making an offer
As we consider a purchase price, a set of criteria guides our evaluation. Our offer package will include a purchase contract, a pre-approval letter, proof of funds, and signed disclosures.
After the tour or open house
Want more information after an open house? Send a text or call. With years of experience analyzing reports and disclosures, I'm happy to jump on a call to review everything together — I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Home inspection & contingencies
A proper home inspection is a crucial step. From trusted inspectors to evaluating reports, negotiating repairs, and avoiding future issues — I'm with you every step of the way.
Closing on your home
Once your offer is accepted, escrow begins:
- Closing costs typically run 3–6% of the loan amount.
- The process usually starts within one business day of acceptance; your initial deposit is placed into a designated account. From acceptance to recording of the ownership transfer generally takes 21–45 days — cash purchases can close faster.
Your home warranty
To add value to my service, I offer a complimentary home warranty for the first year you own your home, covering key systems and appliances.
Preferred lending partners
Trusted lenders for pre-approval & financing.
I have connections with premier lenders who can offer financing options tailored to your specific needs.
Mitchell Stelling
Loans with Mitch
710 River St #2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
CA DRE# 02212314 · NMLS# 2318256
Good to know
Why you'll sign a BRBC.
Following the National Association of REALTORS® settlement, buyers now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. In California, that's the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement — the BRBC. It spells out the services I'll provide, the terms of our working relationship, and how my compensation is structured, so everything is transparent from the very start.
It's a standard step with every buyer I work with — not a purchase obligation. It simply confirms, in writing, who's representing you and how, before we start touring homes together.
Good to know
Understanding buyer representation.
I'll provide you with a Buyer Agency Agreement that explains in detail the role of your Buyer Agent. This must be signed by the purchaser and the broker in order for the agent to represent the purchaser in a buyer-side transaction. A Buyer Agent represents only the buyer, and promotes and protects your best interests as your fiduciary.
“I can't wait to walk you through the home-buying process and support you every step of the way.” — Alison