Buying
We make househunting
a fun and rewarding experience
We understand all to well that buying a home can be a terrifying and stressful process. But that’s never the case when you work with Brown & Company. From scouring the market for the perfect house to making the final offer, we can help you find and finance the best home at the best price.
For almost 30 years, we’ve helped open doors for homebuyers. To help start your househunting adventure off on the right foot, we’d like to share with these practical considerations:
Know what you can afford before you start your search. This will put you in a stronger negotiating position when the time comes to make an offer. To find out, contact a lender or mortgage broker who will help you determine the type and amount of loan for which you can qualify.
Choose the right realtor for you. Be sure to choose a realtor who belongs to the local Board of Realtors and who has in-depth experience in your preferred location. In addition, be sure to choose someone that you feel good around, who treats you with courtesy and respect. The more aligned you are in terms of personality, the more enjoyable the experience will be.
Don’t settle on the first thing you see. Get out and explore. The more properties you see, the more fully informed you will be about what’s available. And consider location and services in addition to house amenities. Are there good schools nearby? Good shops? Is transportation or parking readily available? Your Brown & Company realtor will be happy to take you on a sightseeing trip of potential properties, and to candidly discuss the pros and cons of each.
Negotiate! A good realtor will always represent your best interest and advise you on how to proceed with negotiations. From the asking price to the final offer, the best negotiations result in a win-win where both buyer and seller feel totally satisfied.
Anticipate closing costs. In San Francisco, the Buyer is usually expected to pay Escrow and title fees, loan points, and inspection report fees. There may be other costs as well that your realtor can help you plan for. Ask if you should contact your title company for a thorough, itemized list of anticipated expenses.