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Refined Approach to Buying

Buyer's Guide

Refined Approach to Buying

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by our team will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1

Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2

Decide on Your Budget

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3

Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4

Choose Your Real Estate Experts

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for agents like us to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also have knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where our expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let us show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home

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Step 5

Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6

Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7

Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8

Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9

Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10

Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Dream Home

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

Success Stories

Testimonials

"I cannot speak highly enough of Suzanne Weinstock and Robin Greenberg and the incredible service they provided during the sale of our home. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a level of dedication, professionalism, and care that far exceeded our expectations. What truly set Suzanne apart, in particular, was her ability to go above and beyond a typical real estate broker's role. She had a network of trusted resources ready to help us every step of the way — from clearing out the house to overseeing what she knew was a modest but necessary renovation of the home. She personally coordinated and met with contractors, sourced quality materials, and made sure every detail was handled with precision and care. With a small budget, Suzanne transformed our home into one that was open and inviting, and thanks to her guidance and strategy, we sold our home in less than 2 weeks at a price that we would not have received without her expertise. Suzanne and Robin brought a calm, kind, warm, and professional presence to what could have been an incredibly stressful process. They made everything feel manageable and always had our best interests in mind. If you are looking for brokers who are not only exceptional real estate experts but also people who truly care about their clients, look no further than Suzanne Weinstock and Robin Greenberg. I am deeply grateful and would recommend them without hesitation."
"I cannot speak highly enough of Suzanne Weinstock and Robin Greenberg and the incredible service they provided during the sale of our home. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a level of dedication, professionalism, and care that far exceeded our expectations. What truly set Suzanne apart, in particular, was her ability to go above and beyond a typical real estate broker's role. She had a network of trusted resources ready to help us every step of the way — from clearing out the house to overseeing what she knew was a modest but necessary renovation of the home. She personally coordinated and met with contractors, sourced quality materials, and made sure every detail was handled with precision and care. With a small budget, Suzanne transformed our home into one that was open and inviting, and thanks to her guidance and strategy, we sold our home in less than 2 weeks at a price that we would not have received without her expertise. Suzanne and Robin brought a calm, kind, warm, and professional presence to what could have been an incredibly stressful process. They made everything feel manageable and always had our best interests in mind. If you are looking for brokers who are not only exceptional real estate experts but also people who truly care about their clients, look no further than Suzanne Weinstock and Robin Greenberg. I am deeply grateful and would recommend them without hesitation."
Susan H.
"Our experience working with Suzanne and Robin was incredibly smooth and successful. Their level of professionalism and expertise was top notch. There was no detail left untouched as they guided us through the difficult process of selling our family home of almost 50 years. Not only did they provide very clear communication every step of the way, they also rem ained very sensitive to our attachment to our childhood home. They have such vast knowledge of the market and trends, therefore, provided trusted advice and leadership. They also have endless resources for any service we needed to hire in order to prepare the home for sale. They are driven, work around the clock, and committed to achieve the best outcome possible! We highly recommend these ladies! It was a pleasure working with them! Thanks for everything!"
"Our experience working with Suzanne and Robin was incredibly smooth and successful. Their level of professionalism and expertise was top notch. There was no detail left untouched as they guided us through the difficult process of selling our family home of almost 50 years. Not only did they provide very clear communication every step of the way, they also rem ained very sensitive to our attachment to our childhood home. They have such vast knowledge of the market and trends, therefore, provided trusted advice and leadership. They also have endless resources for any service we needed to hire in order to prepare the home for sale. They are driven, work around the clock, and committed to achieve the best outcome possible! We highly recommend these ladies! It was a pleasure working with them! Thanks for everything!"
Dori, Deana & Michelle
"We were selling my mother’s home and since I didn’t live in the area anymore, it was great to have someone who knew the market and to help us with all the details. Communications were great, especially when we had issues with the buyers. Robin and Suzanne were our representatives throughout the process. They led us over the hurdles and we finished successfully. Their willingness to explain all the details as we went through the process and to be present at the property for inspections and repairs was wonderful. Their diligent efforts extended to weekends and evenings. By the time the sale was consummated, we were working together wonderfully. We really appreciate all their expertise and assistance. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!"
"We were selling my mother’s home and since I didn’t live in the area anymore, it was great to have someone who knew the market and to help us with all the details. Communications were great, especially when we had issues with the buyers. Robin and Suzanne were our representatives throughout the process. They led us over the hurdles and we finished successfully. Their willingness to explain all the details as we went through the process and to be present at the property for inspections and repairs was wonderful. Their diligent efforts extended to weekends and evenings. By the time the sale was consummated, we were working together wonderfully. We really appreciate all their expertise and assistance. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!"
Bruce M. & Kathleen M.
"This being my first home sale, I still can’t believe how quickly my aunt and mother’s home in Culver City sold. I want to thank you for your counseling, this being my first home sale in a home I didn’t live in and in a state I didn’t live in. Always on top of everything, communication, appointment visits, and the personal touch you provided simplified the mounds of paperwork, creating a stress-free atmosphere during an unbalanced segment in my life. You made me feel as if we had known each other for years, like family! I would recommend you both irrefutably, particularly the timetable entailed, your knowledge and real estate expertise, and personal diligence in customer satisfaction, cannot be denied in being the best sales team ever!"
"This being my first home sale, I still can’t believe how quickly my aunt and mother’s home in Culver City sold. I want to thank you for your counseling, this being my first home sale in a home I didn’t live in and in a state I didn’t live in. Always on top of everything, communication, appointment visits, and the personal touch you provided simplified the mounds of paperwork, creating a stress-free atmosphere during an unbalanced segment in my life. You made me feel as if we had known each other for years, like family! I would recommend you both irrefutably, particularly the timetable entailed, your knowledge and real estate expertise, and personal diligence in customer satisfaction, cannot be denied in being the best sales team ever!"
Ann G.
"I very much enjoyed my relationship and working experience with Robin Greenberg and her daughter, Suzanne Weinstock, who represented the sale of my Father’s house in a “Trust” sale. They were professional in every way and always kept me informed at each step along the way. They were always in constant contact with me, even to notify me on days when nothing much happened. As an owner who did not live in the town where the house was located, they handled everything, from the estate sale to the cleanup of the house and the hauling away of all the old contents, to the retrofitting of the house to be eligible for sale in Los Angeles County. They knew how to handle every aspect of the sale, and I certainly would not hesitate to use them again if needed."
"I very much enjoyed my relationship and working experience with Robin Greenberg and her daughter, Suzanne Weinstock, who represented the sale of my Father’s house in a “Trust” sale. They were professional in every way and always kept me informed at each step along the way. They were always in constant contact with me, even to notify me on days when nothing much happened. As an owner who did not live in the town where the house was located, they handled everything, from the estate sale to the cleanup of the house and the hauling away of all the old contents, to the retrofitting of the house to be eligible for sale in Los Angeles County. They knew how to handle every aspect of the sale, and I certainly would not hesitate to use them again if needed."
Clarence A.
"Sue and I really appreciate all of your help in selling my dad’s house. We were really out on a limb, and you kept us from falling off."
"Sue and I really appreciate all of your help in selling my dad’s house. We were really out on a limb, and you kept us from falling off."
Alan G.
"Kathy and I would like to thank you for your extraordinary help in selling our home in Encino. We feel our background of being real estate brokerage owners for decades gives us a unique perspective to judge the “quality” of the service we received. Over the years, we have had thousands of agents who worked for our company, and we might add some exceptionally good salespeople during that time. Frankly, we can’t think of one of them who had the magic combination you both offer, of knowledge, negotiating skills, and the caring manner in which the two of you took care of each and every detail of this process. Quite honestly, we felt like we had family taking care of us. You were always available, always at the house, no matter who was looking at it or inspecting it, and always gave advice with much wisdom."
"Kathy and I would like to thank you for your extraordinary help in selling our home in Encino. We feel our background of being real estate brokerage owners for decades gives us a unique perspective to judge the “quality” of the service we received. Over the years, we have had thousands of agents who worked for our company, and we might add some exceptionally good salespeople during that time. Frankly, we can’t think of one of them who had the magic combination you both offer, of knowledge, negotiating skills, and the caring manner in which the two of you took care of each and every detail of this process. Quite honestly, we felt like we had family taking care of us. You were always available, always at the house, no matter who was looking at it or inspecting it, and always gave advice with much wisdom."
David W. & Kathy N.
"Before the recent sale that Robin and Suzanne made such a brilliant success, we had bought and sold a few houses, but never in a market like Bel Air or the West Side of LA. Robin and Suzanne gave us exactly the guidance that we needed. They’re a great team, combining enormous experience and sound judgment with deep warmth and human sensitivity, an unbeatable combination!"
"Before the recent sale that Robin and Suzanne made such a brilliant success, we had bought and sold a few houses, but never in a market like Bel Air or the West Side of LA. Robin and Suzanne gave us exactly the guidance that we needed. They’re a great team, combining enormous experience and sound judgment with deep warmth and human sensitivity, an unbeatable combination!"
Kathleen & Brian C.
"In addition to being fantastic brokers, you are also amazing people. I sincerely appreciate your hard work, in-depth market knowledge, patience, and unwavering optimism throughout the home-buying process."
"In addition to being fantastic brokers, you are also amazing people. I sincerely appreciate your hard work, in-depth market knowledge, patience, and unwavering optimism throughout the home-buying process."
Jon C.
"How can I ever thank you for your unparalleled commitment and infinite patience during my quest to find my perfect first house? I definitely would have given up if you had not been such a cheerleader. You made me feel everything would be looked after and taken care of — and it was!"
"How can I ever thank you for your unparalleled commitment and infinite patience during my quest to find my perfect first house? I definitely would have given up if you had not been such a cheerleader. You made me feel everything would be looked after and taken care of — and it was!"
Emily
"Thank you for your help in my first home purchase. I was very nervous throughout the process, and you calmed me and explained everything so clearly every step of the way. I’m very happy here. This is my dream home."
"Thank you for your help in my first home purchase. I was very nervous throughout the process, and you calmed me and explained everything so clearly every step of the way. I’m very happy here. This is my dream home."
Amy G.
"First, you find me a dollhouse, then you hand-deliver delicious treats. Come over soon to see how it all turned out."
"First, you find me a dollhouse, then you hand-deliver delicious treats. Come over soon to see how it all turned out."
Lainie
"Robin and Suzanne have both been marvelous personal friends (and providers of realtor services) to our family for many years. I know, from firsthand experience, what a fantastic job they do as realtors. They "go the extra mile" for their clients, keep in frequent and excellent communication with them, and are wonderfully accommodating. They probably have as wide a range of contacts as anyone in the business, which can be extremely helpful. I could not recommend them highly enough. A plus."
"Robin and Suzanne have both been marvelous personal friends (and providers of realtor services) to our family for many years. I know, from firsthand experience, what a fantastic job they do as realtors. They "go the extra mile" for their clients, keep in frequent and excellent communication with them, and are wonderfully accommodating. They probably have as wide a range of contacts as anyone in the business, which can be extremely helpful. I could not recommend them highly enough. A plus."
Nyle F.
"I want to thank you both for your helpful advice and guidance with the sale of our condo. I am so glad that we asked our daughter if she could recommend a realtor to sell our condo in Sherman Oaks, and she called you. You promptly provided an informative market analysis. Even though our plans changed and we took some time to determine our best options, you and Robin expertly and caringly guided us through our sale when we decided to do it. We were especially thankful for your many special trips to deliver paperwork and make copies for us, even making a trip to a doctor's office in order to pick up paperwork! Thank you for all your help!"
"I want to thank you both for your helpful advice and guidance with the sale of our condo. I am so glad that we asked our daughter if she could recommend a realtor to sell our condo in Sherman Oaks, and she called you. You promptly provided an informative market analysis. Even though our plans changed and we took some time to determine our best options, you and Robin expertly and caringly guided us through our sale when we decided to do it. We were especially thankful for your many special trips to deliver paperwork and make copies for us, even making a trip to a doctor's office in order to pick up paperwork! Thank you for all your help!"
Millie & Ted K.
"I truly appreciated the time and effort put forth on my behalf—everything from finding the buyer to waiting for the Thermador repairman to show up! Thanks again for making this experience as "painless" as possible."
"I truly appreciated the time and effort put forth on my behalf—everything from finding the buyer to waiting for the Thermador repairman to show up! Thanks again for making this experience as "painless" as possible."
Bobbe G.
"You are a very good realtor, and you really know your business. You made it happen."
"You are a very good realtor, and you really know your business. You made it happen."
Sue & Lewis W.
"Robin and Suzanne are two of the hardest-working, kindest, and genuine people that we know. We were so lucky to have them by our side while looking for our condo. They worked tirelessly to ensure that we found a condo that met all our criteria. We have known Robin and her family for years, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who is looking to buy or sell their homes. Robin and Suzanne treat their clients like family and their kindness is matched by their breadth of knowledge, experience, and work ethic."
"Robin and Suzanne are two of the hardest-working, kindest, and genuine people that we know. We were so lucky to have them by our side while looking for our condo. They worked tirelessly to ensure that we found a condo that met all our criteria. We have known Robin and her family for years, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who is looking to buy or sell their homes. Robin and Suzanne treat their clients like family and their kindness is matched by their breadth of knowledge, experience, and work ethic."
Carissa Z.

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