Buying with Becky
Nine steps from first conversation to keys, with an agent who has represented buyers from $490,000 to $3.7 million.
Becky grew up in the South Bay, lives in Seaside and has sold 240+ homes here. For buyers that means homes you hear about before they are public, offers written to win, and someone who tells you when to walk away.
01Prepare to purchase
Steps one to five: before you write an offer.
01
First conversation
What you want, where, and what you can spend comfortably. Becky listens first; she does not push homes that are not the right match.
02
Buyer representation agreement
California requires a written agreement before touring homes with an agent, and it cannot run longer than three months. It sets out what Becky does for you and how she is paid.
03
Pre-approval
A lender letter before the search starts, so an offer can move the day the right home appears. Becky can introduce lenders who close on time.
04
The search
MLS alerts the morning they post, Estate Properties’ weekly listing previews, Coming Soon homes, and off-market homes from Becky’s network that never reach Zillow.
05
Tours and the offer
Becky walks each home with you, points out what the photos hid, and writes an offer built to win in a multiple-offer situation without overpaying.
02Contract to close
Steps six to nine: from accepted offer to keys.
06
Offer accepted, escrow opened
Your initial deposit goes to escrow, never to a person. The clock on contingencies starts.
07
Inspections and disclosures
General, termite and any specialty inspections, plus the seller’s disclosures. Becky negotiates repairs or credits from what they find.
08
Appraisal and loan
The lender’s appraisal and final underwriting. Becky keeps the lender, escrow and listing side on the same timeline.
09
Final walk-through and keys
A last walk-through to confirm the home is as agreed, signing, funding, recording, and the keys are yours. Often about 30 days from acceptance.
Wire fraud warning
Never wire money based on an email. Before sending any funds, call the escrow company at a phone number you looked up yourself, not one in the email, and confirm the instructions by voice. Wire instructions do not change mid-escrow; an email saying they have is the scam.
03Estate Properties
A South Bay brokerage since 1984, with two global networks behind it.
i.
Since 1984
Estate Properties has sold South Bay and Palos Verdes homes for four decades, from its Malaga Cove headquarters and Becky’s Riviera Village office.
ii.
Weekly listing previews
Estate Properties agents preview new listings together each week, which is how Becky hears about homes before they are public.
iii.
Two global networks
Estate Properties is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International®, which matters when a buyer is relocating from out of state or abroad.
04What to budget for
Six costs beyond the price, in the order they arrive.
Beyond the price, a South Bay purchase has costs that land at different moments. Becky walks you through each with real numbers for the home you choose; the calculator gives you a first pass.
- Initial deposit, paid into escrow within days of acceptance and credited to your purchase.
- Inspections: general, termite, and sewer, roof, chimney or pool when the home calls for them.
- Appraisal and lender fees, set by your lender.
- Escrow and title: escrow fees, the lender’s title policy, recording and notary.
- Prepaids: prorated property tax, HOA dues where there is an HOA, homeowner’s insurance, and the first interest.
- After closing: a supplemental property tax bill in the first year, and moving.
05Where Becky works
Eight communities from El Segundo to the Peninsula.
Palos Verdes EstatesMalaga Cove, Lunada Bay and bluff-top homes above the Pacific
Rancho Palos VerdesOcean-view living across the Peninsula
Hollywood RivieraHillside streets above Torrance Beach and Riviera Village
Redondo BeachRiviera Village, King Harbor and the Avenues
Hermosa BeachThe Strand, the pier and walk-street living
Manhattan BeachThe Sand Section, the Tree Section and the Hill Section
El SegundoA small-town feel just north of Manhattan Beach
TorranceSouth Torrance, Seaside, West Torrance, Walteria and Old Torrance
06Questions
What buyers ask on the first call.
How is Becky paid?
Her compensation is written into the buyer representation agreement you sign before touring. Whether the seller or the listing broker contributes toward it is negotiated in your offer, and many sellers do. Becky explains the numbers before you sign anything.
Can I see homes that are not on Zillow?
Yes. Coming Soon listings, private listings and off-market homes from Becky’s network of agents and past clients. Some of her buyers’ purchases never had a public listing.
How long does it take to close?
In California an escrow often runs about 30 days from acceptance, longer with some loan types or when the seller needs time to move. Cash can close faster.
I am relocating from out of state. Can you help remotely?
Yes. Video tours, inspection reports read together on a call, and a lender and escrow team used to signing remotely.
Tell Becky what you are looking for.
Areas, budget, must-haves and timing. She replies personally with what is on the market now and what is about to be.
Thank you
Becky has your search.
She will reply personally with what is on the market now and what is coming.
Your email app opened with the details filled in; send it and Becky has it.
