How I Help You Buy a Home, Step by Step

Many home searches start by looking at houses. Mine start with a conversation about what you want, because the house a buyer loses is usually the one they weren't ready to write an offer on.

There are four parts to how I help you buy: Ready, set up before we tour; Educated, a clear picture of what your budget buys; Aligned, a search built on what matters to you; and Locked, an offer and escrow run with no surprises.

I'm Jeanette Nelson of Jeanette Nelson Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty, helping Orange County buyers since 2003. This page describes my general process in California. It is not legal, tax or lending advice.

What you can borrow and what you want to spend every month are two different numbers. We look at both, along with property taxes, HOA dues and insurance, before you fall in love with a house.

Then I give you an honest picture of what that budget buys in the areas you like. If the answer is "everything is out of our budget," we look at the options together: a nearby neighborhood, a condo or townhome, a different loan program, or a stronger offer strategy. This is the step that saves buyers months of frustration.

I also explain the whole process before it happens, from offers to closing, so nothing is a surprise partway through. First time buying? See first-time buyers and California down payment assistance.

When you find the right home, I help you write an offer that is strong on more than price: timing, contingencies, the size of your deposit and the terms that matter to that seller. Before writing, I talk with the listing agent to learn what the seller values most.

Once your offer is accepted, escrow opens and the deadlines start. In California, the purchase agreement sets time periods for your inspections, appraisal and loan approval. I track each one, help you review inspection results and negotiate repairs or credits, and keep you, your lender and escrow in step. See removing contingencies as a buyer.

A financed purchase commonly closes in about 30 to 45 days.

After you get the keys. Real estate support shouldn't end when you get the keys. My Homeowner Care Program is designed to be a resource for you throughout your years of homeownership. Whether you need a trusted contractor, want to understand your home's value, have a question about a repair or improvement, or aren't sure who to call, I'm here to help point you in the right direction.

You'll also receive helpful home-care reminders, homeowner resources, local information, and opportunities to take advantage of special client and community programs. Think of me as your go-to real estate resource, not only when you're moving, but while you're living in and caring for your home.

Ready to start? See buying a home or reach out here. Selling too? Read how I sell a home.