There are four basic steps in the process of buying a home.  The first step is to select your real estate agent.  The second step is to get approved for your financing.  The third step is to find the property. The fourth step is the purchase. Agency Select your real estate broker or sales executive!  Agency is the relationship between the Buyer and the agent which will represent and hopefully protect them throughout the purchase process.   Financing Get approved for your purchase loan before you look!  This will help assure you of the opportunity to Buy Low!   Property Search Search for your dream home or property! The easiest way to search for property is through the MLS (multiple listing service).  This is a computer database service of properties for sale through participating members.  There are over 9,000 members in the Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, Stanislaus, San Joaquin and other area counties!  The computer search data base can specify your search by; price, size, bedrooms and dozens of other important criteria.  We can help with your search.   The Purchase and Escrow How does the transaction all come together?   After you have found your dream property it is time to make an offer to purchase.  The purchase contract is the instrument commonly used for the purchase offer.  The purchase contract contains the price and terms of the transaction.  The purchase contract can be composed of addendums to the contract as well as counter offers.  After the purchase contract has been agreed upon by both Sellers and Buyers it is time to open escrow.  Escrow is usually done by a neutral third party company that is also a title insurance company.  The Escrow company is responsible for accounting and collection of monies and financial documents. They also disperse funds for any liens or loans on the property and any third party vendors that have facilitated the transaction.  After all work is accomplished and the terms of the purchase contract are satisfied; title is transferred from Seller to Buyer and the escrow is closed.  The Escrow company issues title insurance covering the transfer.   Now that you are a property owner! Take care of your new property it may be an investment that will pay huge dividends in the future.