Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
You’ve found the home you love—now it’s time to make it yours. That means signing a Residential Purchase Agreement, submitting your offer, and moving through inspections, appraisals, and escrow. It sounds like a lot, but don’t worry—your Coldwell Banker Realty REALTOR® will guide you through every step with confidence and clarity.
Making an Offer
Your offer spells out price, timing, and any conditions—like loan approval or the seller finding a replacement property. Once both sides agree and sign, that document becomes the legal roadmap for your purchase.
In California, REALTORS® use the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA)—the trusted statewide standard—ensuring your interests are protected and every disclosure is handled properly.
You’ll also likely sign a Buyer Representation Agreement, which clarifies how your REALTOR® represents you exclusively and keeps your best interests front and center. It formalizes your agent’s fiduciary commitment to you and outlines how agents are compensated.
Deposits, Inspections & Appraisals
Most offers include a good-faith deposit, typically 3% of the purchase price, applied toward your down payment at closing. If the sale doesn’t move forward for a valid reason—like a financing contingency—that money is usually returned.
Next come the inspections, which help you understand the home’s true condition—from the roof to the plumbing. Your agent will help coordinate these and explain what’s typical in the Santa Cruz market.
Then, an appraiser will assess the property’s value to confirm it aligns with the loan amount. While inspections look for issues, appraisals look for value.
Closing the Deal
“Closing” is when ownership officially transfers to you. Before that, your escrow officer will walk you through the final paperwork—loan documents, disclosures, and settlement statements.
Your Coldwell Banker Realty agent will ensure you understand each form, from your good-faith estimate to the final escrow statement, and help you prepare for closing costs, typically 3–6% of the purchase price.
Buying a home involves dozens of moving parts, but you don’t have to manage them alone. At Coldwell Banker Realty, our REALTORS® combine ethical expertise, local insight, and decades of experience, helping more Santa Cruz County buyers reach the finish line—keys in hand and confidence intact.
🏠Ready to Start Your Journey?
Connect with our local Coldwell Banker Realty offices in Santa Cruz or Aptos to start your home search today. Our experienced REALTORS® are ready to help you move from “just looking” to “welcome home.”
