Offers, Inspections & Closing in the Bay Area

Put the property and your priorities first

Discuss comparable properties, condition, available disclosures, your budget, and the seller’s stated timing with Chris. Review your buyer representation agreement, services, duration, and compensation before moving forward. Real estate compensation is negotiable; understand your obligations and any requested seller contribution.

Review every offer term

Price is one part of an offer. Review deposits, financing, inspections, contingencies, deadlines, included items, and possession. Ask what each term does and what risk changes if it is removed or shortened. A competitive offer should be a decision you understand, rather than a template applied to every property.

Use inspections to answer specific questions

Read the available inspection reports and disclosures, including linked attachments. Identify unanswered questions for qualified inspectors, contractors, or other specialists. A general inspection, pest inspection, appraisal, and home warranty serve different purposes. Ask about the scope and limitations of each, and discuss your contract’s deadlines with your agent.

Keep escrow organized

Once an offer is accepted, use one timeline for lender conditions, inspections, document review, deposits, and signatures. Ask the escrow team for a transaction-specific estimate of closing costs and who is responsible under the agreement. Local customs do not replace the signed contract. Verify payment instructions directly with your escrow provider through a trusted contact method.

Review documents and plan possession

Compare the final mortgage terms and closing costs with your earlier Loan Estimate where applicable. Ask the lender and escrow team to explain differences before signing. Arrange the final walkthrough, insurance, utilities, movers, and address updates. Confirm recording, possession, and key delivery with the transaction team before scheduling access.

Your move-in checklist

Save your closing records. Coordinate locks and access after possession. Note immediate maintenance tasks and retain warranties and service records. Chris remains a point of contact for real estate questions and introductions to relevant service providers.

Adapted from Christopher Renois’s Buyer’s Handbook, offer, escrow, closing-cost and moving sections. For current consumer information, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Services and transaction terms are confirmed individually.

Christopher Renois · Real Estate Experts · CA DRE# 02030130