My role is to advise you on real estate matters. I do not have the specialized training, certification, or expertise of a licensed home inspector. Home inspectors undergo specific education and experience requirements to earn their certification, and their role is distinct from mine.

When purchasing a home, I strongly recommend obtaining at least a general home inspection and always using a certified inspector. Depending on the property and the inspector’s findings, you may also wish to consider additional inspections or evaluations, including but not limited to:

• Soil and geological conditions

• Environmental hazards

• Sewer or septic systems

• Wells and water systems

• Roofing

• Boundary lines, lot size, and surveys

• Easements and encroachments

• Permits, zoning, and code compliance

• Solar systems

• Water conservation requirements

Below is a list of home inspectors some of my clients have used and been satisfied with in the past. This list is provided for convenience only. I do not select your inspector, and you are free to choose any inspector you wish. Please independently verify licenses, credentials, and references before engaging any service provider.

Once you select an inspector, I can assist with scheduling and will attend the inspection when possible. I also encourage buyers to keep the following best practices in mind:

1. Have the inspection—regardless of the home’s age or condition. Appearances can be deceiving, and even new construction can have issues.

2. Be present at the inspection. Share your concerns with the inspector, observe the process, stay for the verbal summary, ask questions, and have issues pointed out directly so you fully understand them.

3. Review the report carefully, but keep perspective. Every home has flaws, and many items are repairable. Focus first on health, safety, and major structural concerns.

4. Do not delegate the final verification of property. This is your opportunity to confirm the home is in substantially the same condition as when your offer was accepted and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
   Note: Verification of property is not a contingency under California purchase agreements.

Click the button below to visit an inspector’s website or call directly. You may choose any inspector—whether listed here or not. Your inspection, your choice.

Home Warranty

Nearly all home sales today include a one year Home Warranty package paid for by the seller, to cover major appliances, pools, spas, HVAC, water heater, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc., should they fail within the first year of purchase.  Most policies have limits on coverage and amount they will pay, and they will choose which service provider will evaluate and repair the item, but generally you are better off with a warranty than without one.  Most all buyers write in a Home Warranty in their offer - which is obviously for the protection of the buyer should something go wrong, but the seller probably benefits the most by avoiding situations when something stops working after the close of escrow and the buyer wants to hold the seller accountable for the repair.  A Home Warranty helps neutralize what could be a bad situation.   The buyer typically select the Home Warranty company they want to use, and everyone should read consumer reviews to determine which Home Warranty best suits their needs.  The links below will take you to the website with warranty plan, available options, and costs.  

Escrow

Your selection of which escrow company and officer can make a difference between a chaotic or smooth close of escrow.   Warning:  not all escrow officers are the same in terms of experience, competency, and responsiveness.  Once we get to opening escrow, you've negotiated a successful contract, and shouldn't have to be concerned about the administrative processes to close the transaction, that's the role of the escrow officer, as defined by the California Escrow Association:

The escrow officer does...

• serve as the communication link to all parties in the transaction.
• prepare escrow instructions.
• request a preliminary title search to determine the basis upon which a title insurance policy may be issued.
• request a beneficiary's statement or pay-off demand relating to existing financing.
• comply with lender's requirements, specified in escrow agreement.
• receive purchase funds from the buyer.
• prepare or secure the deed or other documents related to escrow.
• prorate taxes, interest, insurance and rents according to instructions.
• secure releases of all contingencies or other conditions as imposed on any particular escrow.
• record deeds and any other documents as instructed.
• request issuance of the title insurance policy.
• close escrow when all of the instructions of buyer and seller have been carried out.
• disburse funds as authorized by instructions, including charges for title insurance, recording fees, real estate commissions and loan payoffs.
• prepare final statements for the parties accounting for the disposition of all funds deposited in escrow.

The escrow officer does not...

• offer legal advice.
• negotiate the transaction.
• offer investment advice.

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