Buying a home
How I help you buy a home, step by step
How Adriana Cueva helps you buy a home in Vacaville and Solano County, from the first conversation and preapproval to inspections, escrow and getting your keys.
The short version
Buying a home involves a lot of decisions and a lot of paperwork, and most of it is new to most people. My job is to guide you through it with confidence, so you always know what's happening and why.
It runs in four parts: Ready, Educated, Aligned and Locked. First we get your goals and your finances clear. Then you understand the market and the process. Then we search and tour with a plan. Then we make an offer, move through escrow and close. Whether you're buying your first home, relocating, or selling your current home to buy another, I shape each part around your situation. If you're also selling, move-up buying and selling shows how we plan both together.
Ready: Know your goals and your budget before we look at a single home
We start with a consultation. We talk about what you're looking for in a home, where you'd like to live, your budget, your timeline, and any specific needs or concerns you have.
One of the first and most important steps is connecting you with a trusted lender to get a mortgage preapproval. You should understand your purchasing power, your estimated monthly payment, the down payment you'll need and your closing costs before we begin looking. I work closely with your lender so we search within a budget that's comfortable for you, and so you're financially prepared when the right home comes along.
At this stage, I also give you my Buyer's Guide and go over the Buyer Representation Agreement with you. I explain my responsibilities as your agent, how representation works, and how compensation is handled. You'll know what you're agreeing to before you sign it.
How I help you buy a home, step by step
Educated: Understand the market and the process, so no one has to pressure you
I take the time to explain the current real estate market, the home-buying process, and what you can expect along the way. Questions are part of the job, and no question is too basic.
As we look at homes, I share what I know about the neighborhoods, recent comparable sales and current market conditions. That way you're making informed decisions about a home, and you aren't feeling pushed to buy one.
The process looks different for each person. A first-time buyer needs different explanations than someone relocating from out of the area, or someone selling a home to buy a larger one. You can find more on those situations on the first-time buyers and relocation pages. I work with clients in English and Spanish.
Aligned: A search built on what you actually need
Once I understand your needs and your budget, I build a personalized property search from your criteria. I watch for new listings, price reductions and other market activity, so I can point out opportunities that match your goals.
When we tour homes, I help you look past the cosmetic features. We look at the home's condition, its layout, its location, its potential resale value, and any concerns that could affect your decision. A home can photograph beautifully and still not be the right one, and I'll tell you what I see.
The towns where I search with buyers are Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City and Dixon.
Locked: From your offer to your keys
The offer. When you find a home you're excited about, I run a comparative market analysis to help set a competitive offer price. I review the home's history, recent comparable sales, the competition for it, and any disclosures that are available. Then we talk through the terms: the purchase price, the earnest money deposit, contingencies, the closing timeline, seller credits and any other conditions that could benefit you. I aim to structure an offer that protects your interests and stays competitive. I handle the negotiation with the listing agent and keep you informed until we reach an agreement.
Escrow and inspections. After your offer is accepted, I guide you through escrow and work closely with your lender, the escrow officer, the listing agent and the inspectors. I help schedule inspections, which may include a general home inspection, a pest inspection, a roof inspection, a sewer inspection and other specialized ones, depending on the property. I encourage you to attend them when you can, so you can see the home's condition and ask questions directly. We go over the findings together, and I help you decide whether to request repairs, negotiate credits, or go ahead as-is. I also watch the contract deadlines for inspections, the appraisal, financing, insurance and other contingencies.
While the loan is being processed, I stay in touch with your lender and make sure you understand each document and disclosure you receive. If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, or something unexpected comes up, I help you weigh your options and negotiate when it makes sense. I'm always trying to see the problem coming before it becomes a big one.
Closing. As closing approaches, we arrange homeowners insurance, set up utilities, review the closing timeline and schedule your final walkthrough. At the walkthrough, we check the home's condition and confirm that agreed repairs are done and the seller has met their obligations in the contract. I'll also remind you about your closing funds, and to verify wiring instructions directly with the escrow company yourself. That protects you from wire fraud.
Once you've signed your closing documents, your lender has funded the loan, and the deed has been recorded with the county, you're a homeowner. I coordinate getting you the keys when the purchase agreement allows possession. It's one of my favorite moments in this work.
After you have the keys
My relationship with you doesn't end at closing. I stay available to answer questions, recommend trusted local service providers, send market updates, and help you understand how your home's value and equity may change over time. Buying a home is a major financial and personal decision, and my job is to educate you, advocate for you and protect your interests the whole way.
If you'd like to talk about buying, contact me or call (707) 304-6574. If you're also selling, see how I sell homes.
This page describes my general process. It isn't legal, tax or lending advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a preapproval before we start looking at homes?
I ask buyers to get a mortgage preapproval first. It shows you your purchasing power, your estimated monthly payment, the down payment you'll need and your closing costs, so we search within a budget that's comfortable for you.
Should I go to the home inspections?
Yes, when you can. I encourage buyers to attend inspections so they can see the home's condition and ask questions directly, and then we go over the findings together.
How do I protect myself from wire fraud at closing?
Verify the wiring instructions directly with the escrow company yourself before you send any closing funds. I'll remind you to do this as closing gets close.
Keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Adriana Cueva?