We provide expert local insight to help you find the perfect home. And, we know what it takes to get your offer accepted.
In today’s competitive market, buying a home is all about working with the right local agents who know how to find what you’re looking for, who actively network to bring you both on and off-market opportunities, and will stop at nothing to help you secure a future with your dream home. Years at the negotiation table has hardened our skills to ensure our Buyers the best possible outcome from start to finish.
what to expect:
HOME SHOPPING WITH SEARCHING SANTA BARBARA
01
First, we’ll chat about what you’re looking for in a home, your must haves and non-negotiables — from neighborhoods and weather patterns to schools and commute times. We’ll chat about the market, financing and insurance options, and discuss your timeline for purchase.
04
From there, we’ll strategize together and help you prepare a thorough, well-written offer to submit to the sellers. We’ll stay in close contact with the listing agent to get a pulse on the competition, leveraging our relationships with colleagues to set you up for success.
02
Next, we’ll review Agent fees and discuss the state's new requirements for Buyer's Broker Agreements. The good news is most commonly the seller pays for Agent fees from the purchase, which helps streamline Buyer costs when buying a home. But if we stumble upon a perfect home where the seller doesn't offer to pay, We're here to help. We’ll either negotiate with the seller to include the fee in your buying costs or plan for it separately. Either way, we’ll make sure you’re not caught off guard, keeping the buying process stress-free.
05
Next, offer accepted! We will guide you through the escrow process with ease and constant communication. Our white-glove service will manage your escrow seamlessly -- booking and overseeing qualified inspectors, reviewing reports, managing the timeline to close & all members of your closing team to reach the finish line.
03
Next, we’ll shop for homes and tour properties that check all the boxes. In addition to properties on the market, our clients get exclusive access to all upcoming and off-market opportunities through our network. Once we’ve found the home you love we’ll discuss the quality and condition, location, disclosures, and evaluate the comps to ensure you’re making a wise investment.
06
Turn key or fixer? Let us share our network of home service providers with you. Whether it is the first day of ownership or 20th anniversary, we are here to consult, guide and support you every step of the way.
explanation of changes to Buyer's Agent payment
As we move forward in finding your new home, it’s important to discuss the financial aspects of our services to you. Transparency is key in any real estate transaction, and we want to ensure you have a clear picture of how we are compensated for helping you. In California, we use a buyer representation agreement. This agreement clearly outlines our responsibilities as your broker and how we're compensated. Typically, the seller pays for commissions from the closing purchase (which you pay). As this has been done, there are no hidden costs for you. This clarity not only builds trust between us, but also smooths out the buying process,
making your experience as straightforward and stress-free as possible. In some cases as its been in the past, sellers may choose not to offer compensation to the buyer's broker. It's important for us to prepare for this possibility. If we encounter such a situation, we can discuss several options. One approach is to negotiate directly with the seller to include our fee in the final sale price, allowing us to proceed without additional out-of-pocket expenses for you. Alternatively, you might decide to cover our fee yourself, which would be detailed in our buyer representation agreement. This new change ensures transparency and keeps our interests aligned as we find the perfect home for you.
Big shifts are coming to Real Estate and you should know the facts. The new NAR settlement policy is now in effect, but there is no need to panic — just keep these three points in mind:
1) You need an agreement with your buyer agent, but it doesn’t have to be exclusive or long-term. Negotiate the terms and shop for an agent you trust *before* shopping for a home. You may have to interview a few before you find the right fit. This is worth the time and effort.​
ready to make a move?
Your search begins today. Our local real estate experts are ready to help you buy or sell a home in Santa Barbara, Montecito &
the Santa Ynez Valley.
Andrea O'Loughlin, Founder & Realtor
Tel & Text: 415.716.5436
Office: 805.969.5026
Email: andrea@searchingsantabarbara.com
1170 Coast Village Road
Montecito, CA 93108
cal DRE 02165956​​
© 2024 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DRE 01317331 and Andrea O'Loughlin DRE 02165956