How do I find an agent to work with?
First of all, you need to find someone with whom you are comfortable, someone you can trust to assist you through the process of buying or selling. You may wish to interview several agents prior to reaching a decision. At The Manzo Team we have always felt that honesty, integrity, experience, and knowledge are critical to the process.

What can one agent offer that another may not?
Everyone has individual experiences that transfer into their daily interactions. Real Estate brokers do, too. There are specialties that are available to agents in terms of education and designations, and areas of specific interest that can develop into expertise. If you are looking for representation in a specific type of property call The Manzo Team We CAN Help!.

What does “multiple listing” mean?
Just about all real estate agencies cooperate with other agencies in showing and selling their specific listings. When a family or individual decides to sell their property, that person finds an agent to work for them in the marketing and sale process. When the home is listed, it is entered into the multiple listing databases, and the information shortly appears on “all the real estate sites through IDX Cooperation” as well. If you are searching for a home to buy, the agent you have chosen to represent you is in a position to show you all property, whether listed with that agent’s office or another. You can begin your La Crescenta MLS search right here in our IDX.

What is a buyer’s agent?
A real estate agent who is working on his/her buyer’s behalf, representing that buyer-client and advocating for that client’s interest.

When should I find a bank or mortgage company?
Some people are more comfortable finding a source of financing before searching for their home to purchase, choosing to be “preapproved” for their financing. Others prefer to wait until they identify the home to buy. There are so many different loan programs available, both “conventional” and “government”, and many lending institutions which specialize in a variety of programs so do your homework. The real estate agent you choose “The Manzo Team” will be able to assist you in determining programs that may best suit your needs. We will provide you with a selection of loan originators and lending institutions for you to interview and consult with prior to making your decision. If you are uncertain about your price range, We will probably setup a pre-qualification meeting with a lender to provide you with direction prior to starting your search.

Is it important to have a home inspected?
At The Manzo Team always recommend home inspections. Each home has characteristics of its own, some may be considered to be problems to one buyer and not to another. Sellers are required to provide property disclosures for the buyer of their home, but there may be issues developing that they know nothing about. Inspections usually take about 2-3 hours of time, and are valuable not only from the aspect of diagnosing defects but also from the educational value you gain from learning about the home you wish to buy. It is also good to learn what maintenance needs to be done to keep problems from developing in the home. Inspections which are most frequently done include (but are certainly not limited to): general building inspection (covers structure, electrical, plumbing, and basic heating systems), septic systems, wells, radon (both air quality and water levels), pest, lead, water quality. A developing area of concern pertains to mold. There are inspections available for this, and you should consult your home inspector with questions and concern about mold.

What is the difference between an inspection and an appraisal?
A professional home inspection is usually not required by the financing institution, but an appraisal is. The home inspections are to discover/learn everything that you can about the home you wish to buy to get a better understanding of the physical condition and repairs it might need. The appraisal is done by a licensed appraiser, chosen by the lender, to verify the property value.

How do I make an offer after I find the right property?
If you have selected The Manzo Team to represent you we will complete the California Association of Realtors Purchase and Sale Agreement with you. This standard industry form contains contingencies for inspections, financing, title search, and allows for additional concerns/items that pertain to your purchase. The Property Disclosure which has been provided to you by the seller of the property needs to be initialed and signed by you, attached to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. In addition, the Agency Disclosure needs to be completed, acknowledged, and signed by the seller(s), the real estate agent(s) involved in the transaction, and the purchaser(s). After the offer is presented to the seller(s) by their listing agent (or representative of that agent) the seller response will be communicated to you in a timely fashion. The negotiation process may be quick and easy, or may be more tedious and require more time. The Manzo Team real estate will work with you every step of the way to the point where you have a signed agreement on the property, or decide to turn away from this property.

After The Manzo Team helped you find a home to buy, how long does it take?
Once you reach an agreement to purchase the home, typical financing takes between 30 and 60 days to “close” the transaction. During that time, the lender will be receiving documentation verifying information which you provide to them at the time of loan application. They will be gathering information pertaining to the property as well, such as the appraisal of value and the title documentation from the title officer who does the title search. See Escrow Process