“ We feel quite fortunate to have worked with Danielle. One of the most important features in our housing hunt was to find someone who would take the time to get to know us and listen to our needs. From our first meeting with her, Danielle set precisely that tone and continued that throughout our home seeking process.
She certainly has mastered all of the requisite skills of a realtor and uses current technology to keep buyers well-informed. While many realtors would see this as sufficient for getting the job done, Danielle goes one step further. Her attention to detail and ability to make each offer as strong as possible (even beyond the financials) were particularly striking. While we entered our house hunting search simply looking for experience and a willingness to listen, we ended up finding that and so much more.
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My name is Danielle Lazier and I am a Real Estate Consultant (licensed Realtor & Certified Residential Specialist) with Zephyr Real Estate in San Francisco. Professionally, my primary ambition is to help as many folks as possible achieve their home ownership dreams. I assist all sorts of people in accomplishing a wide variety of real estate goals. Part financial advisor, part therapist, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goal, whether you are a first-time home buyer, a homeowner looking for greener pastures, or a seasoned investor looking for the next great opportunity.
The reason I work so hard to assist my clients in achieving their dreams is that I believe in the power of property ownership. Buying a home in San Francisco is not only for the rich and famous. The key is to start wherever you are, with whatever you can afford and to take action as soon as possible. Property ownership is like life. It's a journey and the road is long, so the time to start moving is now.
When you own property, a whole new world opens up to you. You don't have to worry that someone is going to buy your place and force you to move out. You can have the security of living in your own place without a landlord to tell you what to do. If you're decorating tastes run to orange shag carpet and purple walls, so be it. It's your place! You are building financial security for your future while enjoying major benefits in the present. Now, what could be better than that?
Regardless of your real estate history or current motivation, my work philosophy benefits you. When you have a sincere, straightforward Real Estate Consultant working for you, you feel the difference. And, you achieve better results.
When you work with my company, Zephyr Real Estate, and me you join our growing family of satisfied clients. As a member of our family, you have access to all the expertise and resources of the entire company, long after you take title to your home. Whether you need a referral to a reliable plumber, a potential TIC partner or a swing loan to help you finance your next purchase, Zephyr Real Estate is here to help. We are on the cutting-edge and ready to work with you to find creative ways to meet your home buying and home-ownership needs.
Welcome to our family! I look forward to meeting you at our Initial Consultation.
The Process
As your Real Estate Consultant, I am experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of San Francisco real estate: locating property, negotiating for the best price and terms, conducting inspections to ensure that the property is in an acceptable condition and handling the details necessary to coordinate and close the escrow. View the real estate transaction flowchart by clicking here.
The Initial Consultation
Every relationship I have with a client begins with an in-office Initial Consultation. Why? So you can meet me, discuss your needs and wants in detail, get educated and savvy about the market, the sales and escrow process, etc. Plus, you will gain a head start on your competition. The more informed and educated you are from the beginning, the better your chance of success. The initial consultation is absolutely no pressure and no obligation. If I am the best person to help you then we will proceed. If not, then you will at least leave with some great information!
Determining Your Parameters and Loan Pre-Approval
My success record (i.e. ability to get you the home you want, when you want it, & for the best price/terms) directly relates to how well I understand your goals and dreams. Strong, direct communication is paramount to getting what you want.
Before we begin to search for properties I will refer you to a lender unless you are already "pre-approved" to establish your price range and to begin the process of applying for financing. After the financing phase has begun, you will choose a type of property: single family house, condo, tenancy-in-common, multi-unit building, loft, or lot. There are a number of questions to consider as you make this choice, and I will provide the information and expert advice needed to make an informed decision. Once you know how much you can afford and what kind of property you want to buy, you'll start investigating neighborhoods and properties to find one that suits your lifestyle and your pocketbook.
Writing the Offer to Purchase
When you find a property that interests you, we will review the disclosure package and I will provide comparable sales information in order to help you determine the right offering price and terms. Keep in mind, a seller may accept, reject or counter your offer with a different price or change in terms. (There is a lot more to a winning offer to purchase than simply the sales price. My years of experience and success with buyers will help you get the property you want, the first time around.)
The Escrow - Inspections, Negotiations, and Loan Approval
When we have negotiated successfully with a seller and have an accepted purchase offer, you will begin the inspection process. You will want to have the property inspected by a home inspector, a structural pest control inspector, and any other types of experts you deem appropriate or necessary. I will provide you with a list of competent inspectors from which you may choose your home inspectors. You will usually have a 7-15 day period within which to conduct your inspections.
After you have completed the inspections, you may either accept or reject the property based on the inspections, or you may renegotiate with the seller based on items that have come up in the inspections. If you reject the property based upon your inspections in a timely manner, the seller will return your deposit in full.
You will also have a period of time within which to complete your financing. This will always include an appraisal of the property by the bank and completion of any necessary documentation or paperwork to obtain your loan.
The Closing Appointment
When your loan has been approved I will instruct the title and escrow company to prepare the closing package. This will include loan documents from the lender, a net sheet showing all closing costs, and documentation required by the local, state and federal governments. You will need to sign most documents in front of a Notary. This is usually done at the title company office and I will be with you on this most important and exciting day. The seller will sign her/his closing documents at the title company at a separate appointment.
Taking Ownership
After you and the seller have each signed all documents, the property can be recorded into your name and I will give you the keys. Congratulations! You will have become a property owner!
*Sound complicated? It is! And yet, it does not have to be stressful, overwhelming, or negative. With full disclosure, education and information, we will work as a team to make the home buying process fun, exciting, and invigorating. Sure, it's a lot to take on and you will be busier for a few weeks but the rewards are substantial, financially and personally.
Added Bonus: Zephyr MLS Direct…Unparalleled Multiple Listing Service Access and Accuracy
Zephyr MLS Direct is the ultimate tool for serious San Francisco homebuyers, available only to Zephyr clients. When you work with me, you'll have access to this dynamic search engine. Search every listing online as it becomes available, receive open house alerts, personalize new match e-mail alerts, track price and status changes, make market comparisons and much more.
Did you know the Multiple Listing Service feeds on public, real estate websites, including this one, are not 100% accurate and up-to-date? It's not on purpose but due to the IDX feed's limitations, you are not seeing all the property listings. With MLS Direct, you do!
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