The items listed below give you a brief idea of the steps we take as we process your file.

1. Seller decides to sell property.

2. Seller contacts real estate agent to list property across Multiple Listing Service.

3. Listing agent places property on MLS and begins marketing of property.

4. Buyer begins search for property: Searches Internet, drives neighborhoods, and/or contacts real estate agent.

5. Real Estate Agent & Buyer choose home from computerized listing (MLS) and home tours.

6. Buyer selects home to purchase.

7. Real Estate Agent completes Real Estate Purchase Contract: Buyer/Seller sign a binding contract. (Seller must sell, Buyer must buy or lose Earnest Money.)

8. Title order is "opened" at the Title Company: [The Title Company researches subject property and produces a Title Commitment (a current status of title including defects). Title issues are evaluated and resolved to provide clear title]. Commitment is sent to Buyer, Seller, Agents and Lender.

9. At the same time, Buyer selects Lender and the loan process begins. (Appraisal, Survey, Flood, Inspections, Insurance, Employment Verifications) Lender verifies Buyers' prior loan history, employment, financial position and appraised value of the home being purchased.

10. Your loan is approved, commitment is received and home inspection is satisfactory. (Buyer and agent now begin making firm moving plans.)

11. Closing is set with the Title Company (if Buyer is obtaining a new loan the time of closing is usually set up by the Lender). Estimated Closing/Settlement Statement is prepared and Buyer obtains Cashier's Check for down-payment and closing costs.

12. Lender prepares loan documents and sends them to the Title Company.

13. Title Company coordinates the receipt of closing instructions from Lender.

14. Closing takes place at Title Company: Buyer/Seller sign closing documents.

15. Title Company sends lender's document back to lender; lender checks to make sure title company has had all of the documents properly executed.

16. Once lender has approved the documents, lender funds the loan and gives approval to record the documents.

17. Title Company records documents with the County Recorder. County Recorder accepts, but does not evaluate title documents.

18. Title Company disburses money to Lender (payoff of existing mortgage), Seller, Real Estate Agent and other fees.

19. Title Company issues title insurance policy to Buyer and Lender.