Life is all about timing and opportunity, SERIOUSLY!…read more
Since moving to San Diego a few years ago, I've been looking to buy a condo but am too picky (i.e. which way the windows are facing to get sunlight inside the apartment, layout of apartment, condition of property versus pricing, etc).
BACKGROUND:
My significant other was at the community pool "working" one particular sunny day. Michelle also happened to be at the same location with the goal of taking pictures of the common areas (pool, tennis court, gym, etc) but couldn't get into the property because the key that she was given didn't work. My significant other let her into the common area of the complex after finding out that she and her photographer were taking pictures for a property that was listed on MLS 2 days prior but didn't have any pictures attached to the ad. My significant other then asked her if he could take a look at the property after she was done taking pictures. Why not?
My significant other looked at the property, then asked me to leave work early to look at the property on the same day, and we made an offer the next morning. The rest was history; it was as simple as that!
EXPERIENCE OF THE TRANSACTION:
So why am I giving a 5 star review? So many reasons!
1) Both significant other and I didn't know Michelle prior to this transaction. Even though we did not have a realtor on our side (she technically represented the sellers side of the transaction), I felt comfortable enough with the overall process since this was not the first time I was buying property. Throughout the process, Michelle was very professional, set expectations for us, and was very clear and upfront with any situations that arose where we made a decision that didn't sound fair. In the same token, I was a very well informed buyer and was very detailed in my decisions and provided explanations of why I made the decisions I did. (Context: I'm an auditor by trade.)
2) Anyone knows that all transactions can be done without a "middle man" if you're saavy enough and willing to roll up sleeves and do some of the dirty work. In this case, what Michelle has are great relationships with her business partners. She had contacts at lending institutions for financing, escrow company, and homeowners insurance. In the same token, her business partners also had great relationships too and responds fast.
According to her, it takes about 45 days from initiating the offer to actually "closing" on a property due to the new California rules. Because I also responded very quickly and hustled like I was still in New York City, the entire process took 21 business days (her best record). Woot Woot! Results, baby!
3) Michelle has a great support team. During the process, she introduced me to her TCs (Transaction Coordinators - Wendi and Annie), who were available to assist in the transaction and ensured all paperwork was completed timely.
4) Documents were signed online via DocuSign. This was perfect because I have a day job in an office, and I did not have to travel anywhere to physically sign documents. I could sign documents during my lunch hour (same day turnaround). Easy. Peasy. Done! Tip: Best to use Gmail to track the email messages and documents via conversations. There is a lot of emails from multiple parties, so there is a need to stay organized and on top of everything.
5) Great communication! Throughout the process, she kept in good communication with her business partners between her transaction coordinators, lending institution (between the mortgage expert and the personal loan manager), escrow company (between the senior escrow officer and the assistant (escrow offcer) and any other parties. Perfectly executed!
6) The day before the actual closing and approval for the bank funding, the escrow company gave me an option to stop by their office to sign the paperwork in person or for a small convenience fee, the escrow company will send a notary out to my location of choice (in this case, my office) to sign the paperwork. I chose the latter, and it was really convenient not having to leave and travel.
CONCLUSION:
- Friendly
- Professional
- Great Business Partner Relationships
- Easy to Work With
If you're like me, detailed / organized / responds quickly and needs someone that's on the same level, look no further!