What Exactly is a Buyer's Agent?

Spratling Real Estate Blog

How I Work for My Buyers: From Offer to Closing – and Beyond!

Your perfect property is out there—and when we find it, that’s when the real work begins. After you’ve identified the perfect property, my team handles every detail with precision to protect your investment and ensure a smooth, informed path to closing. Here’s what you can expect in the next phase:

Writing and Submitting a Strong Offer

Crafting an offer isn’t just about price- it's about presenting your terms in the best possible light. I’ll walk you through:

• Current market conditions and recent comps to determine the right offer strategy. We’ll look at recent closings, price per square foot if applicable, the property’s competition, and work to identify the seller’s motivation.
• Contingencies that protect your interests, such as inspections, financing, and appraisal. Depending on the type of property there are a myriad of potential issues that could affect the overall value.
• Offer Terms such as earnest money deposits, loan terms, and timeline can strengthen your position.

In competitive scenarios, you may need to act quickly and strategically, this is where my negotiation skills and deep understanding of the local market come into play.

The Escrow Process

Once your offer is accepted, my team will open escrow. During escrow myself and my transaction coordinator:

• Coordinate all inspections and help interpret the results.
• Stay in close communication with your lender and title company.
• Ensure all contract deadlines are met (contingency removals, disclosures, and final walk-throughs).
• Provide a detailed timeline for your transaction.

You’ll never be left wondering what’s next. I keep you informed at every step.

Inspections & Due Diligence

Now it’s time to take a deeper look at the property. I’ll help you schedule:

• Home inspection
• Septic, well, and water quality testing (for rural properties)
• Pest inspections
• Environmental/fire risk assessments
• Roof, foundation, and HVAC evaluations
• Any other indicated inspections

If issues arise, I help you evaluate the scope of repairs and renegotiate when necessary. I’ll also refer you to trusted contractors and experts for second opinions or quotes if needed.

Renegotiating Terms During Escrow

Once you are in escrow you may need to revise the offer based on information during the discovery period.

• Pricing might need to be adjusted to account for any repairs or issues, this could be in the form of a credit towards closing costs or price reduction.
• Repairs might be negotiated prior to close of escrow resulting in new contingencies.

Whether it’s negotiating price, repairs, or closing timelines, I always advocate for what’s best for you in your specific situation

Navigating Appraisals and Lending

If you’re financing the purchase, the appraisal is a critical milestone. I work closely with your lender to ensure:

• The appraisal is scheduled promptly.
• You’re prepared for any outcome—whether it comes in at value or not.
• You have options, like revising terms or challenging the appraisal, if needed.

I also stay on top of loan approval timelines to avoid delays and ensure we’re on track for a smooth closing.

Final Walk-Through and Closing

As we near closing, we’ll do a final walk-through to make sure the property is in the same condition (or better) than when you made the offer. I’ll verify:

• All agreed-upon repairs are completed.
• Fixtures and inclusions are intact.
• The home is ready for you.

Then, it’s time to sign your closing documents—either in person or remotely—and get the keys!

Beyond the Closing Table

My commitment doesn’t end when you get the keys. I continue to be a resource for:

• Interior designers, contractors, and landscapers
• Property managers or estate services if it’s a second home
• Insurance reviews and tax planning referrals
• Vendor connections for ongoing maintenance or improvements

And when you're ready to upgrade, downsize, or invest again, I'm already a step ahead.

A Seamless, Full-Service Experience

Every step of this process is tailored to you. From contract to closing, I’m not just your agent, I’m your advisor, advocate, and concierge.

If you’re considering a purchase in Napa Valley or beyond, I’d love to help you find, and secure, your perfect home.

Let’s talk about your next move.

Jamie Spratling
Luxury Real Estate, Napa Valley
Spratling Real Estate | Sotheby’s International Realty