Preparing to Buy

Before you start shopping for your property, it is a good idea to make some preparations.

Build Your Green File.

A green file contains all your important financial documents. You will need it to secure financing for your property. The typical green file should contain:

  • Financial statements
  • Bank accounts
  • Investments
  • Credit cards
  • Auto loans
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Tax returns for two years
  • Copies of leases for investment properties
  • 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information.

Check Your Credit Rating.

Your credit score will have a huge impact on what type of property you can buy, and at what price. It is first recommended to check your credit rating with an experienced lending institution so that we can determine what you can afford. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. We will be happy to recommend experienced, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.

Be Careful With Your Finances.

Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability.

What ourClients Say

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Jody Neal guided me step by step through the process of selling my property. He was very patient with all of my questions. He got a great value for my property.

— Kathy Brown

"We selected Jody to represent us in the sale of a parcel of land on the Gaviota coast. The purchaser was a high profile buyer and the transaction was complex and sensitive. Jody did a great job of coming up with a strategy to sell the property and navigating all issues that came up during…

— Patrick Brown

Jody is a pleasure to work with. This is my second purchase with him as my agent. Over 4 months, he listened to my needs and responded promptly to all inquiries. His market awareness and empathetic approach were a perfect fit. I trust him completely and will use him again to sell my home in…

— Thomas L

When we got started looking at ranches/farms we were met with new questions and concerns we hadn’t thought of. We were nervous and had a healthy amount of fear. We were connected with Jody and when I say this was the best experience possible, I mean it. Like, happily ever after type of joy. We…

— Max Perutz

Old Mac Donald had a farm, which is what we have now because Jody made our dreams come true. The only thing more impressive than his sourdough skills is his ability to sell your house and help you purchase a new one. His attention to detail, experience, and knowledge is impeccable! (Insert chefs kiss here).…

— Chandler Buchanan

As first-time buyers, the prospect of searching for the perfect property seemed daunting. Luckily, Jody helped us navigate the challenging real estate market with competence and confidence. He was the perfect combination of being highly responsive without being pushy or overbearing. His expertise in the art and science of real estate negotiation was impressive. He…

— Scarlett Okerblom-Sincoff

Jody helped us sell a small, undeveloped lot we inherited. He found a buyer quickly and it seemed like a simple deal until we discovered all kinds of complexities with the title. With every one of the many steps it took to clear things up, Jody was calm, professional and efficient. He put in a…

— Jono Kornfeld & Mirande Blankenship

We highly recommend Jody in any real estate sale. Jody was professional, prompt, and made the process easy for us. We didn't expect to sell as quickly as we did but Jody found potential buyers and helped us close well before expected. We are so happy we found him and recommend him to anyone looking…

— Melissa Moore

In brokering our deal with a probate lot adjacent to our home, Jody Neal made it happen as seamlessly as we could've imagined. His attention to detail and tireless research made uncovered several potential pratfalls that could've killed the deal. In the end, we got an incredible view lot with unlimited potential for what we…

— Mike and Cheryl Baker

It was a pleasure working with Jody, he's always available, works fast, knows the ins and outs of Santa Barbara County well, and was able to get our offer accepted in a competitive market. Highly recommended, thanks Jody.

— Jerome Chiaro

It was pleasure working with Jody. He is a direct communicator with his foot on the gas at all times. I was very impressed with his out of the box thinking- he got my property sold in 9 months after it had been on the market for 5 years with another agent.

— Owen Schafer

Thank you for everything you have done in regards to getting us through this process. First-time sellers that needed a little extra guidance. You walked us through and held strong through the process. We thank you for your hard work and will highly recommend you to anyone in need of your expertise.

— David and Janet McCall