Buyer’s Guide

Are you seriously considering making the big, important and wise investment in your future and purchasing a home or any kind of property? Here are some things you need to know!

FIND A LENDER AND REALTOR AND GET PRE-APPROVED

Why is it a good idea to use your realtor’s referral for a lender? If we are recommending them, we have worked with them and trust them. A partnership between your lender and realtor means finding the right loan and programs right for you and your individual purchase needs. You also are entitled and encouraged to research your lenders and shop interest rates. Programs that are out there you could be eligible for are Down Payment Assistance, Buyer Ready (pre-underwritten for quick close), Appraisal Gap Coverage and many more. If you need some direction on a lender let me know and I will share with you my loved and trusted lender partners and how they can help!

HOME SEARCH

Now that we have a budget overall and for monthly payment and we have our pre-approved price range from our lender, decide your non-negotiables. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, if you want basement, garage, fenced in yard, fireplace ect. Are you wanting to go in and personalize with cosmetic updates or are you looking for remodeled and move-in ready? The more details you provide, the more specific we can be with your search. If you’re unsure about these things that's okay too! Maybe we need to hit the streets and look at some homes and see what you don’t want, before you know exactly what you do want.

I will set up a search for you through the MLS so you are getting updates via email live when homes in your search criteria are listed. That puts you seeing new listings first and at an advantage in a competitive buyers market. When you see something you’re interested in you text me, your trusty agent and I will get you in to see it as soon as possible. In the current market it’s important to get in to see things within the first 48 hours they are active listings.

MAKE AN OFFER

So you fell in love and you’re ready to make an offer! Do you want an inspection? Inspections are highly recommended for buyers. They uncover any possible large or small defects of the home. Inspections are the buyer’s responsibility to schedule and pay for. Prices vary depending on company and details of inspection. The inspection and remedy period are negotiable in contract however I usually ask for ten days for inspection to be completed and three days to reach a remedy agreement. In a multi-offer situation, buyers are often forgoing inspections to win the home. We can discuss your options and what best fits you and your situation. Earnest money is a good faith deposit towards the home that shows the buyer we’re capable and serious buyers. This deposit is refundable unless otherwise agreed upon and goes towards closing costs. Amount is negotiable and deposit is to be sent three days after contract date or three days after remedy agreement. When is your desired close and possession dates? What are the sellers? I help you coordinate and negotiaite closing and possession contact dates and all contract terms. 

CONTRACT AND CLOSE

Inspection and remedy period have passed, if you are financing the lender has ordered and received appraisal and they are willing to finance the agreed upon amount. You will have provided all necessary documents for loan processing and will receive a loan commitment from lender (usually twenty five days after contract start unless otherwise promised). I will also connect you with the sellers chosen title company for title clearing and transfer and coordinate our closing date and location. Before close, title will provide us with an ALTA (American Land Title Association) Statement. This is an itemized list of all of the fees or charges that the buyer and seller will pay during the settlement portion of a real estate transaction. We will also get a Clear to Close from lending letting us know our funding is ready to go. Then we sit down at close and sign all appropriate documents for transaction and you own your new home! Keys are usually exchanged here and utilities are transferred on agreed upon possession date.