Buying a home or property is an important step and there are many decisions to be made in the process. Fortunately there are some guidelines you can follow that will help make the experience a success.
The first of these guidelines is this: Choose your own real estate agent. You want someone who is working for you, not for the seller. This will ensure that your best interests are protected and it doesn’t cost you a thing. The seller pays the commission.
I will:
- Help you find properties in your desired location and price range
- Send you daily updates on the most current listings in your area of interest
- Schedule appointments at your convenience
- Answer your questions about schools, shopping, parks, transportation and anything else you need to know
- Act as a mediator between you and the seller, assist in negotiating an offer, head off any potential conflicts, and draw up a legally binding agreement
Buying a home or other real estate investment involves 4 basic steps.
1. Getting Started – Pre-approval is the smart first step
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When you begin, it’s important to know how much you can afford to pay for your new home. One of the best ways to get a handle on this is to be “pre-approved” for a mortgage. Not only will this help you to be clear, it’s a sign to the seller that you are a serious potential buyer.
Pre-approval is an easy step. You simply apply for a mortgage and receive a statement from a lender giving the amount for which you qualify.
2. The Search – Finding your new home
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To ensure you see every new house out there, I provide you with personalized e-mail listings. Real estate agents receive listings prior to their being placed on the Multiple Listing Service. I can set up an automated search for properties that meet your criteria and notify you immediately when they come on sale. This helps you to stay on top of the market.
When looking at homes, most of us get a “feeling” about a place, one way or another, and this is normal. But it’s always helpful to be working with a professional who can see all the practical aspects that need to be taken into account. You don’t want to make a hurried decision that you may regret later. Remember, there are many houses on the market. I can help you find the one that is truly right for you.
3. Making an Offer – How and how much?
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When you have decided to make an offer, I will analyze current market information to determine the value of the property and we will draft an offer together. I will write up an Agreement of Purchase & Sale and communicate your offer to the seller, or the seller’s representative, on your behalf. Sometimes there may be more than one offer coming in at the same time. As your real estate professional, I will guide you through what can be a confusing process.
The seller may accept the offer, reject it, or submit a counter offer. The counter offer may be in regard to price, to the closing date, or to any number of other variables. This negotiation can go back and forth until both parties have agreed or one of you decides to end the process. You can be confident that my experience and strong negotiating skills will help you get the best deal possible.
4. Closing – Completing the deal
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The first step in the closing is a final walk-through. I will schedule a time when both you and a witness can be present, in order to determine that all conditions have been met and no changes made that were not agreed upon (e.g., damage that wasn’t there when first viewed or a chandelier that you assumed came with the sale but has now been replaced by a cheap ceiling light, etc.) I will help resolve any disputes that may arise before the transfer of the title. When it is clear that the property being conveyed meets your expectations, we are ready to register the deed and receive the keys to your new home. |
