MEET WITH ME, YOUR REALTOR – Discuss the type of home you’re looking for, including style, price, and location. We will also discuss your likes, dislikes, must haves and specific search criteria. Once we decide that I am the Realtor to help you we will sign an agreement solidifying our fiduciary relationship.
The Buyer's Advantage: As a home buyer you need someone to represent you in your real estate transaction. Hiring me to represent you is a step in the right direction! I will use my experience, skills, and knowledge to make your transaction as smooth as possible. Additionally, you will have access to a team dedicated to your success!
GET PRE-APPROVED - You will need driver's license, bank statements, tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful home shopping experience. It is important to speak with a lender early in the home buying process so that we can establish a good search based on your mortgage qualifications.
Established Relationships: I know experienced lenders in the industry and can provide multiple lenders that are best capable of meeting your lending needs.
ESTABLISH BUYER’S REPRESENTATION – This is the time that we establish a formal relationship. We enter into a Buyer’s Representation Agreement where I agree to (1) use my knowledge and skills to assist you in purchasing a home, (2) assist you in negotiating the purchase, and (3) comply with the provisions of the agreement. In exchange you agree that you will (1) work exclusively with me in purchasing a home (2) inform others that I represent you for the purposes of purchasing a home, and (3) comply with the provisions of the agreement.
Your Fiduciary: In essence, this Buyer’s Representation Agreement establishes my fiduciary responsibility to provide confidentiality, provide full disclosure of any information I receive that may benefit you in a negotiation, and to put your interest above my own.
SEARCH FOR HOMES – The fun part! I will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home. Our goal is to help you find a great home and, at the same time, make sure you don’t miss out on anything or pay too much. We have a process called the Funnel Process that will help us accomplish these goals. The basic idea of the funnel is for us to put everything in the funnel that might work for you. This way you won’t miss anything. Then, we’ll filter out all of the properties that don’t fit your criteria.
Advanced Search: Not all real estate websites are the same. I have tools and systems to ensure you see every available home that meets your criteria.
MAKE AN OFFER – I will prepare the offer based on the price and terms you choose. I will help you determine the price you want to pay by providing you with details about comparable properties in the area. With the offer you must provide some type of consideration which in nearly all cases is earnest money. The typical amount of earnest money ranges from $1,000 or 1% to 2% of the price offered. As a buyer, I highly recommend including an option period in the offer as well. The option period is typically 10 days and costs $100 but provides you the unrestricted right to terminate the contract for any reason of your choosing. Both the earnest money and the option period will be provided with the offer to the seller for consideration. Other things to think about include the closing date, additional items you want included, and contingencies that work in your favor.
NEGOTIATION AND CONTRACT – I will inform you of your rights and responsibilities related to the contract. It may take a few tries to get it just right, but hang in there. During the option period you will have time to inspect the physical condition of the home. The home inspection typically ranges from $300-$600. This fee is paid to the home inspector of your choice and is non-refundable. Once inspections are complete, we will negotiate any needed repairs into the contract and come to an agreement. After that you’re on your way!
The Contract: In most cases the contract provides you with a timeline to obtain financing, as well as time to inspect the physical condition of the home.
IN ESCROW– You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms, the home is effectively held for you until closing. During this time, make sure that you are following the direction of your lender to ensure a smooth process.
FINAL DETAILS - Order the appraisal and review terms with the lender. The appraisal typically range from $400-$600 and is non-refundable.
Preparing for Closing: You will be finalizing your loan, reviewing documents, and discussing the findings from the inspection. I will be managing this entire process for you.
CLOSING – This is the transfer of funds and ownership. A title company or an attorney typically acts as an independent third party to facilitate the closing.
