Buyer Resources

SIMPLIFY YOUR HOME BUYING EXPERIENCE

Buying a home can be an enormous undertaking - be sure to retain the services of a qualified REALTOR. You can trust our REALTORS to always keep your interests first and foremost. As qualified professionals, we’ll guide you through the entire home buying experience and assist you in being an informed buyer.

SIMPLIFY YOUR SEARCH

What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now and in the future? Determine your range of affordability before exploring your needs, from design preferences to neighborhood choices.

MOVING FORWARD

Once you have found the home that is right for you, move forward to present an offer. This will consist of earnest money to be held in an escrow account and a written agreement. This agreement will set forth your terms of the purchase and a schedule of events in order to own the property. This important document is a legally binding agreement and should be carefully prepared by a knowledgeable REALTOR who is qualified to cover all your interests.

 

FINAL STEPS

Upon your complete satisfaction, arrangements will be made to attend a closing. Coordinating the closing will usually be a title company who has your escrow money in account. After furnishing the down payment and whatever other applicable fees have been agreed upon prior to closing, final papers will be signed. After the deed and mortgage are recorded in the state Registry of Deeds, you will be a homeowner.

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Money & Mortgage Matters

The most important part of financing is a knowledge of the options available.

Know Your Needs

Evaluate as you drive though a community. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your location needs:
 
  • Where is the nearest shopping center, bus line, police station and library?
  • What school district is the home in, and what schools are available?
  • What types of homes (single family, apartments, condominiums) are in the neighborhood?
  • How far apart are the homes?
  • How far is your commute to work?
  • What community resources are available?
  • Generally, where are the cars parked (driveways, garages, street)?
  • Do you notice a lot of noise, traffic or pollution?
  • Are the homes in good repair and the landscaping well kept?
Keep your eyes open and your notebook in hand as you walk through a potential home. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your needs as a homeowner:
 
  • How long has the home been on the market?
  • Why is the home being sold?
  • What is the asking price of the home?
  • Has the price been lowered?
  • Is the price comparable to other homes in the neighborhood?
  • What is the down payment required?
  • Is the house structurally sound?
  • Is there room enough for the present and the future?
  • Do you like the floor plan of the home?
  • What is the condition of the yard?
  • What improvements must be made?
  • Will the seller repair or replace any items that need repair or replacement?

Think carefully about each house you see and don’t be in a hurry. Your real estate agent can point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.

Making an offer to buy a home entails many factors. You and your Sales Associate will discuss the following factors prior to putting the offer on the table:
 
  • Amount of earnest money
  • Down payment
  • Price you are offering
  • Details of financing
  • Proposed move in date
  • Proposed closing date
  • Details of the sale
  • How long the offer is valid

The seller will either accept the offer as presented, or make a counter offer and ask you to resubmit a proposal. When all the parties involved have agreed upon the details, initialed any revisions and signed the final agreement then an offer becomes a contract.

Contract Review

Sales contracts may differ significantly yet all should clearly set forth the responsibilities and privileges of all the parties involved. It is a legally binding document that protects each party. Carefully review the terms of the contract. The sales contract should include the following:

Processing the Sale

Once the contract is signed, your Sales Associate will continue to be your advocate and ensure that your best interests are served. Some of the details they will be available to handle are:

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  • Schedule all necessary pre-closing inspections
  • Check that finances are deposited according to the contract specifications
  • Keep you informed of any unforeseen problems that may arise and offer solutions
  • Present a list of utility companies available for service
  • Schedule and attend the pre-closing walk through
  • Prepare for and attend the closing

Work With Debbie

Debbie's legal training, trusted professionalism, and vast experience in real estate have established her as a recognized industry leader in the Metro Area luxury market.

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