The Home Buying Process Can Be Either Fun, Frustrating, Or Efficient, or some combination of the three.  You Get To Choose.


It really depends on how you choose to go about it.
It also depends, to a large extent, on who you choose to guide you in the process.

Let's look at the Fun part.  It's exciting to walk into a home and imagining yourself living there.

But there's also the Frustrating part.  After you've looked at 10, 15, 20, or more homes they all seem to blend together and perhaps you start noticing deficiencies, some minor and others major. You may be uncertain about the price or neighborhood or financing or noise or any of a hundred other points of concern. So you get tired of the process and quit.

Finally there's the Efficient part.  This is where our experienced team is designed to get you to the finish line smoothly and as stress-free as possible.
We've been down this road hundreds of times.  We've witnessed the frustrations and anxiety and lack of a clear goal that comes from not having an experienced real estate guide on your side.  We are in this business to help you make smart housing decisions.


Phase One, Prologue:  Zillow is NOT always the best starting point.


  • I understand that everyone starts on Zillow. It's just there.  Perhaps you have used it just to get the "homebuying juices" flowing, and many people spend months daydreaming about some houses that they saw there.
  • But if you're even somewhat serious about buying that next home, then your next steps should be to answer the questions in the Identifying Your Goals section.
  • And then move on to the Planning & Preparation section by calling or texting or somehow communicating with me as your Realtor.

Phase One:

Identifying Your Goals

- What is your motivation to buy?

- What is your budget?
- What is your ideal price range?
- What is your desired move in date?
- What are your must haves?
- What are you looking for in a neighborhood?

Planning & Preparation

- Discuss objectives and process with your Realtor®
- Select a lender and begin loan approval process
- Obtain a loan approval letter
- Sign exclusive buyer-broker agreement

Knowing The Market

- Analysis of active, pending and sold transactions
- Review contracts and timelines
- Personal timing and seasonal considerations
- Supply v. demand, macro v. micro

Phase Two:

Finding Your Home

- Browse and narrow down online listings
- Which online websites work
- Notification of new & off-market properties
- Attend Open Houses with your Realtor®
- Start local and fan out

Offers & Negotiation
Strategies

- Knowing the Purchase Contract
- Our multiple offer strategy
- Presenting your offer to win
- Negotiate to optimize price and terms
- Define offer acceptance criteria

Phase Three:

Pre-Closing Process aka Pending Sale

- Starting the pre-closing process immediately
- Defining what money is due when
- Notify lender to begin loan process and appraisal
- Contact insurance regarding homeowner coverage

Inspections & Disclosures

- Schedule all desired home inspections
- Review all disclosures and reports
- Approve/negotiate repairs based on inspection
- Review/approve all seller and state required
disclosures
- Review and approve preliminary title report
- Meet deadlines & remove contractual contingencies

Phase Four:

Closing

- Schedule final walk-through prior to close
- Review the closing statements
- Meet to sign loan documents
- Arrange to wire down payment, closing costs
- Transfer utilities to new home
- Closing, key delivery and celebration
- Move in to the property
- Move-in checklist

Continuing the Relationship

- Staying in touch and keeping you informed
- Second homes and investment properties
- Providing resources and introductions
- Referrals, and reviews

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How to buy a home