Buyer's Guide

You’ve made a decision to buy a home. Now what? You do not have to know everything or anything about the real estate market. After all, the market is constantly changing, advancing, moving - at any given moment in time the snapshot is different.

Reaching out to a trusted Real Estate Agent is the best place to begin. I will meet with you, and discuss your needs, what is important to you, your budget, your hopes, and your constraints. We will discuss the type of property you are searching for, the features you like, and those you dislike. Most important I will answer questions. There are no “dumb” questions… Ask away!

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to financing. Each person has different financial characteristics and a qualified lender will determine what the best financing options are for you.

Products in the lending market are always changing, constricting, or expanding. Your lender can explain the different options available and explain how they work over time. They will make sure that you understand all of the costs associated with buying a home. It is important to have a lender referral. Shopping “online” will surely leave you with a lack of information you need to make an informed decision. Well in advance of a purchase being in touch with a quality lender is key. 

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). Most buyers have their favorite app in which to conduct a home search. However, there are many details only a realtor will be privy to. Therefore, staying in touch on which properties to see and which to skip is a decision you can make with your Real Estate Agent. You may be searching in one area or many areas and for many types of properties. I will arrange showings and accompany you as your home search begins to take shape.

I will point out details you may overlook and make you aware of contributing factors to the value. As individual as you are, each property is as well and there is much to be considered. When your home comes into focus you’ll know it.

Once you have found the perfect home, we will compose an offer based on the value and other comparable homes on the market. I will explain to you the elements of the offer which will include price, a closing date, a time for inspections, loan approval, and timelines for paperwork and money submissions. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will help you understand and negotiate the specific details of the offer. When the seller accepts all terms in the offer or counter offers and you have a signed contract - I call and say “Congratulations, you are in escrow!”.

Gulp! I always say to my buyers if you weren’t nervous I would worry about you. This is a big step. First time or last time, buying a home is a big deal!

Escrow is there on behalf of the buyer and the seller, facilitating the transaction to closing. A typical escrow will take 30-45 days to close. Escrow will collect the monies, obtain required reports and signatures and handle all documents relating to the transfer of ownership.