Getting Started
Purchasing a home is easy once you put your plans into action.

I'm a real estate professional who can save you time and trouble. And possibly even a lot of money. You see, I, as a realtor have the home buying experience most people lack. I know all of the steps and they are good negotiators who will work on your behalf.

 

As your sales representative I can:

■ Fine-tune your wants/needs list
■ Get special computer access to listing information
■ Screen houses so as not to waste your time
■ Arrange appointments
■ Offer helpful advice about the neighbourhood
■ Introduce you to trusted contacts who should be on your team, such as mortgage brokers, lawyers, and home inspectors
 

Buy First or Sell First?

While the answer to this basic question is as individual as you are, here are some things to consider. 
Generally speaking, under most market conditions, real estate professionals advise listing your present home and shopping for your new home simultaneously. Nonetheless, you should talk to me or your realtor about your personal situation, so you can consider how fast you need to sell and how long you should expect it to take given current market conditions. Every area is different.

If you have very specific criteria – like location, size, views, age, etc. which could lead to a time-consuming home search – you should consider finding and buying a home first before you sell your existing home. If necessary, your offer to buy a home can be contingent on selling yours. On the other hand, if you sell first, you can make your sale dependent on finding a home to buy.

Seasonality can play a role in deciding when to sell – with spring and fall the most popular seasons to put a home on the market. I can help you consider the effect of other factors like interest rates and consumer confidence in the economy.

 

First Steps

There are some questions you need to answer even before you start your search. 

If you're a first-time home buyer or someone who hasn't bought a home recently, we recommend that you begin with an in-person Buyer Consultation. That will enable your me to help you identify and clarify your requirements for your new home and then give you a good idea what to expect when you proceed with your home search.

Here are some questions to ponder as you begin to define the kind of home you really want:

• What style or type of home interests you – contemporary or historic, ranch or colonial?

• How large a home do you want, with how many bedrooms and baths?

• What do you think are the key features? (For example: eat-in kitchen, deck, fireplace, family room or central air conditioning)

• How will you determine whether a location is right for you – schools? Commuting needs? Availability of shopping?

• Would you consider buying a home that is in need of some renovation or expansion?

• Will it be necessary to sell your home to buy your next one?

During the Buyer Consultation, I can also bring you together with a lender who can assist you with getting a mortgage credit approval and calculating just how much you can afford to spend. This is the first step in home buying.

Once you begin your search, I can show you any home at all, even if it's listed with another real estate agency. Whether your interest is piqued by a For Sale sign, an ad in the paper or a listing on a website, I will be your best resource for learning more of the details. I can help you decide if any particular house is worth seeing in person.

I will begin to work with you by diligently searching the current inventory of available homes to find ones that meet your expectations. I will also network in any specific neighborhood you’re interested in, keeping a close watch in order to let you know the moment a new house that fits your criteria comes on the market or when a home you might like drops its price.

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Using the Internet

Here's the best way to learn about homes you might choose to buy. 
You’re in the exact right place to begin your search. First of all, the Internet has replaced newspapers as the number one source of new homes. Now 18 times more people find the home they purchase online than in newspapers.

When you search for properties on the internet the fastest way from mouse to house is to call, text or email me. I'm never too busy for you.

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Preparing to Shop with Confidence

Here's why you should begin with a mortgage credit approval. 
Since a pre-approval, unlike a pre-qualification, is based on your specific financial situation, it takes the mystery out of what you can afford. Not only will it help you understand which homes to consider, it will give any prospective seller more confidence in your ability to obtain a mortgage. (If you end up bidding on the same house as another buyer, your mortgage credit approval might even be the deciding factor in getting your offer accepted.)

In fact, by using basic information such as your income, debt, assets, and employment history, your Lender(s) is generally able to get you a credit decision within a short time. A Credit Approval Guarantee will specify the actual loan amount, as well as the loan type and term. The approval is subject to an acceptable appraisal of the home you eventually purchase.**

You'll have many financing options to choose from. As part of the process, your Lender will help you determine which type of loan best fits your situation. Believe it or not, there are over 300 to choose from. While you probably won't need to consider more than a few, you should at least compare the advantages of a fixed rate mortgage with an adjustable one.

 

Making an Offer

Here's what you need to understand about making an offer. 
When you have found the house that meets your needs and maybe even realizes your dreams, you'll probably find yourself getting emotionally involved. Maybe you'll imagine moving your furniture in, planting flowers, or hosting your first big holiday party. The trick is not to get too attached prematurely. There are a number of steps you must take before you're holding the keys in your hand, and you need to think clearly and objectively at this point so that the offer you make is a realistic one.

Determining what you should offer. There are a number of factors that will affect the offer you make. You can rely on me to help you determine a home's value relative to others in the area. Together, you'll also consider the condition of the home, the demand for homes like it, how long it's been on the market and, of course, how much you really want it.

Think twice before you make a "low ball" offer. It will elicit a counteroffer from some sellers, but others may dismiss your bid outright. I can advise you on ways to make your offer more attractive: for instance, a mortgage credit approval and flexibility on the closing\settlement can ultimately close the sale.

Rest assured that I am a neighborhood specialist, well trained in the techniques of negotiation. After helping you think through the issues to determine the best offer for you to make at the time, I am more than qualified to negotiate on your behalf with your best interests in mind.

Written offer with Earnest Money check, AKA Good Faith Money. I will strengthen your written offer by presenting it to the Seller's agent and describing your case to him or her. To show that your intentions are serious, it is customary to submit the offer with an Earnest Money check. If your offer is accepted, your deposit is placed in a trust account. If not, your deposit will be returned to you.

If the seller counteroffers, you may agree to that price and terms, or make your own counteroffer. Once you and the seller agree, both sides initial the final price and terms shown on the agreement of sale.

The final contract will specify the items in the home included or excluded in the sale, as well as any additional provisions either side wants to have as part of the contract. End dates for contingencies, such as for obtaining financing, are also filled in before the contract is signed.

Additional deposit. Depending upon the price of the home and the size of your down payment, the contract may specify a date when additional monies would be placed into the trust account. At this time, the mortgage company or your attorney will order a title search and insurance.

Mortgage contingency. Unless you are an all-cash buyer, as part of your sales contract, you generally will agree to obtain financing within a specified period. This period may be extended with the seller's agreement. If you are unable to secure financing, the contract becomes null and void.

 

Inspections

Here's why having a thorough inspection is so important. 
While only certain inspections are required by mortgage lenders or government mandate, a comprehensive home inspection is needed to tell you exactly what needs repair or replacement before you actually purchase a home. However, it is not legally required, so you, as the buyer, must pay for it. It is also recommended that at the time of the inspection you accompany the home inspector so that you can learn firsthand as much as possible about the home you are about to purchase - including such basics as where the main water shut-off and electrical distribution boxes are located.

Mortgage lenders typically require inspections for wood-destroying insects. Inspections mandated by the state or municipality could include: smoke alarm inspection, testing of well water, septic system test, and a certificate of occupancy, all of which are typically paid for by the seller. All other inspections are generally paid for by the buyer and must be done within a specified time frame, as indicated in the contract. Some insurers require inspection of underground oil tanks.

What if the inspections turn up problems? 

You should expect problems to be uncovered. While some may be a matter of simple cosmetics, others may be more serious and may call for costly repairs. The good news, however, is that in most cases you and the seller will be able to come to terms. You may decide to compromise and share the costs of repairs or the seller may take the responsibility. In some cases, you may just decide that an issue is not important enough to risk losing the home.

 

It's All Yours

Here's what it takes to make a new home yours: a final walk-through and closing.

The final "walk-through" is typically scheduled within 24 hours of the closing/settlement. It gives you one last opportunity to make sure that the home you are purchasing is in the condition that you and the seller mutually agreed to in the sales contract.

Should a problem arise during the walk-through,  I will contact the seller's representative to let him or her know what the deficiency is. If the seller accepts responsibility, money for the repairs can be allocated to you at the closing/settlement. If the seller does not agree to the repairs, I will act as the go-between to help you and the seller reach a satisfactory compromise so that the closing is not delayed.

The Attorney will send you the Settlement Statement 3 days prior to close for review. Any major adjustments starts the 3 day all over and may delay closing. Then a day or two prior to closing the Attorney will send you wiring instructions for the purchase. Always double check before wiring any money. And when the closing/settlement day arrives, be sure to bring:​

• Your homeowners' policy

• Photo identification

• Your checkbook for any miscellaneous costs that may come up

You'll sign the mortgage and many other documents, adjustments will be made for such items as property taxes, the seller will be paid, and you will receive the title or deed* and the keys to your new home. Be prepared to sign your name over and over again, but when you're done, it's time to celebrate – you're ready to move into your new home.

*Note: Buyers must wait until the Deed is recorded to receive keys or entry to the property.