So you've decided to buy a home?  Great!!

Let's get started!

Most people don't realize that they don't have to pay anything to have an agent represent them!  The buyer's agent gets paid by the seller, and this is already negotiated into the sales price when the house is listed!

Put your finances in order and see how much you can afford.

Start a Home-Buying File
If you keep your records in one place, you can get organized in a few hours. Start a file for papers, sales brochures and other information you'll accumulate, including:

• Credit data
  Check your credit and see if you may need to correct any credit problems. *Remember, there are loan programs for everyone! Most buyers find that their credit wasn't as bad as they presumed it was!
• Loan documents
  Gather financial information the lender will request. This is VERY important! Your lender will need the requested documents as soon as you can get them!
• Real estate listings
  This is the easy and most fun part!  I'll get you started or you can search for homes by clicking on the HOME MATCH button at the top of this page.
• Inspection reports
  Make sure you use a reputable inspector!! Even if purchasing a brand new home!
• Insurance information
  Choose insurance wisely and cut your insurance costs. Make sure you have the coverage you need...remember, this is a BIG investment!

Get Pre-Approved  
It isn't as scary as you think! And you can get pre-approved in just one phone call! Getting Pre-Approved gives you an estimate of how much you can borrow and puts you in a better position to buy.   To get pre-approved for a loan, you need to know your:

• Cash available for a down payment
• Cash available for closing costs
• Current income
• Job status
• Estimated assets
• Estimated debts

 

Make sure you understand the contract,   if not,   ask for help!

• Contact me so we can get together to discuss your needs.
  I will make sure I understand your priorities, and will get the information that I need from you to find just what you're looking for.

• I will also set you up with your own "MyHome" web site. This will help you to cut your time at least in half while searching for a home, so you can spend time on more important concerns in your daily life!  *You will be notified by email of any property which becomes available that matches your criteria the very day it is listed and input in the MLS - the Multiple Listing Service!* No matter what Reality Company it is listed with!  ...also if a property is being held open on Sunday including any price changes or under contract...so you will know everything I know!
  
  
• Take a checklist of Questions to ask when we are touring homes
  Get all the information you need to compare and contrast later. The most beautiful house may be a favorite until you revisit your notes and discover it needs new plumbing and wiring.

• When you find a home that interests you, research the neighborhood.
  Use Our Neighborhood Profile when performing a "Home Search" (located at the top of this page), to learn more about the area. Go on your own at different times of the day, and talk to neighbors and local businesses to get a feel for what it's like to live there.

• Write an offer   If everything checks out, you're ready to make an offer.  I'll prepare a CMA for you regarding the home you've chosen, and will go over it with you to make sure that you are comfortable with your offering price for the home.  I'll prepare and present your offer, and do any needed negotiating for you.

Don't worry, I am here to help you with everything!

After your offer has been accepted, the following happens: 

• A copy of your contract is sent over to your lender  They need a copy of all your documents so that your file can be sent to their underwriting department for final loan approval.
• Inspections Whole house inspections,  termites (wood destroying insects), Radon, etc.
• Repair Negotiations This is the last of the negotiating.  After reviewing the inspection reports, you decide what you feel the seller should repair.  Typically all safety related items will be repaired with no problem...but you never know what the seller's limits are.
• Insurance  You need to be prompt with getting this info to your lender. Never wait till the last minute to turn items in to your lender!
• Appraisal  The appraisal is required and most often set up by the lender. The appraiser verifies that your home is worth the purchase price you agreed upon.
• Final walk-thru  This is done 2-5 days prior to closing, to make sure that all the repairs have been completed.
• Closing  Plan to spend anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour with your closer.  This is when you will actually be signing all the lender's closing docs.  Bring your drivers license with you, along with a cashier's check for the rest of your down payment, if any, made out to the Title Company handling your closing. 

After the documents are signed, and the money is exchanged...you're handed the keys, and the home is now yours!