THE BUYING PROCESS
I am confident of my methods because they've worked well for a large
number of buyers in every type of situation. Here is the path that most
buyers follow from start to finish.
1. Pre-qualification meeting:
Establishes wants and needs, agency relationships, financial qualifications
and initial search of the properties currently on the market that may
meet your needs. This is the most important meeting in your search for
a home. Our method is to listen very carefully to what it is that you
are looking for in a home and only show you homes that will really fit.
If you are financing your purchase and you have already met with a lender,
that is great, as we will have a clear idea of what your price range
is. If you have not formally explored financing options, we can help
you ballpark a price range to get us started looking for you. Steve has
quite a few contacts with whom you can work to obtain financing. Steve
has developed a strong working know-ledge of the various types of financing
available and working with a lender
can assist you in finding the right product for you.
2. Looking at homes or neighborhood drive bys:
If you are familiar with the area we can probably begin to look at homes
in your price range right away. If you are unfamiliar with the area a
more practical way to begin is to drive through some neighborhoods and
discuss houses and neighborhoods in general and to familiarize you with
locations.
3. Emphasizing you most important wants and needs:
By reinforcing your priorities, I will be able to help you look only
at homes that fit your criteria. This eliminates confusion, keeps you
focused and allows an orderly expansion of wants and needs if necessary.
4. Eliminating homes that do not meet your criteria:
By eliminating homes that don't work for you, we can quickly focus only
on homes that do!
After your initial counseling appointment, we will have a good idea
of your wants,
needs, price range and location. From the many listings in the MLS inventory,
we will
select properties to fit your requirements and make arrangements to show them
to you. As you walk through the homes, feel free to open the cabinets and
closets. Most often the Sellers will be absent, but should they be present,
they will understand your need to
examine the home carefully. When a home appeals to you, make notes. It is easy
to
forget details. Don't be surprised if the first home you see is the perfect
one for you, and
don't be discouraged if none of those you visit the first day are what you
want either.
We are committed to finding you the one you want to call "home" and
we will work
diligently until you find it.
5. Making the decision on a home:
Because you have stuck to your true wants and needs, the decision to
make an offer on a home should be a relatively easy one.
6. Making an offer on a home:
I will review similar homes in the area that have sold. This is reviewing
the "comparables" and will assist us in determining the amount
of the offer. I will thoroughly review the Purchase and Sale Agreement
that will be used to outline all of the parameters of your offer to the
seller/seller's agent. This document will note the amount of the actual
offer, the amount of earnest money (good faith deposit) you will be putting
down, and the length of time your offer will be valid. It will also state
other contractual contingencies such as financing parameters, building/other
inspections etc. I will present the offer on your behalf and throughout
the negotiating phase, assist you in coming to a contractually mutual
agreement.
7. Following the contract:
The contract will outline the specific parameters that need to be followed.
I will work closely with you, your chosen inspector(s), if financing,
your lender/lender's appraiser and any other
related professionals needed to ensure that all contingencies are met
satisfactorily. In the event that there are issues that need to be further
negotiated, I will assist you throughout that process as well..
8. Closing:
Today is the day you will own your home. We will have met to review
the settlement (closing) statement and other papers you may run across.
After joining you in a final walk through of the property, we will attend
the closing together where I can answer any questions you may have. After
all paperwork is signed, the process is complete.
If you are purchasing a resale property, we recommend having a home
inspection done. Included in this inspections are appliances, plumbing,
electric, heating, ventilating, bath and kitchen
fixtures, foundation, roof, attic and overall general structure. They
would include permanent garages, decks and outbuildings as well. The
inspection will determine the condition of the items and any defects
that may need to be corrected. The cost of this service is covered by
the buyer. We will recommend several inspectors to you. |
