The home buying process can be extensive and time consuming. As an experienced Real Estate professional, I will save you a substantial amount of time, effort, and money by:
- Keeping you informed of homes as soon as they come available on the market, available but not actively advertised, or in some cases before they are listed for sale.
- Scheduling times to preview the homes that meet your criteria
- Providing comprehensive sales information about the neighborhood of your choice, so you may make an informed decision.
- Creating an MLS portal, so you don't have to call multiple offices for information about homes or to try to get an appointment.
- Working and negotiating with the various builders in the metroplex
- Negotiating your offer to YOUR best advantage.
- Ensuring you are always informed at every step in the process
Regardless of where you are purchasing a home, as buyer you will be taking the following steps:
1. GET PRE-APPROVED
- Contact a lender and share your financial information. This will allow you to know your purchasing power.
- Obtain a pre-approval letter.
- Ask the lender for a Loan Estimate letter. This letter will give you the costs of borrowing money to buy a home.
- Ask the lender about the loans Programs available to determine which ones you qualify for.
2. EXPLORE THE COMMUNITY
- Contact me so I can create a property search and you will receive instant updates about homes that meet your criteria as soon as they are available on the market.
- Drive the neighborhoods, visit the open houses, research the things that are important to you in a neighborhood.
3. BEGIN VIEWING HOMES
- I recommend that you put together a “must have” and “nice to have” list of things that are important to you in a home
- What do you Want and Need in a Home
- When it is time to preview these homes have all decision-makers present.
- Always be honest with me on what you like or dislike in a home. This will help me better understand your needs.
4. PREPARE THE OFFER
- I will walk you through the contract to help you understand what is being offered.
- An offer can be accepted or declined. I am here to work with you through this process
- If your offer is being considered, a few negotiations will take place between you and seller which I will be guiding you through. Once the terms of the contract are agreed upon all parties will sign all documents. Documents will be sent to lender and the title company.
5. INSPECT THE PROPERTY
- Hire a home inspector to do a general inspection, wood-destroying insect inspection, and foundation inspection if needed.
6. APPRAISAL AND SURVEY OF PROPERTY
- The lender will make the arrangements for the property to be appraised
- The Title Company will handle the Survey
- You will be provided with a copy of the Title Commitment Letter
- You will need to obtain homeowner's (hazard) insurance, and for your insurance agent to talk with your lender and title company
7. SELLER'S CLOSING IS ALSO ARRANGED
- You will do a final walk-through inspection of the property.
- Final Walk-through Checklist (Click Here)
- You will need to bring a cashier’s check for all closing costs and the balance of the down payment.
- FAQ about Closing (Click Here To Learn More)
8. AFTER THE CLOSING
- Documents are sent to your loan company for approval and funds are disbursed.
- The title company receives and funds all money from the loan company. Payment of any accrued expenses in connection with the closing are due including taxes, attorney's fees, professional real estate fees and title company fees.
- Legal documents will be recorded in the office of the county clerk and mailed to you.
- The title company prepares and issues the title policy, and will then send it to you and the loan company.
The Offer
The home buying process requires multiple parties and service to come together. These include: financing, appraisers, home inspectors, title work and many others. The keys to moving the entire process along is the legal binding agreements, between the buyers and sellers.
As a buyer, use the following guidelines.
- Let the Realtor do the negotiating.
- Do not call the seller.
- If the seller is present during the showing don't give your personal opinions about the home.