 |
|
Congratulations! Buying your own home is one of the smartest financial decisions you will ever make. For most Americans, the equity that they build in their home is their biggest source of wealth; I realize that buying a home can be a stressful undertaking. Whether this is your first home purchase or you're twentieth, you want things to go as smoothly as possible with no last minute surprises. As your real estate agent, I will represent your best interests throughout the entire process.
|
The first step is to meet with the Mortgage Company to be pre-approved for your loan (unless you are paying all cash). This first step is very important for several reasons. Once you are pre-approved, you can shop for your new home in confidence knowing that you won't have any problems getting the loan. Many buyers who skip this step and just go out house hunting are unsure and nervous when they find a home that they like, because they don't really know for sure if they will be approved for the loan. Loan underwriters have specific rules and guidelines they must follow. Many would-be homebuyers have been dismayed and disappointed to find out 2-3 weeks after they enter a contract that the lender has turned them down. Please realize that one of the biggest fears a home seller has is that they will enter a contract with a buyer, prepare to move, and then find out that the buyer didn't qualify. The bottom line is that getting pre-approved for your loan first means stress-free home shopping AND more leverage with the seller. You can use any lender you wish and if you need any recommendations I have several companies you may choose. You may have already met with a loan officer. If not, here is a list of items you should bring to your loan applications:
If you decide to move forward, the next step is to complete the buyer-broker agreement that authorizes me to represent your best interests. I can then assist you every step of the way. This includes advising you about the community and specific areas, values, trends, and helping you pick the home. I also will assist with the financing, structure the contract, and handle all the negotiations. I also coordinate all of the details with the Title/escrow Company, Mortgage Company, appraiser, inspector, other real estate agents, etc. throughout the entire process. You can rest assured that everything will be handled properly. I am employed by you to represent your best interests. The most common way for me to be paid is a commission from the seller's proceeds at the closing. Unless unusual arrangements are made, I generally do not get paid until you close on the house. The next step is to determine the features and benefits that you are looking for in a home. I will review items such as:
I will do a computer search on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system and try to get about 15- 20 homes. I will then give you the printouts with the descriptions and directions to each home. You can then drive by these homes at your convenience and at your own pace to determine neighborhood you like best and which homes you want to see the inside of. Simply make a list of the homes that interest you the most and I will then make the necessary arrangements and take you to see them. You can then fill out a property viewing sheet so you remember the details of each home. Time is valuable to families like your selves and I don't want you to visit homes that you are not interested in and waste YOUR time. I respect the value of your time, and only want you to view the home that YOU want to see. Once I find the home that best meets your needs, I will write up the purchase agreement and other necessary paperwork. My goal is to get you the home that you want for the best possible price and terms, and I will discuss strategy for accomplishing this goal. I will schedule a home inspection of the premise. I have several that are very good and will suit your needs. You pick one and I will make the appointment. I will submit the list to the seller and if items need to be fixed we will make sure this is done in a timely manner. I will schedule a walk through 5-7 days prior to closing. This gives us time to have the necessary items repaired, if need be. I also suggest that we make an appointment the same day to go and sign your loan documents. This will save time and also avoid last minute delays by the Loan Company. The average time from getting the contract accepted to closing is about 30 days, although shorter or longer closings can be negotiated. Every transaction is unique, so we will monitor all of the details very closely; keeping you informed every step of the way. Remember that I am here to serve you. If you are concerned or confused at any time, please let me know immediately. There is no such thing as a stupid question when you are dealing with an investment like this! To review, the steps in the home buying process are:
I look forward to working with you, and seeing you settled into your new home! |
Home | About Eleanor | Featured Listing | Home Search | Mortgage Calc. | Buyer/Seller Tips | Local Links Moving Check List | Contact Info.
|
©All Rights Reserved Eleanor Triolo |