Buyer Consultation Appointment: I will assess your needs, wants and current situation through the use of my Needs and Wants Checklist and my Buyer Qualification Guide. This will help me provide the service you deserve to reach your goal in the most efficient, cost-effective way.
Communication: I will provide handouts and verbal education about the home buying process so you are able to make informed decisions you will feel good about. I return phone calls and emails in a timely fashion to make certain you have a smooth, successful real estate experience.
Attention to Detail: The time I personally spend researching market data during the home search period ensures we will find the perfect home for you. Through the years, I have worked hard to create detailed systems to ensure my clients receive the education they need to make informed decisions and the service they deserve to meet their every need.
How do I get started? Buying a new home is an exciting step in life, but for many it can be an emotional, trying time. The best time to buy a home is when you are personally READY! Some questions to ask yourself are: • How soon do you want to buy a home? • How much money do you have to invest and where is it coming from? • Will you be the sole decision maker or will you need the opinion of someone else? • Are there any considerations you need to resolve before you decide to buy? • If you found a home today, would anything prevent you from buying it?
Is it important to work with one Realtor? If you work exclusively with me, I will be committed with your best interest in mind. I think it is important to get to know you at a buyer consultation meeting. Let me be your sole source of information so I can commit to finding you a home and giving you the best representation.
To achieve this commitment, a Buyer Agency Agreement must be signed by all parties. In exchange for this commitment, I will provide you with my written Buyer Service Guarantee. As your agent, I will educate you and help you make informed decisions you will feel good about for years to come. Part of my education process includes the following documents: Glossary of Real Estate Terms, Home Buying Process Flowchart, Mortgage Process, and many more!
How much can I afford? The general rule of thumb on the amount of home you can afford is about 2½ times your yearly income. To help you get started with the pre-approval process, I will put you in touch with a reputable loan officer. Based on your documentation, they will determine what you qualify for. Your credit score will play a significant part in this. If you are preparing to buy a home and would like informaiton about improving your credit score, please ask me to send you my Elements of a Good Credit Score for your reference. Once you determine a comfortable mortgage payment, your lender will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate to help us determine your desired price range.
Where do I want to live? In order to work together as a team to find that perfect home, it is important for me to assess your wants and needs. I will ask you to complete a Needs and Wants Form so we can fine-tune your search criteria. Helping people buy and sell homes is what I do day in and day out. Because of this, I am able to use my insight and experience to help you weed through the many available homes for sale. More often than not, it is my diligent searching that brings my clients to the home of their dreams.
How many homes do people usually see before buying one? There is no magic number. A buyer may find on the first time out or it may take several weeks. Much of this depends on the amount of time they have to devote to the search process. However, most clients do not see more than 20 homes before buying one.
Though you may find homes for sale by driving by the sign, going to an open house, or reading an ad, I always suggest my clients call me first. It is important for me to personally see what they do and do not like as that aids in the search process.
Is it as overwhelming as it seems to make an offer? It could be. However, I have systems in place that educate my buyers throughout the home search. You will receive the Common Questions Home Buyers Ask in the Beginning document as well as the Common Questions Home Buyers Ask Prior to Writing an Offer document. By the time we write the offer, my clients are comfortable with the terms associated with a purchase agreement. I then explain the details of the legal document. In addition to pointing out a home´s positive and negative resale features, I will also research the market value of the home to assist you with the negotiation strategy.
7. Presenting and Negotiating a Purchase Agreement
What happens after I write up an offer? It is my goal to present the offer in writing to the listing agent. It is a way for me to build rapport as well as expedite the negotiation process. The majority of the time there is at least one counter-offer. However, to get the best terms and price for the home, it is better for all parties to reach an agreement with the least amount of counter-offers. The more there are, the greater chance there is of resentment and potentially a loss of the sale completely. My job is to get my buyer the home they want for the best possible terms and price.
What transpires between the offer being accepted and closing? Beyond packing, there are several things a buyer will need to do to prepare for closing. I will provide assistance with the following activities: Helpful Phone Numbers List to set up utilities and other services; Move Coupons in case moving/storage facilities are needed; Professional Business Referrals for insurance and investment needs. My closing company, Keller Williams, your lender, and I will be working to be sure title clears, the mortgage is approved and everything stays on track for a successful closing. I will be with you from the beginning to the end and beyond!
