One of the most satisfying parts of being a REALTOR® is having the privilege of helping my clients find their perfect home, but this can be a stressful process for many buyers. The good new is, it doesn’t have to be! Part of my job is to break down the steps of purchasing a home so that you know exactly what to expect and when to expect it.
Step One
Get Pre-Qualified
The first step is to be informed. I encourage all of my buyers to speak with a lender and get prequalified before you start looking for homes. Not only does it give you an advantage while making offers, but it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford, or steps you need to take to get where you want to be.
Step Two
Decide What’s Important to You
Whether it be a particular neighborhood, a remodeled kitchen, or schools, it’s important to decide on what features are must haves, nice to haves, or dealbreakers. Knowing what’s important to you will help me match you with homes as soon as they hit the market.
Step Three
Schedule Showings
Once we have a budget, and an idea of what you’re looking for, I’ll be able to schedule showings for you! I’ll schedule a few houses for you to view at a time so you can get the most out of your day and compare properties in real time.
Step Four
Make Offers
We’re currently in a seller’s market, and making as many offers as possible is a great strategy to finding a home you love (on average, it can take up to 5 offers before one is accepted). I’ll help you strategize competitive offers to catch the attention of sellers and get you the best deal possible. Don’t worry if more than one offer is accepted, you only have to commit to one!
Step Five
Escrow
Once your offer is accepted I’ll be there every step of the way to help you navigate the escrow process and its many deadlines. During escrow, we’ll be in tight communication with your lender and escrow officer to make sure all agreements are signed and honored. Escrow is typically a 30 - 45 day process, but shorter escrow periods are also possible. During this time, we’ll also have the house inspected by industry professionals to ensure that you have full disclosure pertaining to the home. If the house is not to your satisfaction, I’ll help you renegotiate to sweeten the deal.
Step Six
Close
Congratulations! You just purchased a new home! While your home purchase may be complete, you may still have some questions. My commitment to my clients is always being available as a resource, even after your transaction is complete.
