Step #1 Getting Started

As you know there are many steps to buying a home and time does not permit me to mention them all here. However, I CAN give you the big ideas to help you anticipate what happens along the way. It's a very exciting time so read on and let's get started!

The first thing to do is find a trusted mortgage professional. This person will tell you what you can afford and provide us with a pre-approval letter to submit with any purchase offer we might make. A good lender will tell you not just what you CAN afford, but will help you establish guidelines to determine what you SHOULD afford. You need to be comfortable with your finances when you get to the end of this project.

I will also want you to understand what my role is as a buyer's agent. A buyer's agent is a real estate professional who can represent your interests, making her knowledge and experience available to enable you to get the best deal possible. When you look at homes, they will be listed by an agent who represents the Seller: whose job it is to get the best deal for the Seller. This agent has no legal obligations to Buyers (that's you!) other than to be truthful and not misrepresent the property. It is important for you to know that you must not reveal any relevant details about your situation to other agents who do not represent you.

As your agent representing your best interests I owe you all the following:

Care ~ all my skill and expertise will be used on your behalf
Obedience ~ I will do whatever you ask that is legal and in your best interests
Accounting ~ I will keep clear accounting of all monies entrusted to my care
Loyalty ~ your interests are paramount with me. Details of your motivation for buying, financial realities, etc. are only between us. I am working for you, no one else!

Step #2 House Hunting

First, a quick word about the process: seeing different areas, learning about the amenities of different subdivisions, etc. will redirect and sometimes change what you thought you wanted. Buying a home is a huge consideration and adjusting your desires and expectations is very normal.

Most likely you will prefer to begin the search for your next home online, and I have some superior tools at my disposal to make the hunt easier. I can create a website for you that allows you to track listings you might be interested in. If you will give me basic information for searches I'll have listings emailed to you that are a good match. The great thing about this service is that it lets you:

• Set and adjust your own criteria for searches.
• Save your favorite properties in an online notebook, so you are not starting from scratch again with online searches.
• Map your favorite properties to get an idea of location.
• See lots of photos and additional info about the property
• Receive new listings as they come on the market
• Update listings you've marked as of interest

If you want to receive listings, please go here and fill out that form. Over 80% of all Buyers search for their next home online, and I want to make sure this tool is available for you to use.

Once I have a good idea of your parameters, I have another important way to search for property for you. I "keep my ear to the ground" in order to discover properties that may not yet be listed but might otherwise be perfect for you. I have great connections with other agents in our area and in the past have been able to find property that is not yet listed for my Buyers.

My goal is for you to be a fully informed Buyer. Now is a great time for you to learn about things that might be factors in a home purchase including radon, lead based paint, and asbestos

You will also want to check out the broader area using information from these sites: schools, crime statistics and sexual offenders

Once these things have been considered, we'll feel comfortable when we walk into that special place that just "feels like home"! At that point, we'll be ready to move forward with the purchase contract, step 3!

Step #3 The Contract

It's an exciting time when you think you've found your next home. Now we get down to nuts and bolts to see how to best go about procuring it for you.

My research will use several methods to determine market value. I'll also look carefully at any extra information available about the listing that might give me some clues as to the interests of the Seller.

A "good offer" has more to it than a good price. Sellers look at the closing date (sooner is usually but not always, better), the details of the home inspection you are probably asking for, financing contingencies, etc. Before we write an offer we want to get an idea of what works best for both parties to avoid lots of back and forth negotiating.

I will put in your offer and negotiate according to your instructions and best interests. At the end of the day, my hope is that you will have a ratified agreement with the goal in sight! Your new home is about to be a reality!

Step #4 The Waiting Game

This is also known as "The Executory Period of the Contract," the period between the ratification of the contract and closing.

I will immediately schedule the inspection with a certified home inspector, as well as a radon test if you have called for one as part of the inspection.

Another thing to do right away is decide who to use for closing, either a closing company or a real estate attorney. This decision is up to you and I'll have suggestions and explain the differences to you to help you make up your mind.

Once the closing person is chosen, the three of us (the lender, the closer, and I) work together to make sure your transaction goes smoothly. Your earnest money deposit is deposited into an escrow account to wait for closing, when it is applied towards the purchase. I send both the lender and the closer the contract. Both of these people will be in touch with you to get necessary information from you for closing.

Other contingencies of the contract will need to be met, and I'll keep a lookout for all deadlines to be met.

I'll also remind you to call the appropriate utilities providers before closing, to have all utilities transferred into your name.

Step #5 Closing and Beyond

The day has arrived and you are almost there!

Just before closing I'll schedule a "walk through" to confirm that the property is in the condition it was in when you made your offer. If there are any issues it's another opportunity for me to negotiate with the other side.

Next we go to closing to sign the necessary paperwork. You will meet with the attorney you have chosen for closing, and sign all paperwork, which will include loan documentation the lender has sent over. The Sellers are doing the same thing with the person they have chosen to close their part of the transaction. Then the closing representatives from both sides get together to transfer the deed and monies. The appropriate paperwork is recorded at the courthouse and then, and not before, the Buyer gets the key and access to the property. We will want to schedule your closing at a time that will be conducive to getting these details seen to so you may get your new home the same day. I will work very hard to make this happen!

Now it's time for you to move in, add your personal touches to the house, and begin life in a place that will soon feel like home. You may need to call me for advice on how to add value to your home: should you do that addition, finish the basement, or put in a new kitchen? If you need suggestions for small jobs around the house and need helpers like a painter, electrician, plumber, or HVAC expert, I have a good list of people to recommend. My goal is to give you ideas and support, and help you maximize your home as an investment.