Buyer's Guide

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking at different styles of homes, you should also consider your lifestyle and how close you want to be to work, shopping, family, etc. It helps to narrow down an area. If your know the vicinity you prefer, everything else can be decided along the way. 

It is so important to speak to a lender and understand what you're prequalified for. Just as a lender may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount than you anticipate, or deny you a mortgage altogether. Things that impact your ability to get a desired pre-approval are: lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, debt to income ratio and credit utilization, among other things. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in). Once we determine your budget, our search will begin! From doorstep to backyard, and proximity to desired amenities, I will identify properties you might be interested in. As your advocate, I'll arrange showings, do preliminary research, and ultimately handle the entire process. This includes pointing out favorable features in a home as well as limitations that you may not notice. Taking into account your lifestyle, your desired results, and the amount of time you intend to remain in your home we will find you a perfect home! What is important is arming you with information that allows you to make the best decision for you, your family and your lifestyle. The decision, as always, is yours to make!

The purchase agreement will typically have at least two contingencies; an inspection and an appraisal if you are financing the home. Home inspections are encouraged as this can be one of the best ways to protect yourself before you make a big investment in a home. A professional home inspector will inspect every aspect of the home, from chimney to basement as well as the complete exterior of the home. Inspections may also include well and septic for rural properties, mold testing, radon and more, depending on what the buyer wants done.  Inspections are not only utilized to find problems however. They can also be a great resource for maintenance tips as a homeowner. As your agent, I can provide you a list of home inspectors in the area for you to choose from. After you choose your inspector, I will make sure that we adhere to the dates specified within the contract and discuss possible options for negotiating, if necessary, based upon the results of the home inspection. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

Your lender will have your new home appraised so that they have their independent value of it. If you are financing your home, the appraisal must equal or exceed the final negotiated sale price for the the loan to be approved. If the home doesn't appraise at value, there are several options for the buyer and the seller. Option one: the seller can reduce the price of the home to equal the appraised value. Option two: the buyer can monetarily provide the difference. Option three: the buyer and the seller may negotiate by splitting the difference between the first two options. Option four: some lenders may have a reconsider process for the buyer to utilize.