A Step-By-Step Guide to Buying Your Home
1. Schedule a Consultation
Our initial meeting will help me understand your priorities, timeframe, and goals. We'll discuss the buying process, market conditions, and define how we will work together. I'll be there every step of the way to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
2. Get Preapproved
Unless you are paying with cash, getting pre-approved is the most important step. It will not only reassure the seller that you are able to purchase their home, but will also help you understand the price range of homes you should be targeting in your search, putting you in a position to act quickly in this fast-moving market. I'll connect you with the best lenders for your specific situation who have a proven track record of successfully funding the loan with little to no delays.
3. Search for Homes
Now for the fun part! Based on the criteria we discussed in our consultation, I set up your online home search, in addition to proactively checking off-market or coming soon properties. After screening and previewing properties online, we'll tour properties together in person. As we continue to view properties, we will reevaluate your criteria as needed, based on your feedback of each home.
4. Review Disclosures
Once you've found a home you love, we will review the disclosure package together, which includes seller disclosures and inspection reports. We'll discuss the potential costs of each issue and prioritize potential repairs so that you have all the information to decide whether you want to move forward.
5. Write an Offer
To prepare your offer, we'll review current market conditions and comparable sales to determine pricing. I will advise you on contingency periods, customary practices, local regulations, and how to make your offer stand out. The seller may make a counter-offer with altered terms and conditions, and there may be some back and forth in negotiations before an agreement is made.
6. Get into Contract
Once the terms are agreed upon, we are officially in contract! Escrow will be opened and things will begin moving quickly. I'll help you get your earnest money deposit wired to the title company, conduct inspections, take the necessary steps to remove all contingencies, and conduct our final walk-through. There will be a lot of moving parts, but I'll handle the communications with all parties on your behalf and my system will make the process as smooth and seamless as possible for you.
7. Close Escrow
Once your loan is approved and funded, you will meet with a notary or escrow officer to sign closing docs. Pages upon pages of your autograph will be required. Once the paperwork is signed, the the deed will be recorded with the county in your name. This is your cue to celebrate - you did it, you're now officially a homeowner!
8. After Closing
The end of your transaction does not mean the end of our relationship. I aim to build lifelong relationships with my clients well beyond the sale of their home and am always available to help answer questions that come up afterwards. Anytime you need, I'll provide a custom home valuation. And of course, I'd love to help your friends and family through the same process in the future too!
