The Buying Process
Choose an agent
When buying a home, understand all REALTOR's are not all alike. Meet with an agent before requesting the first showing. Make sure that you work well together and your goals align. Once you are under contract on a property, you are stuck with that agent to get you through to the end. Experience in the area you are looking at is ideal as well. Make sure you are working with someone you like and trust.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Many buyer's don't realize this step comes before looking at homes. A pre-approval is a necessity, especially in today's market. It not only lets you know what you can afford to buy, but it also puts you in a position to move quickly on the home of your dreams. Need help finding a lender? Reach out and I can refer you to an exceptional lender that can help with your specific situation.
Create a wish list
Be prepared that chances are you will not find a home that meets every possible thing on your wish list, but I am going to try my hardest to find it. A lot of times, clients will give me a wish list and end up buying something completely different. A few things to consider is location, floor plan and features. I want to make sure you home fits your current lifestyle.
Find your home
Now comes the fun part!! We will become best friends during your home search. A few things to expect during your home search are:
- You and I will find prospective properties and create a list to go view.
- We will want to pay close attention to property taxes, HOA fees and any assesments.
- Communication is key! Make sure you are providing feedback and letting me know if anything on your wishlist changes during this time, believe me it will.
Contract to close - transaction management
CRAFTING AN OFFER | When you find "the one" we will discuss many different factors to craft the best offer. These factors include:
- Price
- Ernest Money
- Prorations for taxes and HOA
- Closing Date
- Mortgage contingency
- Inspection contingency
ERNEST MONEY | When your offer is accepted, your ernest money is collected. Ernest money is a small amount of money that is held on your behalf by the listing brokerage to be credited to the you at closing. It is a good faith deposit that shows a level of commitment from you.
INSPECTIONS | Once your offer is accepted, I will help you navigate different inspections you may want to have done.
- Home Inspection
- Radon Inspection
- Mold Testing
- Well Inspection
- Septic Inspection
You will most likely be negotiating inspection items. I will use my experience and market knowledge to guide you through these negotiations to gain the best possible scenario for your situation.
Once you are under contract, my job is far from over. Although it may not seem as though I am doing much, I am overseeing the following steps:
- Delivering Ernest Money
- Scheduling and attending the home inspection
- Make sure all necessary documents are obtained and signed
- Working closely with your lender to keep deadlines from passing
- Monitor all contingencies
- Refer service partners
- Schedule and attend final walk-through
- Coordinate and attend closing
- Keeping you sane
Buying a home is a stressful endeavor. Most importantly, I am here to make sure you stay sane. I will be able to explain any part of the process and answer any questions as we proceed through the transaction. I will handle all of the details so you can worry about moving and your day to day life.
Once you are closed and officially a homeowner, you won't get rid of me. I will be there to answer any questions you have in the future and remain a resource for referrals for any home improvement projects you may want to undertake. My clients become my friends.
Buyers agents are like the secret sauce in your real estate journey, adding that extra flavor of expertise and support that can make all the difference. Sure, you could go it alone, but why would you want to when you've got a pro by your side? These agents are like your personal real estate Sherpas, guiding you through the treacherous terrain of property hunting with their insider knowledge, negotiation skills, and savvy market insights. They're not just there to help you find a house; they're there to help you find the right house, the one that ticks all your boxes and fits your budget like a glove. Plus, they've got your back when it comes to navigating the maze of paperwork, contracts, and legal mumbo-jumbo, ensuring that you're protected every step of the way. So if you're serious about finding your dream home without all the headaches and heartaches, a buyers agent is the ace up your sleeve that you definitely want to have in your corner.
Contact me today
Jamie M Ross | Broker with @properties
Giving Back
A potion of proceeds from every transaction goes to the Butterfly Effect of Maddox J LoPriore Foundation.