Every successful purchase begins with defining what you want in a home and also what you need in a home. Combining both definitions leads to the best possible outcome. No matter your price range, certain things count more than others. Some features rank higher on your priority list – and it’s our job to help you make the most accurate list.
Total square footage, numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, multi-story or sprawling ranch? Those are standard questions to answer. But what about lifestyle factors like commuting distance, school district, recreational amenities, the nearest grocery store, and other quality-of-life issues? We’ll support you in determining what matters most – to you.
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Pre-approved financing keeps you on the straight-and-narrow in terms of looking for homes in the right price range (there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a home beyond your reach). Better still, loan pre-approval boosts your credibility with sellers. Every agent will tell you that.
We’ll go beyond the standard mantra. Pre-approval means nothing without the right financing. My team and I will connect you with a reputable lender to secure pre-approval for the best loan for you – financing that aligns with your circumstances.
Planning to be in the house for only three years? A five-year adjustable-rate loan may save you thousands in monthly payments. Need to minimize cash out of pocket? Lender-paid closing costs may be just the ticket. Whatever your goals, we’ll connect you with the right mortgage professional to help you explore every option.
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Already, you probably have a few ideas about homes you can’t wait to see. You’ve driven around to spot For Sale signs and checked out online listings in desirable neighborhoods.
Perfect!
Most buyers do some leg work before contacting an agent, and we welcome that collaborative process. Using the best tools available to agents/brokers (powered by state-of-the-art technology), we will not only uncover properties in neighborhoods you’ve earmarked but will also point you to hidden gems you may not even know exist.
The data we can share gives you virtual “keys” to the doors of desirable properties. Take a look from the comfort of your kitchen table. We will expand your horizons and contribute added insight, expertise, and power to your search.
You’re ready to buy – now what? My team and I won’t back away when you’ve found the property you want. Instead, you can count on us to advocate for you throughout contract negotiations and closing (so long as we (CHR) represent you as a Buyer’s Agent – a legal definition we’ll be happy to explain).
Information is power. That’s why we'll understand every detail of the transaction. For example, we’ll know how long the house was on the market and whether any prior contracts fell through (or if price reductions came into play).
Better still, we’ll make sure you know exactly how much the seller paid for the home previously – and even the seller’s current loan balance. These insights and others will ensure you get the best possible terms and price.
My team and I, working with dedicated in-house transaction managers when appropriate, help you understand and benefit from standard real estate contract contingencies to ensure a successful closing.
This means you’ll have adequate time to “kick the tires” on the home to make sure nothing’s amiss beneath fresh paint or new landscaping. These buyer-friendly safety valves related to inspection and appraisal allow you to walk away without penalty should serious flaws come to light.
Typical contract contingencies also allow time to review property title and HOA documents (where applicable), obtain insurance, and secure firm financing. We will also show you how to protect yourself when you must sell your current home at the same time you purchase a new one.
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.
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 for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.
Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.
Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.
Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.
This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.
Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.
In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.
Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.
Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.
No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.
After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams.
Discover the unmatched dedication, expertise, and passion Heather brings to every real estate transaction. With a track record of success, personalized service, and a commitment to achieving your goals, Heather Lessar is your trusted partner in making your real estate dreams a reality.