Home Purchasing Process Part I: Finding A Home

Finding a home on the internet is easy, but the process of buying it can feel intimidating. Understanding this process can make a huge difference in your home buying experience and in how much you pay for a home. So what are the steps to making a purchase?

Well, the best first step is to contact me. Why? Because if you contact the agent listed with the property, that agent is working for the seller. Anything you tell

them will be used against you in negotiating the sale. Often buyers think themselves savvy enough to avoid this pitfall, but we are trained sales people and you would be surprised what we can use. Just one, “I work right around the corner” or “this reminds me of my grandmother’s home” and you will be paying more than you need to. Having a trained intermediary will avoid the seller having an unfair advantage.

When you contact me, we will have a discussion about what you are looking for. I might bring up some choices you had not considered and once I get a feel

ing for what you want, I will set you up with automated emails so that you only receive properties that are available and at the moment they go on the market. This is important because real estate sites list properties that are under deposit, but have not closed yet, as active. So much of what you see on-line is not available. Also, in the current market, the best properties are selling in a day or two; you will want to know immediately when a great home is listed.

In our first conversation, I will also talk to you about th

e documentation you need if you are paying cash for the property or about financing. Getting pre-approved is a very important, early step in the home buying process. A known, reputable lender is key to your beating out other offers in this competitive market and no seller will even look at an offer from a buyer who is not pre-approved. In addition, you will know how much home you are qualified for and be able to narrow down the price range you are comfortable purchasing in. Your lender will let you know your maximum purchasing price, but you may not want to spend that much. If you let him know how much you are willing to pay monthly, he can give you the price range you are comfortable in.

Lastly, we will have a quick video call to go over all the paperwork and contracts that you will need to make a purchase. There is nothing worse than being excited about a home and sitting down to write a contract, having never seen the contract before. Too much information at once! We casually review the contracts, so you know what to expect. When we review them a second time, when you are ready to make an offer, you will feel much more comfortable with them and, instead of feeling stressed, you can feel excited!

And then comes the fun part! You pick out the properties you like and I make appointments for us to see them at a time that is convenient for you. Before we go, I will have researched the properties, material facts, age of systems, neighborhood in

formation and also the market values, based on analysis. You will see everything that is available and have all you need to make an informed choice.

And that is it. That is how you find your home.