Getting Ready to Buy: Your Plan

Deciding to buy a new home is an exciting and wonderful experience. Whether your a seasoned home owner or first time home buyer, formulating an initial plan can make the process a smooth one.

1. Getting Started

Even if you're not quite ready to buy, as a buyer's agent, I can be an ansolute wealth of information. I can often offer "scoops" on local developments you might not have known otherwise. Speak to me first so I can help guide you right from the start.

2. Find out what your price range is

Online mortgage calculators are a good place to start, but as you get closer to being ready to buy, there is no substitute for a written mortgage pre-approval. Just speaking to a lender is an extremely worthwhile venture- this is the only way to really get an in-depth picture of your overall financial picture and to discover exactly what you can reasonably afford to spend on a home. It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval, and when you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.

3. Find out what your local market looks like

The internet can be incredibly valuable in doing preparatory research. Start with me! I can lead you to valuable online resources and immediately start emailing you real estate listings that may interest you (or at least give you a better idea of what your wants and needs are).

4. Find out your true wants and needs

Compose a needs/wants list that takes into consideration your local market conditions and your price range. What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple. Yet, clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping, leaves you in a better position. Sometimes, home buyers buy a home that is too large or too small. Perhaps they didn’t consider the drive to work, the distance to school, or the many repair jobs waiting for completion. Plan ahead. Use your needs list as a guideline for every home you view.

5. Find your dream home!

Once you're ready to act, you may be surprised by how quickly you can make a decision. Armed with your pre-approval, a little market knowledge, and your needs/wants list...call me, hit the pavement, and when you see the "The" house or condo, put in that offer!

Getting Ready to Buy: Your Team

Your Agent

A successful purchase starts with the right representative, and as an Accredited Buyer Representative, ABR ® I have the training and expertise in buyer agency to assist my clients to my fullest potential. This designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation and is the only buyer certification given to Realtors by the National Association of Realtors. Once you’ve selected me as the agent to represent you, I will recommend other professionals to join your team, taking more of the responsibility off of your shoulders

Lender & Appraiser

A bank is not just a bank. Having the right backer can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. Your lenders may or may not require an independent appraisal, and typically will make arrangements for the appraisal themselves.

Home Inspector

No home inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road. I have a multiple ASHI certified inspectors who I can recommend to assist you.

Closing Attorney

Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues. I can recommend established and qualified closing attorneys who are willing to take the time to answer your questions and who specialize in real estate law.

Contractors

Planning some renovations? You’re not the only one! Don’t let finding the right contractor slip through the cracks – planning ahead will almost certainly make your renovation smoother, and you contractor will appreciate the advance notice.