You can begin your home search once you have your mortgage information in place. Working with your agent is the best way to determine which properties will best suit your taste and budget. Agents will likely have knowledge of "pocket listings," or available houses before they go on the market, as well as builder specials and incentives on inventory. Both of these can result in a quick, no-hassle sale for you.
When you have made a decision and are ready to make an offer, your buyer's agent can perform a market analysis to determine home prices near the property you have chosen. Once you submit an offer on a property, you will enter the negotiation phase. In most cases, you can expect a period of counteroffers as both sides work to agree on a fair purchase price.
Once you are under contract, you may be required to put up earnest money to show your seriousness about completing the sale. This money can be forfeited if certain measures are not met — yet another important reason to have an agent representing your interests. You will also have a timeline of important milestones, including property inspection, to ensure that you are comfortable with the condition of the property. Our agents use specialized tools to make sure these dates and important events are met throughout the process.
At closing, you will be required to have your lending in order and the money ready to be wired when the deal is completed by an escrow agent or attorney. Make sure to bring identification information for all parties who appear on the financing or who will appear on the deed information. (A representative with the escrow/title company or the attorney's office can give you a list of the exact items to bring.) Also, if you have not done so already, you will want to decide on a home warranty, which is a great way to go through the transition process of moving into the existing home with the least amount of worry.
Typically, the phase that takes the longest during a property purchase is the financing. From choosing a mortgage program to gathering the required documents, this process can take several weeks, so it is a smart place to start. Keep in mind that it will not matter which home you eventually choose — the mortgage process is adjustable — but it will change based on your (the buyer's) needs.
To save time later, you might consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Sellers will likely favor an offer associated with a pre-approval letter because it shows the buyer is serious and capable and it could be the deciding factor for them when choosing between two similar offers. Staying prepared during this process will help you realistically understand what your limits are as a buyer, allowing you to only consider homes within your price range.
We have a few reminders for new buyers that will make for the most pleasant experience possible for all of those involved.
Do:
Use our specialized property search to narrow down which type of home you like and share the results with your agent.
Choose an agent who will mirror your interests during this process.
Obtain a pre-approval letter as quickly as possible, preferably before you begin to view homes.
Agents keep your best interests in mind, so to avoid confusion and delays, work with only one buyer's agent.
Educate yourself on the recommended and/or required items once you are under contract — ask your agent for more information.
View our list of vendors. (We have a great team who will work together effectively to make this process smooth and easy!)
Don't
Jump into purchasing more home than you can afford.
Set unrealistic expectations for a purchase price.
Attempt to bounce from one agent to another.
Expect to see a property moments after finding one online.
Decide to go through this process on your own — work with an expert!
Make a significant credit purchase or inquiry before your home has closed escrow.
8 Things You Should Know
1) Choose a great buyer's agent — Having a buyer's agent who will provide feedback, advice, and guidance is the best advantage that you can give yourself. Your agent will look out for your interests and will guide you through the various phases of the purchase process.
2) How an agent can help — Your real estate professional will have the expertise and knowledge to help guide you through this process. He or she will also have access to a team of experts, should questions arise during your transaction. Your agent can also recommend certain partners or preferred vendors with whom he or she has formed a fast, efficient working relationship based on a history of reliability and trust.
3) Benefits of buying — There are many benefits of purchasing a home, including tax benefits for home maintenance and mortgage interest. You are also building wealth as each payment builds equity. And as the home prices rise in an area, so does your net worth.
4) Types of agencies — There are three types of agencies: those in which a brokerage represents the buyer, those in which the brokerage represents the seller, and those in which the brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller. Ask your agent for a disclosure on the different roles and responsibilities he or she will be performing in each case.
5) Making an offer / negotiating — Your agent can help you make an offer that can get the home you want at a price you can afford. Buyers who are trying to purchase a home that has generated a high level of buyer interest should be prepared to make a competitive, appealing offer or risk losing the bid.
6) Buying new vs. pre-owned — There are pros and cons to each type of house, and your agent can help you make an informed decision. Some people may like the idea of a fresh new home, but may not be aware that it can leave many of the finishing touches up to them and their pocketbooks. A pre-owned home may typically have these amenities in place, but it can also mean that many of the decisions such as wall placement and room layout are set. Try to look past the decor or color choice of any home, as these can easily be changed after purchase.
7) Credit inquiries are a "no-no" — Avoid applying for additional credit during this process. This can affect your credit score and may result in the denial of your home loan application. Talk with your agent about any planned request for financing and when in doubt, wait until after you close on your home.
8) Be loyal and honest — Your agent will prioritize you and your family throughout your transaction. Agents also work on commission and will only receive compensation once your home closes. If you feel there is an issue, discuss it with your agent openly to give him/her a chance to address it.
Why should you buy investment property?
Did you know that real estate is the most common form of wealth-building for the top earners in our country? It has been said that McDonalds is not in the hamburger business but in the real estate business because of the property values they accumulate as they grow.
If you choose to purchase a home for investment, we can help you throughout the transaction, even recommending property managers with whom we have positive professional relationships.
Services for Investors
Help with the home buying process
Hotel reservation assistance
Search for homes with existing equity
Access to short sales
Location! Location! Location!
Location is a main driving factor for purchases of pre-owned homes; individuals often want access to schools, shopping, and other amenities in a specific area and will therefore purchase an existing home. Finishing touches that are complete on move-in day are also another incentive; many buyers don't want the hassle or cost involved in landscaping, covering windows, installing appliances, and other details — they're looking for a finished product. They can see and feel the home as a complete space.
Negotiating power can be greater when dealing with a homeowner than with a builder. A homeowner has made a decision to sell, and is usually motivated to make the deal happen more quickly. Builder representatives, on the other hand, may be looking solely at their bottom line.
On the other hand, pre-owned homes are likely to require more maintenance or to have more problems in the future. Purchasing a home warranty is a great way to protect yourself against these unforeseen expenses.
New Homes
If you're in the market for purchasing a brand-new home, builders are willing to compete for your business. This can mean additional incentives to choose one of their homes — down payment assistance, upgrades, price reductions, and more. In addition, builders can often make adjustments to the layout or small custom changes to suit your specific taste or needs. These homes will also come with lengthy warranties, unlike pre-owned homes, and because it is a brand-new home, you will be able to move into a freshly painted, recently constructed, new-feeling space.
One potential disadvantage is that you could be left waiting for the neighborhood to be completely built out. This could mean delayed access to shopping, schools, and other staples that have yet to be developed in the area, and newly planted trees take time to grow in to help create the established feel some buyers want.
While there are pros can cons to each, our agents can help you choose the best fit for you and your family. Please contact us to begin the process of finding your new home.