Tips for Buyers

Choosing a Realtor®

Of all the decisions you'll face when buying a home, there's none more important than the person you choose to represent you.

My job as your Realtor® is to support you in finding the right home with the best possible terms and to aid you through the entire process. I will explain the process of buying a home, and familiarize you with the various activities, documents and procedures that you will experience throughout the transaction.

As your Realtor® I will be:

Knowledgeable about the communities of interest to you.
Aware of the complicated local and state requirements affecting your transaction.
Effective in multi-party, face-to-face negotiations.
Highly-trained, with access to programs for continued learning and additional certifications.
Technology-focused.
Supported by professional legal counsel.

Financing

Most real estate professionals and mortgage lenders recommend pre-qualifying for a loan before selecting a home to purchase. I have access to some of the best and most trusted lenders in the business and I am happy to refer them to you. They will help you:

Determine the price range you can afford.
Understand the types of loans you qualify for.
Determine what your monthly payment will be.
Estimate the down payment and closing costs.

The Loan Process

I can help you in selecting a mortgage lender that best suits your needs. Once you have made your decision, these are the steps of the process:

Application:
All pertinent documentation is obtained. Fees and down payments are discussed, and the borrower will receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and a Truth-in-lending statement (TIL), itemizing the rates and associated costs for the loan.

You will be asked to provide certain documents to your lender in order that your loan can be processed in a timely manner.

Loan Submission:
Once all the necessary documentation is in, your completed file is submitted to a lender for approval.

Loan Approval (Underwriting):
Loan approval, or underwriting, generally takes 24 to 72 hours. All parties are notified of the approval and any loan conditions that must be received before the loan can close.

Closing:
Once all parties have signed the loan documents, they are returned to the lender. If all the forms have been properly executed, the lender sends the loan funds by wire transfer. At this point, the borrower finishes the loan process and actually buys the house.

Finding and Choosing the Right Home

Based on criteria that we establish together, I will help you find the perfect home. There are many factors to consider in selecting a property, including location, bedroom and bath count, schools and amenities.

I will apply my extensive community knowledge and professional resources to research available properties and show you the homes that best meet your needs. If you find a property that interests you through the Internet or your own research, let me know so that a showing can be arranged.

As you view different properties, your criteria may change. It's important to keep open and direct communication for these changes along the way, in order to create a successful property search.

Making an Offer

Once you have found the home that you wish to purchase, I will be applying my professional training and do all the necessary research to help you structure an effective offer.

This is where my negotiation skills come into play. When an offer is made, the seller will have the option of accepting, rejecting or counter-offering. I will negotiate the best possible terms for you.

I will draft the purchase agreement, advising you of protective contingencies, customary practices, and local regulations. Home warranty, title and escrow arrangements will be detailed in the offer. Although I will give you my best advice and information, it is your decision as to the exact price and terms that you wish to offer.

Managing the Escrow

When the purchase agreement is accepted and signed by all parties,I will open escrow for you and your earnest money will be deposited. The escrow is a neutral third party that will receive, hold, and distribute all funds associated with your transaction.

Removing Contingencies

Prior to closing escrow, all of the contingencies of the Purchase Agreement must be met. Your Sales Associate will coordinate this process. Typical contingencies include:

Approval of the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement.
Approval of the preliminary title report.
Loan approval, including an appraisal of the property.
Physical inspections of the property.
Pest inspection and certification.
Acquisition of homeowner's insurance.

Closing Escrow and Moving In!

When all of the conditions of the purchase agreement have been met, you will sign your loan documents and closing papers. You will deposit the balance of your down payment and closing costs to escrow and your lender will deposit the balance of the purchase price. The deed will then be recorded at the County Recorder's office and you will take ownership of your NEW home!

I can also provide a valuable source of helpful tips for planning and coordinating your move.

My Business Directory

Because of the nature of my business and the depth of the relationships I have with my clients, I refer people to businesses that I have worked with over the years.

In order to make it hassle-free for my clients, I have created a direct access Online Business Directory of select local businesses I trust.

Be sure to check out my Business Directory.

Smooth Move Checklist

Ready to move? Check below to see the best steps in getting organized for your move!

Two Months Prior to Moving Day:

If you are using a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.
If you are moving yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies.
Begin to remove clutter, pack up all items not used on a daily basis (photos, files etc.)
Start a file for all of your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).
Arrange to transfer school records.
Get your new home ready- contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, etc., so your home is ready when you arrive.

Six Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

Go to USPS.com and fill out change of address form
Make arrangements for storage if necessary.Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records
Clean all closets and drawers.
Start using foods and cleaning supplies that can’t be moved

Three Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.
Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
Hold your moving sale.

Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
Notify any creditors of your move.
Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.

One Day Prior to Moving Day:

Disconnect and prepare major appliances for the move.
Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Moving Day:

If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
Note all utility meter readings.
Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

Delivery Day:

Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
Supervise unloading and unpacking.
Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler’s checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Now kick back, relax, and enjoy your new home!