buyers
First time home buyers
Finding the Right Agent
A real estate agent can help guide you through each step of the buying process, offering sound advice along the way. By working with a professional agent who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry, you’ll not only end up with a great home, but you’ll also walk away with a great experience.
Get Preapproved
By providing your mortgage lender with some basic information about your income, savings, and debt, they can assist you in getting pre-approved. Most agents can refer you to a reputable lender if you don’t have one selected. The lender will go over your financing options, the monthly payment amount you can afford, and what you can expect for the down payment requirements and closing costs.
Find a home and make an offer
For buyers, choosing a home is an emotional yet stressful process. I can assist you in this process by offering objective information about each property we look at. From local community information like schools and amenities to home-specific details like condition and location, I can help you find a home with your criteria.
Once you’ve found the home you want, I will research recent comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help guide you to determine a fair selling price. Based on those comparable sales, as well as other factors like inspections and repairs, I can help you structure an offer and negotiate to get the very best deal possible.
tips for buyers
Tip #1
Don’t low-ball the seller. Be prepared to pay fair market value. Low-balling may alienate the seller right off the bat. And it wastes everyone’s time. Plus while you are messing around, chances are another offer is being accepted. Get serious.
Tip #2
Be flexible with your timing. The more flexible you are with the timing of the seller’s move, as to how quickly or slowly their needs are to move can give you a great advantage over other offers.
Tip #3
Put your best offer as your first offer. You may only get one chance to come in at the top dollar you are willing to pay for the home or that your lender is willing to lend based on your income and credit score.
Tip #4
Increase Your Earnest Money deposit. A larger earnest money deposit may appeal to a seller. Ask your agent for advice. You might consider doubling or tripling that amount. You’re going to pay it anyway at closing.
Tip #5
Don’t request favors of the sellers. Asking for additional appliances, furniture, fixtures, or repaint the front door could hurt your offer and get you put at the bottom of the pile.
Tip #6
Limit the contingencies. Get a pre-inspection. Anything you can do to speed up the buying process and make it easier for the seller might improve your chances.