1. Choose a loan officer. A good loan officer aims to understand a borrower's needs so they can not only meet but exceed each client's expectations.

1. Make a loan application and get approved. Your lender will provide you with a pre-qualification letter to submit with your offers.

2. Determine what you want to pay and select a loan option.

The exciting part! This is where we discuss and evaluate your wants, and needs. Once we have those locked down, we’ll begin the search!

Here are some questions we’ll discuss during the process:

1. What part of town do I want to be in?

2. What home size am I looking for? Property size?

3. would I be interested in a fixer-upper?

4. Would I be interested in a condo? A detached home? A townhome?

5. Do I want a garage? How many spaces?

6. Are stairs acceptable? How many stories do I want?

Once we find the home you love, you (the buyer) and the seller must enter into a written contract called a “purchase agreement.” This process begins with discussing the terms of your offer and writing up a purchase agreement to match your conditions.

Since many terms and conditions can be negotiated, there is typically some back-and-forth between realtors after the initial offer is submitted. This continues until both parties agree on the terms.

Many terms and conditions of an offer can be negotiated

• Sales price

• Financing terms

• Earnest money amount and who will escrow

• Possession terms and contingencies

• Closing fees

• Date of Closing

Once both parties have agreed to the terms of the offer, and the seller has signed and communicated acceptance, an offer becomes an executed contract. I’ll help you address the next steps in a timely manner to get to closing on time

Earnest money (good faith money), is a cash deposit the buyer gives to the Title Company to hold as a third party intermediary. The deposit shows you are serious about purchasing the property. Earnest money is usually between .5% - 1% of the purchase price and is typically credited to the purchase price at closing.

When you’re buying a home, the buyer is at an information disadvantage regarding the home’s condition. To level the playing field, property inspections help expose issues in the home that could influence your decision to purchase. They help you know exactly what you’re getting into before signing closing papers.

A standard full home inspection is the most common, but many other types of inspections (termite/dry rot, sewer, septic, radon, mold, etc.) are available depending on the situation.

If a defect is found that you wish to address, we will write up a formal repair or credit request to the seller. Similar to the purchase agreement, this stage typically involves a negotiation between realtors until both buyer and seller agree to the terms.

Things to Consider:

1. Your major concerns are structural damage and very expensive repairs.

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Inspections uncover many items ranging from a damaged foundation to a drain stopper that needs adjusting. Things that are easily fixed can be overlooked.

3. If a large issue shows up in your inspection report you should bring in a specialist for additional evaluation. If it’s too much, and neither party can agree on a solution, you have the option to walk away from the house.

A home appraisal is an assessment of a property's value based on factors such as its condition, location, and recent sales of comparable properties in the area. The appraisal is typically ordered by the lender and is usually paid by the borrower. A home appraisal is an important part of the home buying or refinancing process, as it ensures that the property is valued fairly and accurately.

The final walk-through typically takes place a few days before the closing. Here is a description of what typically happens during the final walk-through:

1. Schedule the walk-through: Your broker will schedule a time for the final walk-through with you and the seller's broker.

2. Check the condition of the property: The buyer will walk through the property to check that the condition of the property is as expected, and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. The buyer should also check that any appliances that were included in the sale are in working order.

3. Ensure all fixtures are in place: The buyer will check that any fixtures that were included in the sale, such as light fixtures and window treatments, are in place.

4. Document any issues: If any issues are identified during the walk-through, the buyer should document them and bring them to the attention of their broker.

The final walk-through is an important step to ensure that the property is in the expected condition and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. If any issues are identified during the walk-through, the buyer's broker can work with the seller's broker to address them before the closing.

Closing is the final step in the home buying process, where the buyer and seller sign all the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of the property. Here are the steps involved in the closing process:

1. Review the closing disclosure: The closing disclosure provides an overview of the final loan terms and closing costs, and must be reviewed by the buyer at least three days before closing.

2. Obtain a cashier's check or wire transfer: The buyer will need to bring a cashier's check or arrange a wire transfer for the amount of the down payment and closing costs.

3. Sign the loan documents: The buyer will sign the loan documents, which include the promissory note, mortgage, and any other disclosures required by the lender.

4. Sign the closing documents: The buyer will sign the closing documents, which include the deed, bill of sale, and any other documents required by the title company.

5. Pay closing costs: The buyer will pay the closing costs, which typically include appraisal fees, title insurance, recording fees, and other fees.

6. Receive the keys: The buyer will receive the keys to the property and officially take possession.

7. Record the deed: The title company will record the deed with the county, which officially transfers ownership of the property.

The closing process typically takes a few hours to complete, and the buyer will need to bring a valid photo ID and any other documents requested by the lender or title company. Working with a knowledgeable real estate broker and lender can help ensure a smooth and successful closing process.