FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS:

 

1. PICK A REALTOR
   1. Finding an agent is like finding a good pair of shoes.  You want to pick an agent who will work with you, fits your needs and is loyal to you.
   2. An agent is more than a warm body to write an offer.  You want an agent who has your best interests in the forefront of their mind.
   3. Find someone you trust.
   4. Your agent will lead you step-by-step through the purchase process and answer any question you have.
   5. All "Realtors" who belong to our local Realtor Association can get you into any  home on the market.  Do not feel that you must go with the listing agent.  Naturally, if you like the listing agent, then you found a good pair of shoes.  Keep them!
   6. When you find your Realtor, stick with them.

 

1. GET PRE-APPROVED/ PRE-QUALIFIED FOR A LOAN
   1. Your Realtor can help you find a lender to work with your needs.
   2. It is a good idea to stay with a local lender.  They will see you in the grocery store long after the loan goes through so they want to make sure the service you receive is great- and that you will refer others to them.
   3. Your Realtor can help you compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges when you are looking at loan products.

 

1. LOOK AT HOUSES IN YOUR PRICE RANGE
   1. "Location, Location, Location".  You can change many things around a house but you cannot change it's location.
   2. Drive-by your top choices morning, noon and night and also on Saturday.
   3. Think of the top three things you are looking for in a home.  Tell your agent what these things are.

 

1. WRITE AN OFFER
   1. There are many components to writing a good offer.  The "cleaner" an offer looks, the more likely the seller will accept your terms.
   2. Think about how much money you would like to use as your "earnest money".  This is the money you are willing to put on the line because you like the house so much.  It shows how serious you are.

 

1. NEGOTIATE, COME TO TERMS AND INSPECT
   1. After acceptance you will have an inspection period.  Use this time to inspect the home and make sure it's the house for you.
   2. You can still negotiate some terms to the agreement even after the acceptance.  The seller does not have to say "yes" but you still have the right to ask.

 

1. CLOSE
   1. When all the terms have been met and the money is with the escrow company, the escrow company will record your name as the new owner.  This is when you are officially a new HOME OWNER!!!!

 

Please call me if you want a Realtor who will work for You!