Buyer's Guide

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. You don't want to overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily squeeze your budget.

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes, but why would you wade into these real estate waters without a professional looking out for your interests? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. This includes relationships with local real estate agents I've cultivated over 20 years in the business.  Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you, and I will work with you and help you understand what you are buying.

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, my team will make sure the required purchase documentation is completed correctly and efficiently.  Your lender and the title company will work together to complete everything necessary, leading to the recordation of the deed, and when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.