BUYER ASSISTANCE
GUIDANCE
To begin with, I believe that the more informed you are, the better your experience will be. I have the resources to guide you through the home finding process, providing you with everything from detailed property searches to neighborhood information.
It takes more than a trained real estate agent to understand the needs and concerns of buyer clients. It takes a team who has been there, someone who has the same concerns when they’re home shopping. There's plenty to do.
Below, I have included a general step-by-step list to help explain the home buying process. Some of these stages may seem confusing, but, remember, I am here to answer any questions.
5 TIPS FOR BUYERS
When you’re ready to buy a house, the process can seem daunting. This is because there are so many things to think about and factors to consider. Here are five tips to help make buying a house a little easier:
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. One of the first things you should do when buying a house is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and your monthly payments. Getting pre-approved will also make the actual process of getting a mortgage easier and quicker.
Determine what you can afford. The next step is to determine how much house you can actually afford. Once you know how much money you can borrow, you need to look at houses in your price range. It’s essential to keep in mind that your monthly mortgage payment isn’t the only cost associated with owning a home – there are also property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs to consider.
Find the right location. The location of the house is just as important as the house itself. When choosing a location, consider the quality of the schools, crime rates, and proximity to amenities like grocery stores and parks. You should also consider whether you want to be in an urban or rural area.
Get a home inspection. Once you’ve found a few houses that you like, it’s essential to get them inspected by a professional before making an offer. A home inspection will help identify any potential problems with the property that you may not have noticed on your own.
Work with a real estate agent. Lastly, working with a real estate agent when buying a house is always a good idea. A real estate agent will be able to help you find properties that meet your specific criteria and guide you through the negotiation and closing process.
Determine Your Needs & Budget
• Get Pre-qualified
• Obtain a pre-approval letter
• Obtain a “Truth in Lending” letter explaining the costs of borrowing money
• Learn about the many loans available to buyers in today’s market
• Learn about closing costs
House Search
• When possible, all decision-makers should visit the various homes
• Always be candid–it will help me understand your particular needs
Prepare the Offer
Once we have found the home of your dreams, I will help you determine an appropriate offer price by reviewing market trends and similar home sales. With your input, I will draft a written offer that outlines the price as well as the responsibilities of both parties in preparation for the transaction. If the seller accepts the offer, it becomes a binding contract. It is imperative that you carefully review the contract and clarify any aspects that are not clear to you prior to offering.
• I will go through the contract with you and complete your offer
• If negotiations are necessary, I will work to ensure that you and the seller agree on all terms
• All documents will be sent to the title company where a file will be opened, and title commitment and property tax information ordered
Make Your Loan Application
In order to ensure your safety and the value of your investment, it is important to have the proper personnel thoroughly inspect the house after the offer and loan terms have been finalized.
• Select an inspector and arrange for both a general inspection and comprehensive pest inspection
• Depending on the property and location, I can also provide information about other environmental assessments
Appraisal & Survey of the property
• The lender and title company will make arrangements for the property appraisal and survey
• Buyer will be provided a copy of the Title Commitment Letter
• Buyer will make arrangements for homeowner’s (hazard) insurance, and arrange for the insurance agent to talk with the closing officer at the title company
Seller's Closing is also Arranged
• Buyer receives a copy of the closing statement for review prior to closing
• Buyer does a final walk-through inspection of the property
• The REALTOR arranges a closing date and time with the buyer and title company. Seller’s closing is also arranged
• Buyer brings a cashiers check for all closing costs and the balance of the down payment
After Closing
On the closing day you will sign all documents. The seller will be paid and you will receive the keys.
Congratulations, you just bought a new home!
Proudly Serving Alexandria, Ballston, Clarendon, Del Ray, East Falls Church, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, McLean, National Landing, North Arlington, Old Town Alexandria, Orange Line Corridor, Shirlington, Westover and surrounding areas.
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