DEAR FUTURE BUYER...

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. In order to prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step buyer’s guide will help guide you through each individual process , which will reduce the stress of buying a home, and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible. Thank you for trusting us with your search

STEP 1: RESEARCH

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now?

If you don’t know the answer, or answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods, and can help you when the time comes to make an offer.

STEP 2: DECIDE ON YOUR BUDGET

Notice I said to decide on your budget - not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. You need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable spending, along with how much the mortgage company is willing to lend you based on your qualification status. This likely will include doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what charges other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you haven’t lived in an apartment or you lived with roommates, you may overlook new expenses, such as garbage, water, and strata fees that could easily take you over your spending limit.

STEP 3: GET PRE-QUALIFIED

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month, doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree…Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount, or deny you of a mortgage all together. Lack of a full time job, being self-employed, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already pre-qualified for a mortgage.

STEP 4: CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

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 when it doesn’t cost you a penny to choose a professional like myself to take the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have knowledge of the current market that you don’t possess. I may be able to steer you away from certain homes or neighborhoods, suggest hidden gems, or give you the pointers that will help you find your dream home for the right price.

STEP 5: FIND THE RIGHT HOME

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure you pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

STEP 6: MAKE AN OFFER

Once you have selected the perfect home, with with your agent (me) hint hint* 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, you 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, you will have an accepted offer

STEP 7: HAVE THE HOME INSPECTED

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

STEP 8: SELECT YOUR LOAN

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.

STEP 9: SCHEDULE A HOME APPRAISAL

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house. This is a VERY important step, as your qualifying limit could be influenced by the appraisal amount.

STEP 10: Closing documentation

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home!

A FEW TESTIMONIALS

S. & S.

“It was a pleasure working with Adam who seemed to have all the answers to my real estate questions. He was always available and took his time to go through all the steps in this process. I would highly recommend him. Through Adam this process was all so easy and painless. Thank you :)”

J. & K.

“To say that Adam was a big help in the same of our home, and buying our new home is an understatement. He was patient, kind, and incredibly skilled with the negotiation process. We were shocked to hear our home ended up with 12 offer, and sold for 28% over asking price...INCREDIBLE! Only to find our dream home under their asking price shortly after. Our family is over the moon. We can honestly say that Adam is the best agent we have worked with, and we hope to work with him again soon.

C. & R.

“Relocating to a new home was a challenging decision that had to be made quickly. Working with Adam to do this was the best decision. He was patient and professional, explaining every detail needed. Adam’s knowledge and expertise is exemplary. He genuinely cares about finding the right home for his clients!”

LET ME SHOW YOU THE PROPER BUYING EXPERIENCE

You will undergo a buyers’ experience unlike any other. You will always be the number priority, which means that I will do absolutely everything in my power to secure your dream home. We can work together throughout every step of the process, that way you will be just as knowledgeable as me by the end of the transaction

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