To help you understand the process, we’ve outlined most of the key steps to buying a home, and we’ve detailed the ways that we can provide assistance.
Step One: Get a Prequalification letter or Pre-Approval for a Loan
We recommend you contact one to three lenders to obtain a pre-qualification letter. This process takes only 15 to 30 minutes. Before your mortgage will be approved, you will need a Pre-Approval letter which requires income verification, bank statements and providing tax records as well as other records. This process can take one to two weeks.
Step Two: Set up a Property Search
Complete the Property Search link on our website with your criteria or contact us and we will set up a search for you. You will receive a comprehensive list of available properties and will be notified immediately when houses become available that meet your criteria.
Step Three: Identify Properties
Contact us to set up appointments to visit the homes you want to see. Appointments are set up through a Centralized Showing Agency. One of our agents will meet you there.
Step Four: Make An Offer
When you find the right home, we will do a CMA to determine the appropriate asking price. We will write a contract that includes sales price, closing dates, due diligence money and date, earnest money, home warranty request, seller paid closing costs and all other components involved. Generally there will be some negotiations on one or more aspects of the contract and we will assist you with all steps in this process.
Step 5: After Acceptance of Offer to Closing Date
Two key things will happen after the offer is accepted. First, a home inspection is ordered and repair requests are developed and negotiated. Second, the mortgage needs to be approved by your lender and a closing set up with the real estate attorney of your choice. Line up movers and contact utility companies to transfer utilities. We will also arrange for a final walk through, a review of your closing documents and attend the closing to answer any questions.