the homebuying process

 Before beginning your search, your first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan (unless you will be paying the full price of your home in cash). I can recommend mortgage brokers. Based on your income and credit history, the mortgage broker will determine how much a bank will lend you, which will help determine the price range for your search. 

 Now is the time to consider your ideal home’s location and amenities. We will schedule a time for an in-depth consultation so I can find out a little more about your needs & desires so we can launch a search personalized to you. In the meantime, you can start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods.  

  Once you identify a home you like, you can put in an offer. I will advise you on the price and terms and then draw up the paperwork on your behalf. This offer is packaged with your Pre-Approval Letter and other pertinent documents. Once our offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject, or make a counter offer. I will guide you through the negotiation process, and will provide advice throughout this period. 

If your offer is accepted, you will be officially under contract. The purchase is not complete until closing day, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else at this point. You will have a limited number of days to submit your earnest money deposit and perform inspections per the contract.

 Having your new home inspected is a vital part of the homebuying process. As the buyer, you will use your inspection contingency to select all desired inspections and determine the overall condition of the property within the agreed timeline and contractual contingencies.  You may approve or negotiate credits/repairs. Prior to closing, we will schedule a final walk-thru of the property to verify property is still in acceptable condition and any negotiated repairs were done. 

 If you are financing the purchase, your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the fair market value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract. 

 Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed, all of the seller's personal items or staging items have been removed, and that the home is in the same condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any problems identified with the home before closing. 

Commence the celebration! We will schedule a time to sign your documents and once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive the keys to your new home!