The Home Buying Process

Obtain Financial Pre-Approval
Analyze Your Needs
Select & View Properties
Write an Offer and Discuss Terms
Get the Contract Accepted
Conduct Inspections & Resolve Issues
Schedule Closing & Take Possession

Making an Offer 

Once you have found the property you want, we will write a purchase offer. While much of the agreement is standard, there are a few areas that we can negotiate:

Price
What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller. While some buyers want to make a low offer just to see if the seller accepts, this often isn't a smart choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate at all.

Move-in Date
If you can be flexible on the possession date, the seller will be more apt to choose your offer over others.

Additional Property
Often, the seller plans on leaving major appliances in the home; however, which items stay or go is often a matter of negotiation.

Typically, you will not be present at the offer presentation - I will present it to the listing agent and/or seller. The seller will then do one of the following:

  • Accept the offer

  • Reject the offer

  • Counter the offer with changes

By far the most common is the counteroffer. In these cases, my experience and negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests.

When a counteroffer is presented, you and I will work together to review each specific area of it, making sure that we move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that we negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.


The Closing

Prepare for It
Closing day marks the end of your home-buying process and the beginning of your new life! To make sure your closing goes smoothly, you should do the following:

  • Wire required funds to the title company AND confirm receipt (detailed instructions are provided by the title company)

  • Bring an insurance binder and paid receipt

  • Bring photo IDs

  • Social Security numbers

Own It
Transfer of title moves ownership of the property from the seller to you. The two events that make this happen are:

Delivery of the buyer's funds
This is the check or wire funds provided by your lender in the amount of the loan.

Delivery of the deed
A deed is the document that transfers ownership of real estate. The deed names the seller and buyer, gives a legal description of the property, and contains the notarized signatures of the seller and witnesses.

At the end of closing, the deed will be taken and recorded at the county clerk's office. It will be sent to you after processing.

FAQs

How will you tell me about the newest homes available?
The Multiple Listing Service Website provides up-to-date information for every home on the market. I constantly check the New on Market list so I can be on the lookout for my clients. I will get you this information right away, the way that is most convenient for you: by phone and/or email.

Will you inform me of homes from all real estate companies or only eXp Realty®?
I will keep you informed of all homes. I want to help you find your dream home, which means I need to stay on top of every home that's available on the market.

Can you help me find new construction homes?
Yes, I can work with most builders and get you the information you need to make a decision. On your first visit with the builder, I will accompany you. By using my services with a new construction home purchase, you will receive the services I offer, as well as those provided by the builder, at no additional cost.

How does for sale by owner (FSBO) work?
Homeowners trying to sell their home without agent representation are usually doing so in the hopes of saving the commission. If you see a FSBO and want the advantages of my services, let me contact the owner for you and make an appointment. Most times the homeowner will work with an agent even though their home is not listed, since the agent is introducing a potential buyer to their property.

Can we go back through our property again once an offer is made but before possession?
Usually, we can notify the seller and schedule a convenient time to visit the property again. Immediately before the closing, we will schedule a final walk-through and inspection of your new home.

Once my closing is scheduled, what should I do?
Celebrate and focus on moving into your new home! You will want to schedule your move, pack items and notify businesses of your address change. I will provide you with a moving checklist to help you remember all the details. .