Buyer Checklist

• Find a mortgage broker/lender. We recommend comparing at least two lenders/mortgage brokers to see who will give you the best terms and rates. Ask us for a list of great lenders to interview.
• Sign Buyer representation agreement and return to us. We will send this to you via separate email once we’ve decided to work together
• Review the estimated closing costs
• Interview and Hire a Home Inspector. The home inspector generally costs $350 - $700. Ask us for a list of great inspectors to interview.
• Change privacy settings on social media to the highest security settings possible, while still allowing people to Friend you. Do not post anything about your home search as it can be used against us during negotiations
• Send a copy of your pre-approval letter to us as well as the contact info for your mortgage consultant/broker
• Keep us updated on your mortgage process
• Do not buy anything expensive or open new credit cards. Pay all bills on time. Be very careful with your finances from now until we close.
• Decide whether you want a home warranty and if this is something you want to purchase or would like us to try and negotiate during the negotiation process
• Download our mobile app for your smartphone. Text APP2572 TO 32323 to download it for free. Then when you’re out and you see a For Sale sign you can pull up the app and it will show you interior photos of the property as well as how much it is.
• Review the contracts which will be used at the beginning of your home search so you are comfortable with the contracts when the time comes to put in an offer. Ask us to send these to you when you’re ready to review them.

Once a contract has been accepted

• Arrange for the home inspection asap. Ideally it should be conducted the day after the contract is signed. Notify us of the date/time so we can make it sure it works with our schedule as well as clear it with the sellers and the listing agent. Clear your schedule to attend the home inspection if possible and bring your card, check or cash to pay the home inspector. A home inspection walk-through generally takes about 1 hour.
• Obtain initial earnest money check asap and deliver to the Title Company. Usually these are required within 4 calendar days.
• Continue the mortgage approval process. When the lender asks for something, get it to them asap otherwise closing could be delayed.
• Gather home insurance quotes
• Hire a mover and begin packing
• Call and arrange for utilities to be transferred into your name the day of closing.
• Arrange for home owner’s insurance to start the day before closing
• Continue the mortgage approval process. When the lender asks for documents get them to them asap
• Gather funds for the down payment and closing costs
• Attend the walk through. This is usually scheduled for the day before closing
• Attend closing
• Consider having all locks changed in the home and new keys made. Change any security systems over to your name and set new passwords