THE BUYING JOURNEY:

PHASE ONE - DECISIONS & PRE-APPROVAL:

Our journey begins with meetings to establish your wants and needs in a new home, as well as counseling about the buying process. Our goal is to lead, teach, and represent you through your buying journey. The first crucial step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. When you receive your pre-approval, you'll have more negotiating power during the buying process, and you will learn the price range to focus your home search on. 

We use scheduling software to piece together an appropriate schedule for showings at the listings of your choosing. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get a real feel for the market as well as to help refine your wants and needs. At some point in the journey, you will find a home that feels right. This home will check off most of your “wants” and “needs” boxes! 

PHASE TWO - OFFER & NEGOTIATIONS:

Writing an offer is your official response to the seller of the home that you’re interested in becoming the new owner. We will guide you in the details of what contingencies and terms to note. Our advice will depend on several factors, such as buyer demand, market conditions, the seller’s situation, etc. 

Not all buyers and sellers are in alignment with each other when it comes to price and terms. Negotiations can be a normal part of the buying process at various times throughout a transaction.

At some point during the offer and negotiation process, most buyers and sellers reach mutually agreeable terms, and your contract timeline takes effect. This becomes your obligation to move forward with inspections, financing, etc.

PHASE THREE - INSPECTIONS & FINANCING:

There may be items found during the inspection that cause you concern. These may be minor, but they could be major enough to ask for repairs, a credit, or to terminate the contract. During this time, further negotiations are common. 

A title search will also be done to show that the property you are purchasing is correctly identified, clear of all legal liens, and comes with a marketable title. 

Often, the lender will require an appraisal of the property to ensure it‘s worth what you are paying. Should the property not appraise at or above the contract price, you can renegotiate the sales price, terminate the contract, or compromise somewhere in between. We will expertly facilitate all negotiations on your behalf. 

PHASE FOUR - CLOSING & POSSESSION:

Once the financing and inspection phase is complete, a closing date is set for the parties involved to sign the official legal paperwork and transfer ownership. Prior to closing, we will schedule a repair walk-through (if applicable) to ensure any repairs have been completed as agreed upon. This is usually done at least a week prior to closing, so there is still time to remedy any situation, if needed. A final walk-through of the property also takes place the morning of closing to ensure the home is being conveyed as expected.

At closing, you will need to bring your government-issued photo ID as well as a cashier’s check (or wire transfer) for any money due at closing. Your lender or the closing company will advise you accordingly. 

At closing, you will be given the keys to the property as well as full access to move in and begin life in your new home! Congratulations, homeowner!