In fact, one of my clients asked this simple question early in my career, "What happens next?"  I was able to answer that question easily, but that's when I realized there weren't any pre-printed brochures available to explain the home-buying process; I would have to create one for my clients. Anticipating and answering my clients' questions has been one of my primary goals ever since. With that in mind, here are three simple steps we will take together as you begin the home-buying process:

1. Pre-Purchase Consulting
2. Shopping for Your Home
3. Buying Your Home

Are you ready to get started?

1. PRE-PURCHASE CONSULTING

Before we actually go out to look at homes, we'll invest some time together so you feel confident about the entire home-purchase process and your choice of me as your REALTOR®.

• You'll share with me some information about what you're looking for in a home, your hobbies and special interests, your concerns about location, transportation, schools, etc. You'll tell me what you do and don't like about your current home, and show me photos of homes that catch your eye. Together, we'll identify your "wants" and "needs".
• You'll share with me some details about your financial situation, including your income, debts, and cash on-hand. You'll tell me what amount you expect to spend on a monthly mortgage payment, and how much cash you wish to invest "up-front". Together we'll determine the price-range of your next home.
• I'll explain financing options that suit your situation. Together, we'll choose a local lender so you can make application right away.
• I'll provide information about real estate customs and laws, including penalties for non-compliance. Together, we'll review brochures such as "What Everyone Should Know About Equal Opportunity in Housing" and standard disclosure forms.
• I'll explain the relationships between home buyers, sellers and agents.

2. SHOPPING FOR YOUR HOME

Now that you've decided what you're looking for and what you can afford in a home, we can get started.

• Using the Metropolitan Regional Information Services (MRIS®) database and other sources, I'll research homes that are currently available for sale. Together, we'll choose homes that meet your requirements.
• I'll make appointments for us to inspect the selected homes at a convenient time, and I'll point out their assets and drawbacks as we go through each home.
• When you see a home you like, I'll estimate your closing costs and monthly payment.
• I'll conduct the necessary research to determine answers to your questions about the homes and communities we inspect, and provide them to you in a timely manner.
• If none of the homes we inspect satisfy your requirements, we'll discuss options such as adjusting your "wants" and "needs" or simply waiting for other homes to come on the market. And we'll begin this step again another day - as many times as it takes to find you the right home.

3. BUYING YOUR HOME

When you choose a home, I'll represent your best interests in negotiations and follow-up.

• Using standard forms, I'll prepare a Contract of Sale and all related paperwork on your behalf and explain your rights and obligations to you. (However, keep in mind that I'm not an attorney, and my explanation is not a "legal opinion.")
• I'll advocate strongly for you with the property owner and the owner's agent, and help you evaluate any counter-offer.
• After you and the property owner reach agreement and initial any changes to the Contract of Sale, I'll assist you in selecting a settlement attorney and home inspectors.
• I'll accompany you to the home inspection and pre-settlement inspection, and notify the property owner of any discrepancies.
• I'll follow-up with the property owner, lender, appraiser, surveyor, settlement company, inspector and others to assure that all contract conditions and all deadlines are satisfied.
• In the meantime, there are some things you need to do: Contact your insurance agent to make arrangements for a hazard insurance policy, confirm that you have provided all requested documentation to your lender, notify all utility companies, and obtain a certified or cashier's check in the amount estimated by your lender.
• I'll accompany you to settlement, review the settlement sheet, and advocate strongly for you if there are any disagreements.
• Then, I'll proudly hand you the keys to your next home.

Whether you're relocating around the world or just moving across town, I'll handle the details of your home purchase so you don't have to. I consider it a privilege to help you through each of these steps so together we can create a real estate success story for you and your family!

Copyright 1980-2008.  Margaret Woda.  All rights reserved