Buyer's Guide

Investing in a home is one of the most important decisions you will make.  Your home is where life unfolds and memories are made, while building a financial foundation for your future.  

The first step is to have a buyer consultation in order for me to get all the details on what you are looking for in your new home to ensure that your house hunting journey goes as smoothly as possible and according to your timeline.  As a professional real estate agent and REALTOR®, I will support you every step of the way. I offer complimentary consultations for us to discuss how I may be able to support you in your real estate search.  Likewise, this is your opportunity to ask your questions about the process and how you might benefit from my professional expertise. 

If we choose to work together, I will work strategically and relentlessly to help you achieve your goals.  Your needs will drive how and when we find your next home.  I will take the time to get to know you, your situation and your needs in order to understand exactly what you are looking for.  I will ensure that the house hunting process moves forward at your pace and with minimal disruption to your daily life.

We will typically tour homes together alongside any co-buyers, friends or family you would like to join.  Homeowners are usually not home, so you are free to spend as little or as much time as you want at each property.  First impressions count, and you may have a gut reaction when visiting a home.  If a location or exterior of a house does not match what you are looking for despite the pre-selection process, we will not waste time on going in.  I will give advice on home values and help you evaluate your priorities in the context of what is available in your price range. 

It is always a good idea to see at least a few homes before making a purchase decision.  This gives you valuable points of comparison.  Some home buyers find their dream home on the first house tour.  For others, particularly in a strong seller’s market, the process can take much longer.  Whatever your situation, I will patiently guide you for as long as it takes to find your next home.

What should you look for when touring homes?  Look beyond the staging and decorative items that convey with the house.  Check the condition of the home.  Keep track with photos and notes.  Consider possible improvements you may want to make so you can research costs later.  Do not forget to check out the outside of the property and the neighborhood.

What happens if you face a multiple offer situation?  In a seller’s market, you may be competing against other buyers.  I will strategize on how to present the best possible and most competitive offer using real-time market data.  Communicating with the seller’s agent to uncover any information about a seller’s timeline, motivation for selling, and any particular issues of importance will help us craft the strongest possible offer.

The seller can accept your offer as is, or can make a counteroffer with an adjustment to your terms.  You can accept or reject the counteroffer and make your own counteroffer.  The contract is final once you and the seller have agreed to all terms and signed the contracts and when earnest money has been received.

Only you will know how much you want a particular property and what you are willing to accept to get it.  However, sometimes there may be legitimate reasons to walk away.  Examples are:  if a bidding war drives the price too high, the appraisal of the home is below your offer, a home inspection finds defects that would be too expensive to repair, the seller is unwilling to make reasonable repairs, you learn about homeowners’ association rules that will not work for you.

You will hire your own home inspector to carefully evaluate the condition of the house you are under contract on.  The inspector will check a long list of items, such as systems, appliances, and structures.  You will get a written report that identifies any issues and future maintenance needs.  

You are encouraged to be present at the home inspection as this is not only your time to learn about any potential problems, but also a chance to learn from a qualified professional how to maintain and care for your new home in the future.

A home warranty policy, which typically lasts for one year and is renewable, provides coverage for some of your home’s systems and appliances.  In return for the annual fee, the company will cover repair costs and arrange for contractors.  You will pay a deductible fee and possibly service fees if you need to use a warranty.  Whether or not you need a home warranty policy depends on a number of factors and each buyer’s individual circumstances.

Home insurance is a must and you should shop around to get the best policy to fit your needs, budget, household, and lifestyle.