Let’s Find You a Home.

Alright! If you've completed phase one of your home search or are nearing its end, it's time to move on to the next step: exploring available homes. Below, you'll find a general timeline outlining the purchasing process, along with the resources you'll be utilizing along the way.

Purchasing a home is no easy task in today’s market. I strive to prepare my buyers through education and transparency.

Phase One

  • Initial Meeting

    This meeting is our chance to connect and get acquainted. We'll delve into the current market trends, explore your specific home buying goals, and discuss how I can assist in turning your dream into reality.

  • Connect with Lender

    Your lender and I will team up to ensure you're fully supported throughout the process. A great lender is just as crucial as a top-notch realtor. Rest assured, I work with trusted professionals and can provide recommendations if needed.

  • Sign Buyer Representation Paperwork

    We’ll discuss our working relationship. We'll also dive into the contract details, ensuring you're fully informed from the get-go. I believe in transparency and keeping my clients in the loop, and this is where it all begins.

Phase Two

  • Create Home Search

    We'll gather all the details about your ideal home discussed earlier and create a tailored search. As we progress, we'll refine this search to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

  • Start Touring Homes

    We have two options: we can jump right in and view numerous homes to immerse ourselves in the process, or we can be selective and only tour the top contenders. The choice of how we approach tours is entirely up to your preference.

  • Education

    I firmly believe that an educated buyer is a prepared buyer. Therefore, as we embark on home tours, I'll make it a priority to educate you on various topics, including crafting a strong offer, understanding closing costs, assessing older homes, estimating project costs, and anything else of value that arises during our tours.

  • Submit Offer

    You've found a home you love, and now it's time to ensure your offer gets accepted. Together, we'll crunch the numbers and strategize on how to craft an offer that not only stands out but also aligns with your goals.

Phase Three

  • Accepted Offer

    We've done it! Your offer has been accepted, and now it's time to ensure we reach the finish line. At this point, I'll introduce you to your closing agent, who will guide us through the final steps of the process.

  • Submit Earnest Money

    Usually around 1-2% of the purchase price, you'll need to pay this upfront as a sign that you're serious about moving forward with the contract and meeting deadlines. Don't worry, though, this payment will go towards your down payment when you close.

  • Inspection

    Once we have a signed purchase agreement, we'll schedule the inspection quickly. Inspections usually cost between $600 to $1200, with additional fees if you opt for services like a sewer line scope or radon inspection.

  • Appraisal

    An appraisal is necessary only if you're financing your purchase. It's a requirement from the bank to ensure that the value of your home matches the purchase price.

  • Final Walkthrough

    A few days before the closing date, we'll conduct a walkthrough of the home to ensure everything is as it should be. Additionally, I like to host a short "welcome home" session during this time.

  • Closing

    You'll sign some paperwork, and voila! It's official! With keys in hand, the property is yours, and you can start moving in right away!

The Costs of Buying a Home

Earnest Money

This upfront payment demonstrates your commitment to proceeding with the contract and meeting its deadlines. In our market, earnest money deposits typically range from 1% to 2% of the purchase price. Rest assured, this payment will be credited toward your downpayment upon closing.

Appraisal

The exact amount of this fee depends on your loan type. You should check with your lender to confirm whether it is paid at closing. Generally, it is included in your closing costs.

Inspection

It's a good idea to schedule a home inspection to assess the property's condition. A standard home inspection usually costs between $600 and $1200. Additional services, such as a sewer line scope and radon inspection, may incur extra charges.

Downpayment

Your down payment typically ranges from 3% to 20% of the home's sale price, depending on your loan type and terms. However, it's important to note that a larger down payment isn't always advantageous. Having available cash can bolster your offer's strength and provide liquidity for renovations, emergencies, or other expenses.

Closing Costs

In addition to the down payment on your home, you will be required to pay fees for loan processing and other closing costs. These fees must be paid in full in cash at the time of the final settlement unless you can include these in your financing.

Typically, home buyers will pay between about 2.5-3.5% percent of the purchase price of their home in closing fees. In some instances, buyers can negotiate that the seller pays all or a portion of closing costs; this is part of the offer and negotiation period.

Here are some of the fees that make up closing costs.

Property Taxes, Points, Interest, Loan Origination Fees, Appraisal Fees, Title Escrow and Recording Fees, and Property Insurance.