The Buying Process

When purchasing a home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions! The primary one is whether you are actually prepared to purchase a home. Locating the perfect home is not always an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. However, once you have the keys to your new home, it will make the process seem well worth the effort!

As your licensed REALTOR^®, I'll make the process of purchasing a home easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale that match your specifications, and help you through the myriad of details accompanying the actual purchase.

I stay up to date with the current homes on the market, and I know neighborhood values well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search.

Step 1: Determining What You Want & Need

Your first step to buying a home is to first ask yourself why you want to buy a home: to stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house? Next, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves."

Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighborhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighborhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work.

Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Someday you or your heirs will want to sell. Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home.

Step 2: Loan Pre-Qualification

Once you have addressed the above needs, your next step in the purchasing process is to get pre-qualified with a mortgage company through a bank or mortgage broker. This is a crucial step in determining your budget and can help in a sellers' market when a pre-qualification is highly recommended.

I can refer you to a mortgage professional that has an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.

Step 3: Finding Your Perfect Home

Once you've been pre-qualified and know what price range you want to stay in, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system to locate them.

Using your criteria, I'll sign you up for my Your Home Finder program. This system will email you as soon as properties that fit your wants and needs come onto the market. You'll get exclusive access to these homes before they become available on MLS for the general public.

I have the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate the homes on the market that match your specifications - this includes finding properties that aren't listed (i.e. through private deals.)

Step 4: Touring Homes

I will connect with other real estate agents to arrange for viewings of properties. Together we'll tour these homes, and I'll use my expertise to inform you about advantages and potential concerns of each property.

Step 5: Submitting an Offer

Once you find your ideal home, I'll walk you step by step through the offer process and put together a contract of purchase and sale. Don't worry about all the legal language - I'll explain each point until you're comfortable signing off on your offer.

I'll present your offer to the seller's agent and use my negotiating skills to get you the best deal.

Step 6: Completing the Sale

If your offer is accepted, we'll move on to completing the contract. There are many elements to this process, but I'll navigate you through each step. At this point, you'll also need a lawyer or a notary - I can refer you to an excellent one if you'd like.

Once all is said and done, you'll be the proud owner of your new home! Time to celebrate!

I would love to assist you in your home buying journey. Call 250-819-0502 or email aaronk@remax.net at any time to set up a no obligation appointment.

Click here to discover more reasons why you should choose me as your REALTOR^®.