How to Successfully Find and Buy a Home

Let us help you in your home search by using a proven strategy for success. 

Things to Do When Planning To Buy a Home

• Obtain a Loan Approval 💲
• Meet to determine your buying needs and priorities 📞
• Establish your search criteria and set up your search 🔍
• Search For Homes in the MLS
• Sign Up For Email Listing Alerts
• Schedule Tours and begin viewing properties
• Re-evaluate your search criteria as you view different homes
• Continue searching until you find the perfect home

LOOKING FOR A HOME LOAN? GET PRE-APPROVED ONLINE!

When you are ready...Submit an Offer

• We submit the offer to purchase the home through the seller’s agent
• Discuss and clarify the proposed terms and conditions
• Negotiate offer, including possible counteroffers
• Reach final (mutual) agreement

Finally...Complete Settlement Process

• Open escrow and deposit earnest money
• Receive escrow instructions and sign documents
• Receive preliminary title report
• Review inspections and disclosures
• Request any needed repairs
• Removal of remaining contingencies
• Final inspect and walk-through by buyer and seller
• Secure loan funding, deposit your remaining funds into escrow
• Record deed of title
• Seller relocates and you take possession of the property (the keys right?)

Infographic: Buyer's Cheat Sheet- Click to Expand

More About The Buying Process

Purchase And Sale Agreement Once an offer on a property has been made by a buyer and accepted by the seller, they enter into a legal contract known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement. This document outlines the specific terms and conditions of the transaction and is acknowledged by both parties by the signing of the document.

Inspection Once a buyer and seller reach mutual acceptance on a property, a home inspector is hired to investigate every nook and cranny to determine if the home is in need of any repairs. An inspector will check items, such as the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, and electrical. Afterward, buyers will have a chance to negotiate with the sellers to cover the costs of certain repairs or to ask for concessions.

Negotiation Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, negotiation is the key to getting the best deal. Negotiations can involve everything from settling on a sales price to concessions and financing. Windermere Real Estate agents are expert negotiators whose job is to represent your interests during the give and take of a real estate transaction.

Financing You may already be pre-approved, but now that you’re closer to the actual purchase price, you’ll be working more in-depth with your lender on your final loan approval. If you are in need of a loan approval contact us for our best referrals.

Title Insurance You will receive a full report detailing the property history for you and your lender to ensure there are no legal encumbrances between a new owner and the property being purchased.

Escrow Once the offer is accepted and a closing date agreed upon, escrow allows the buyer and the seller to have an outside party ensure all parts of the contract are complete. Your Windermere agent can help coordinate the completion of all necessary forms to the escrow company and monitor the escrow process until the transaction is complete.

Closing At closing, all the paperwork is signed by the buyer and seller, both parties pay any settlement fees and the documents are officially recorded. Prior to closing, you'll receive a settlement statement outlining any fees which may apply to you. After closing is finalized and recorded, the home is yours!

We are always happy to have new buyer clients. Showing houses and guiding you through the process is what we enjoy doing. Please browse listings, ask questions, and request information as you need it. We are standing by to assist.

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