Understanding the Home Buying Process
Steps to Buying A Home
A buyer's consultation in residential real estate is an initial meeting between a prospective home buyer and a real estate agent. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a working relationship, understand the buyer's needs, and lay out the steps of the home-buying process. Here's what typically happens during a buyer's consultation:
Understanding Buyer’s Needs and Preferences
The agent will ask questions to understand the buyer's goals, such as:
Desired location or neighborhoods
Type of property (single-family home, condo, townhouse, etc.)
Size of the home (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.)
Budget and price range
Preferred features (yard, pool, garage, etc.)
Explaining the Home Buying Process
The agent will outline the entire home-buying process, from searching for a home to closing on the sale.
They will discuss how the agent can assist with:
Searching for homes that fit the buyer’s criteria
Arranging property viewings
Submitting offers and negotiating with sellers
The inspection, appraisal, and closing process
Explaining Market Conditions
The agent may explain the current state of the real estate market (buyer’s vs. seller’s market, interest rates, inventory levels).
They will discuss what to expect in terms of competition, pricing trends, and how quickly homes are selling in the desired area.
Financing and Pre-Approval
If the buyer hasn’t been pre-approved for a mortgage, the agent may recommend getting a pre-approval.
They may explain the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval and provide lender referrals if necessary.
Outlining Buyer Representation
The agent will explain the role of a buyer's agent and how they work to represent the buyer’s interests.
They may discuss agency agreements, including whether the buyer will sign an exclusive buyer-broker agreement, which formalizes the relationship.
Discussing Fees and Costs
The agent will explain the costs associated with buying a home, such as:
Closing costs
Earnest money deposit
Down payment
Inspection fees, and any other expenses.
They will also discuss the agent’s commission, which is typically paid by the seller but may vary based on local customs.
Next Steps
Finally, the agent and buyer will establish the next steps, such as starting home searches, scheduling showings, and formalizing the agent-client relationship.
This consultation helps set clear expectations and ensures the buyer feels informed and comfortable moving forward with the home-buying process.
Looking To Sell A Home
There are many reasons people decide to sell their home. Marriage, divorce, new job, retirement, becoming an empty nester, more space, the birth of a precious new life, the passing of a loved one, wanting a change of scenery, school districts, or simply obtaining the American Dream of Homeownership.
Selling a home is hard work, and there are many moving parts in a real estate transaction. It takes, time, money, and energy to get your home on and off the market. Our job is to help advise our sellers on the best strategies and practices which will net them the MOST amount of money, in the LEAST amount of time.
Curb Appeal
You remember the old English idiom “Don’t judge a book buy its cover”? Well in real estate, that’s EXACTLY what buyers do when they arrive at your home. It’s imperative we make the first impression to potential buyers both online, and in person a good one.
Make sure your landscaping is pristine. Grass cut and edged, bushes and shrubs trimmed, colorful flowers, fresh paint on your front door, etc.
Decluttering
Upon entering your home, you want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living there and creating new memories. Your loose items should be put away, and your home should be clean top to bottom. Sweep, dust, vacuum and mop your counters, windowsills, tables, and all other visible areas since nothing is off-limits for those curious buyers.
You’ll also want to remove any distractions such as bold artwork, and furniture that might make the home less appealing to the general public.
Quick Fixes & Repairs
Play it safe by having neutral paint colors throughout. Fix any leaks, scuff marks, holes in the walls, squeaks, loose handles, tough doors, etc. You want your home to look like it was well maintained. Buyers pay a premium when the feel like the previous owner put love and elbow grease into the home.
Staging
We will scan your property before its listed to see how we can utilize your existing furniture and home goods to make your home most appealing to the public. If we need to we have a slew of staging companies that we can use to spruce up the visual appeal too.
Paperwork & Inspections
We have a transaction coordinator on staff who will work with you to ensure that the procedures involved with the disclosure statements and contracts are properly executed. Also we are licensed builders who can make necessary repairs or get estimates on repairs when defects in your home arise.
Marketing
We spare no expense when it comes to marketing your home to its max potential. From brochures, mailed, email-blasts, flyers, and structured social media campaigns we do it all. We ensure your home will get maximum exposure. Great marketing leads to more prospective buyers and more selling opportunities. Once you list with us it’s time to start packing. Your home will be sold before you know it.
