11. Home Ownership
Our commitment to service doesn’t end here, please feel free to ask us for any recommendations you may need. Please say hello if you see us around town and keep in touch!
10. Closing
Closing day! Together we will do a final walk-thru of your new HOME! All parties must attend in person or provide power of attorney to your attorney. Mortgage documents are signed and closing statements are reviewed with an attorney or title representative. Be sure to bring the check to closing for down payment and closing costs. You will receive your house keys, any documents/manuals etc. at this time. Your attorney will send the deed to be recorded with the state. Within 2-3 months after closing you will receive a copy of this deed. Time to celebrate, move-in and begin writing your story in your new HOME!
9. Pre-Closing
Pre-closing begins! Remember to set up utilities for your closing date; gas, electric, water, garbage, TV, phone, internet etc). Submit change of address to USPS and services. Set up a moving company (we have plenty of recommendations). Review closing costs with your attorney. Once the lender announces the loan has been underwritten, we are clear to close! Order a home warranty (optional). As your buyer’s agent, we will schedule a walk-thru prior to closing.
8. Additional Processes
Inspection contingencies are satisfied. A certificate of occupancy or continued use
is ordered by the seller’s agent (varies by town). Now it is time to finalize all lender requirements.
7. Under Contract
Once we conclude attorney review, showings stop. Additional offers may be accepted but only for backup. If you haven’t already, begin scheduling home inspections. As your agent, we will attend your inspections: general, termite, radon, structural and mechanical. Based on the inspector’s request inspections may also include roof, termite repair, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, oil tank sweep etc. We will negotiate any inspection issues that arise and review with an attorney. When we submit a repair or credit requests to sellers, we will be sure to include contractor estimates for repairs.
Within 10 days of concluding attorney review the 2nd deposit is due unless otherwise stipulated in contract. We will work with your attorney to make sure we stay on time.
During this time your appraisal will be ordered via the lender. We will coordinate an appointment with the appraiser, as the buyer you do not need to attend. Surveys are ordered at this point. We suggest obtaining homeowners insurance too.
6. Attorney Review Process
While the house is in attorney review, showings may continue and other offers could come in. Usually attorney review the last 3 full days once they receive the fully executed contract but at times can take longer until both parties are satisfied. During attorney review both buyer and seller can cancel at any time. The seller is allowed to entertain other offers.
5. Make Offers
Once we find your HOME, it is vital to make a strong offer. We will discuss together the initial offer amount, good faith deposit and downpayment.
We will go over your closing date and any other conditions put in place in your offer. We always recommend writing a letter to the seller as to why their home spoke to you. Our team will work on your behalf to negotiate with the listing agent. Should there be multiple bids on the house, we will explain the process thoroughly at that time.
Once your offer is accepted, it is time to choose an attorney to represent you.
4. View Homes
Now the fun begins and we can start viewing homes. Remember to keep your notes on impressions of houses, keeping in mind your top 6 must haves. Be sure to secure a lender at this point so you can start the financing process as soon as you find your HOME!
Make sure you get your paperwork over to your lender so your loan application is all set to go.
3. Buyer Consultation
In your buyer consultation we will sit down with you and go over your top 6 must haves in a home. We will discuss your price parameters. Together we will go over nearby towns and what each one has to offer, as well as give you a tour of the towns. Once we have finalized the areas you would like to begin your home search in, we will begin to send you listings.
2. Mortgage Pre-Qualification
It is more important than ever to get pre-qualified before you begin your home search. We are happy to recommend one of our trusted mortgage lenders. Being pre-approved before beginning your home search will allow you to get a solid idea of how much home-buying power you have. Your lender will also be able to provide you with an outline of closing costs so there are no surprises.
1. Identify Timeframe for Moving
Together we will identify your timeframe for moving. If you have a home to sell prior to buying, we give you a date as to when it should be on the market.
If you’re currently renting, we go over your lease terms with you.
