Buyers

The Homebuying Process

Many homebuyers are confused and intimidated by the homebuying process.  Here is a general overview of the homebuying flow, and how a Realtor can help.

  1. Get Pre-Approved and Meet with Jennifer
    • Meet with a loan officer; by sharing income and other financial information, you will know the price range of a mortgage for which you are qualified
    • Get Pre-qualified
    • Obtain a pre-approval letter
    • Obtain a “Truth in Lending” letter explaining the costs of borrowing money
    • Learn about the many loans available to buyers in today’s market
    • Learn about closing costs
  2. Begin viewing homes with Jennifer
    • When possible, all decision-makers should visit the various homes
    • Always be candid with Jennifer– it will help her understand your particular needs and desires and enable her to select homes you’ll want to see
  3. Prepare the offer
    • Jennifer will provide you with a comparative market analysis on the house you choose in order to assist you in making an informed decision
    • Jennifer will go through the contract with you and complete your offer
    • Negotiations will proceed until both buyer and seller agree on all terms and sign
    • All documents will be sent to the title company where a file will be opened, and title commitment and property tax information ordered
  4. Make your loan application
    • Give your loan officer a copy of the contract and apply for the loan
  5. Inspect the property
    • Select an inspector and arrange for both a general inspection and wood-destroying insect inspection
  6. Appraisal and survey of property
    • The lender and title company will make arrangements for the property appraisal and survey
    • Buyer will be provided a copy of the Title Commitment Letter
    • Buyer will make arrangements for homeowner’s (hazard) insurance, and arrange for the insurance agent to talk with the closing officer at the title company
  7. Seller’s closing is also arranged
    • Buyer receives a copy of the closing statement for review prior to closing
    • Buyer does a final walk-through inspection of the property
    • Jennifer arranges a closing date and time with the buyer and title company. Seller’s closing is also arranged
    • Buyer brings a cashiers check for all closing costs and the balance of the down payment
  8. After the closing
    • Documents are sent to the buyer’s loan company for approval and funds are disbursed
    • The title company receives and funds all money from the loan company. Payment of any accrued expenses in connection with the closing are due including taxes, attorney’s fees, professional real estate fees and title company fees
    • Legal documents will be recorded in the office of the county clerk and mailed to the buyer
    • Title company prepares and issues the title policy, and sends it to the loan company and new home owner
IT’S NOW TIME TO ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!

Homebuyer Tips

Jennifer will save you time by:

  • Organizing and accompanying you to view homes which meet your criteria
  • Having information on various neighborhoods to help you determine the right area for work, place of worship and family activities
  • Providing sales information on the neighborhood of your choice, so you can make an informed decision
  • Showing you MLS properties, so you don’t have to call multiple offices for information or appointments
  • Working with all builders throughout the Metroplex
  • Negotiating your offer to your best advantage

What you can expect from Jennifer:

  • Learn and define your needs, desires and goals as a buyer, and help determine your most important considerations in selecting a home
  • Give you information about agency choices and services available to you
  • Organize the home buying process, guide you through it and save you time
  • Search for the right home, always accompany you to property showings and represent your interests
  • Explore all financing possibilities with you and provide you with a list of lenders
  • Provide you with a comparative market analysis to make an informed purchase decision
  • Disclose all known information about properties and areas which interest you
  • Assist in preparing offers, strategize your offer to the seller, and negotiate on your behalf
  • Ensure confidentiality of your personal client information
  • Monitor the closing process step-by-step, and make sure you’re always informed
  • Provide lists of inspectors to review the condition of the property
  • Act as your advocate in the most professional manner possible
  • Treat all parties fairly and honestly

Here are some helpful links:

Annoying homebuying fees to avoid - 1 - mortgage costs - MSN Money
Annoying fees to avoid. Your mortgage lender can hit you with a wide range … Add a comment. Sign in with your Windows Live ID, or create a new one.
Post a comment … for the holidays (4) Lindsey Newman wrote: I have to agree about the …
House hunting? Time for homebuying negotiation boot camp - MSN ...
When it comes to the crucial skill of negotiation, you newcomers to the … Add a comment. Sign in with your Windows Live ID, or create a new one.
Is This a Good Time for Homebuying? - Home Buying and Selling ...
It’s been my experience that when it comes to perceptions about … Leave a Comment
MBA an RIHA release of a new exclusive report: "The Great ...
… exclusive report: “The Great Recession and Attitudes Toward ” by Professor Gary V. Engelhardt of Syracuse University. December 20, 2011 | Leave a Comment
10 homebuying tips from real-estate pros - MSN Real Estate
MSN Money: Annoying fees to avoid; 10. Don’t get emotional. It’s easy to … Add a comment. Sign in with your Windows Live ID, or create a new one.
Upward trend in homebuying | Bankrate.com
Finance Blogs » Mortgages » Upward trend in … Finally someone is feeling optimistic about home … Add a comment
Setting Your Homebuying Priorities - Price, Quality, Location ...
This is a guest-post from Tim Ellis, author of Seattle … 42 Responses to “Setting Your Priorities … Leave a Reply
More parents are helping kids with homebuying. Should you? | HSH ...
In terms of , a “gift” is seen as something that doesn’t need to … Leave a Comment
The 3 Rules of Buying a Home | Homebuying Basics | Fearless ...
For details on Rule #3 see How to Research a House. The 3 Rules of , 3.8 … Post a Comment
CNN: 2012 Looks Good for Homebuying - San Francisco Real Estate ...
CNN: 2012 Looks Good for . Add a comment
Top homebuying, selling predictions for 2011 | Inman News
Tara-Nicholle Nelson is author of “The Savvy Woman’s Handbook” and … You must login or register to post a comment.
The Age Factor in Homebuying
… www.TheHousingGuruBlog.com – The Age Factor in … Your comment on the roof makes very good sense too. … Add kids and you have a travesty.I am speaking from …
Homebuying no-nos | Inman News - Real Estate News for Realtors and ...
no-nos Due-diligence hiccups can sour deal quickly By Dian Hymer, Tuesday … You must login or register to post a comment.
Homebuying Via 'Short Sale' Takes Time - Investors.com
Via ‘Short Sale’ Takes Time. By KATHLEEN DOLER, FOR INVESTOR’S BUSINESS … Leave a Comment Back to Top
Does a bad survey have to end a homebuying dream? | This is Money
? decisions tend to be made with the heart not the head, so it is … will save you having to type out your name and location when you next leave a comment.
Comment Policy; About Us. Verico; Services. Self Employed … 5 Mobile Apps to Make Easier. Posted by Scott … device features such as GPS and being able to add …