As your agent, my goal is to help you find the right home at the right price, in the right time, with the least amount of problems. I will help you through each step of the buying process, making sure that your best interests are always represented. You can count on me to help you reach your goals.

Here’s how to get started:

01 — Get Pre-Approved

This is a written commitment from a lender to extend a mortgage to you for a specific amount and time period.

It is important to understand the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. A Pre-qualification determines your ability to repay a loan based on information you provide. Your liability, asset and income information are reviewed by a licensed mortgage loan originator to establish the maximum purchase price you can afford and how much you may be able to borrow. A Pre-approval is when your information is reviewed and verified by an underwriter. This involves an analysis of your financial status and credit history. With a pre-approval, you’ll be able to negotiate your home purchase confidently. Realtors and sellers will often take your offer more seriously if you get pre-approved prior to house shopping because it lets them know you are ready to make a deal. A pre-approval may help streamline your process and result in a smoother transaction.

(Information on this page is courtesy of CrossCountry Mortgage)

02 — Hire a Great Agent

Now that you have initiated the pre-approval process, and have an idea of how much you are comfortable spending, a realtor can help you through the home buying process. Finding the right realtor is just as important as finding the right lender. Make sure that you work with a real estate agent you can trust, has a proven track record, and has your best interests at heart. It’s useful to get referrals from family and friends who’ve been through the home buying process.

Avoid Dual Agents.

It is also commonly advised to avoid dual agents when going through the home buying process. A dual agent is a real estate agent who represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction. This is often a conflict of interest since it’s possible that the agent will not negotiate in the buyer’s interest. If you do use a dual agent, make sure it’s someone you trust completely.

03 — Determine Your Shopping Criteria

You have a lender and you have a realtor. Your next step will be to start looking at houses. It is easy to get carried away with the excitement of becoming a homeowner at this point. You may only be thinking about yard space, decorations and the amount of bedrooms you want, but it is important to consider all aspects of the property before moving forward.

Location is key!

Consider the crime rate, public school ratings, your daily commute, traffic patterns, and local amenities when choosing a home. If public parks, libraries, pools, sporting arenas, churches, restaurants or shopping centers are important to you, make sure you consider their proximity to your neighborhood before getting lost in visions of porch swings and curtains.

Be aware of the condition the home is in.

You may think you have found your dream home, but keep in mind any extra stress or costs that may come up when you’re learning about that crack in the wall or the furnace system from decades ago. If you’re going for a fixer-upper, make sure you have factored in time to your moving process, in addition to additional expenses. (Also note that an FHA203(k) will allow a buyer to finance qualified repairs).

As we partner together to find the best home for you, I’ll need to know more about your wants and needs. Take this quick survey to tell me more ….

04 — Go Shopping!

Once I know your buying criteria, I’ll set up you own personal website that will be updated regularly. As soon as homes meeting your criteria hit the market, you’ll be notified immediately via email. You’ll have access to the most accurate, up-to-date listing information available.

The best properties go fast, so you need an agent like me, who’s available to get you in to see homes as soon as possible. Once you find a home or homes that interest you, let me know so we can schedule a showing. This is the fun part!

See a house for sale while your driving about? Download my app and immediately see the houses for sale close to you …

05 — Submit an Offer

You may want to keep several factors in mind as we get ready to present an offer to the seller.

• The asking price of the home

• Recent home sales in the area

• Market conditions

• Prospective re-sale value

• Satisfaction with the neighborhood and amenities

• Condition of the home

• How many other prospective buyers are looking at this home

• If you have a back-up home in mind