Finding your place in the world

Look for a licensed real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the neighborhoods you’re considering and can help guide your search. (Hi!)

Before beginning your search, your first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan (unless you will be paying the full price of your home in cash). I can recommend mortgage brokers. Based on your income and credit history, the mortgage broker will determine how much a bank will lend you, which will help determine the price range for your search.

Now is the time to consider your ideal home’s location and amenities. You will attend viewings and open houses spanning a range of areas and property types. Additionally, I will activate notifications for exclusive coming soon and off-market properties as they hit the market.

Once you identify a home you like, you can put in an offer, which is an agreement to pay a certain price for the home. This offer is packaged with a proof of funds and pre-approval letter. I guide you through the negotiation process, and will provide advice throughout. After the contract is signed by all parties, you will have a limited number of days to deliver your earnest money deposit to the title company.

You are given a limited time period during which to conduct optional / encouraged inspections, including but not limited to a general inspection, sewer scope, radon test, and structural inspection. If something of concern is discovered during this timeframe, you will have the chance to re-open negotiations on price and terms of the sale, or even cancel the sale and have your earnest money deposit returned to you.

It is the buyer’s duty to select all desired inspections and determine the overall condition of the property within the agreed timeline and contractual contingencies. You will also review the disclosures and preliminary title report. You may approve or negotiate credits/repairs. Prior to closing, remember to schedule a final walk-thru of the property to verify property is still in acceptable condition and any negotiated repairs were done.

Organize an appraisal with your lender. Your completed mortgage application with all supporting documentation should be submitted to your chosen lender upon receipt of the fully signed purchase agreement. Upon a successful appraisal, the lender then issues loan approval. Consequently, you'll wire the closing funds with the homeowner’s insurance in place, and then the loan will be funded with clearance to close.

A final walk-through of the property is scheduled and completed prior to closing. The walk-through confirms that no damage has been done to the home since the time of inspection and that the major systems and appliances are in working order.

Once all the conditions of the contract have been satisfied, the closing is held. The closing documents are signed, payment is exchanged, and you receive the keys to your new home!

Congratulations! You are now a homeowner.