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Hire me as your real estate professional.
The first step is for me to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your
financial expectations. Working with a buyer's agent is worth consideration since I am legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a
real estate transaction. I can guide you through every step to buying a home.
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Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in
how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the
monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about
$35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.
Click here for a free mortgage prequalification.
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Prequalify for a loan.
Getting prequalified determines how much you can afford. It allows you to
move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other
interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and
really can afford to buy the Atlanta property.
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Define what you want.
The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to
buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the
items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine
the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what
is currently available on the market. I can then show you houses that meet
your expectations.
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Visit properties.
Now you're ready to visit houses. I will arrange showings, and keep track of
the properties you've seen.
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Know the features that help or hurt resale.
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and
makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a
single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. I
can point out features that hurt, and those that help, resale value.
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Rate the houses you tour.
After touring each Atlanta home, write down what you liked and didn't like.
Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down. For example,
pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it.
When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard.
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Make an offer.
Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the
financial and contractual side of the purchase. My help will be a strong
advantage since you and the seller have different goals.
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Arrange for a home inspection.
After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find
problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and
foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable
inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the
inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the
purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork. Ask me
about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.
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Close.
Before your closing date, I will make sure you've made all necessary
deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowners
insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments.
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Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging
for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or
replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new
address.
