Allison Horton

Buyers

One of the largest financial commitments we make in our lives is the purchase of a new home. With that comes a laundry list of decisions to be made throughout the process. Your entire experience can be smooth, easy and even enjoyable, as long as you are prepared.

START your buying experience by first selecting a Realtor. Ask around. Ask friends, colleagues, neighbors for their recommendations. If they had a positive buying experience thanks to the professional assistance from their Realtor, they will be more than happy to share that contact with you! The Realtor you choose needs to listen to you, your concerns and needs. Your stress will be greatly relieved when you work side by side with a Realtor you can rely on as a resource and confidant.
AFTER you’ve chosen a Realtor, ask to sign a “Buyer’s Agent Agreement”. This agreement insures that the agent you’ve selected is working for and representing you exclusively.

DEFINE your needs. Before you head out on a day-long house hunting tour, spend some time with your agent describing your needs very specifically. Start with the big picture. What is your price range? Where do you want your new home to be located? Is the school system important? Do you have a timeline to consider? Next, let your Realtor know specifics about your ideal house. What number of bedrooms and baths do you want? Is a fireplace a must? Do you have your heart set on a large kitchen?

COMMUNICATION is everything. Frustration will be eliminated and time will be saved by first making very clear to your agent what your wishes are. Arm your agent with as much information as you can. He/she will then be best prepared to find just the house you want!

SELECTING a lender is another decision you need to make. Lending institutions all offer the same basic products, but most will have a “niche” product they specialize in, such as low-down-payments or self-employment financing. Your Realtor deals with many different lenders and can point you in the direction of a lender that meets your specific needs. It’s never too early in your home-buying process to consult with your lender. Being “pre-approved” gives you (and the seller you will be making an offer to later) the confidence that you have already made application and been approved for a loan of a specific amount.

TIME to make an offer? Your Realtor can give you advice on the amount to offer, how to structure the offer, your earnest money deposit, home inspections, contingencies and more. Ask all the questions that come to mind. Don’t be embarrassed or intimidated by this process. Your Realtor has experience with this procedure and most likely has the answers to all of your questions.

INSPECTION of the property by a licensed home inspector is always a good idea. Your Realtor can refer you to a reputable home inspector. You will want to be aware of the condition of the entire home, from the shingles to plumbing to appliances. Repairs and replacements that you, the buyer require from the home seller will be listed by your Realtor in the offer to purchase. Purchasing a new home from a builder is different. A “walk-thru” is done by you with your builder one to two weeks before closing. A “punch list” of items to be corrected or finished will be made at that time. Ask your Realtor to attend your walk-thru. Another set of eyes never hurts.

CLOSING is often held at an attorney’s office. Normally the attorney is selected by the buyer. If you do not already have an attorney this is where your Realtor is once again a great asset to you. The attorney is responsible for ordering a survey, title insurance, conducting a title search and drawing up all of the documentation. The attorney also conducts the settlement. In North Carolina, the attorney represents the buyer in the transaction; making sure that all of the terms previously agreed upon have been met. The seller would need to retain his/her own attorney if there are issues not resolved.

MOVE-IN DAY has arrived! Again, your Realtor can be a great resource for you to find a reputable moving company or truck rental agency. As long as you’ve planned well throughout the process, today should go smoothly too!

READY to start your new home search? Just give me a call!

Featured Property

MLS #450504 $225,000

Piney Woods

5039 Oleander
Wilmington, NC ,28403

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