Congratulations! If you're looking at this, you've either recently decided to purchase a home, or are at least considering the possibility. You'll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who realize that home ownership offers a number of benefits including building equity, saving for the future, and creating an environment for your family. Are you checking out Open Houses and searching for home on-line? Are you wondering how this whole process works? What's the first step? When do you actually start looking at homes? Are you reading blogs to find answers? Maybe you've found a home you love on-line but wonder how you go about taking a look inside. What's a pre-approval and how do you get one? How long does it take to find a house, close and move in? Sound familiar? The thought of buying a home may seem a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! The first step is to find an agent who will sit down with you, answer your questions and put together a plan based on your needs and time frame. Then when you're ready to begin looking at homes, your buyer agent becomes your "go to" contact. You don't need to call every listing agent to schedule a showing, -- YOUR buyer agent does that for you! So how much does it cost to "hire" a buyer agent? That's the best part -- nothing! And most importantly, your buyer agent will be representing you, not a seller. They won't be trying to "sell" you one particular house, but instead, working to find the "perfect place for you"! It's also more convenient to work with one person throughout the transaction. You will begin to build a relationship with your agent. After showing several homes, Steve and Tonda begin to get a true understanding of what their buyers are looking for -- what neighborhoods, types of houses and features are important. Then when something new comes on the market that looks like a good fit, they're quick to give them a call! As your buyer agent The Hoagland Group will: Meet with you prior to looking at properties to answer your questions and ensure you are comfortable with the process. Often we meet for a "coffee chat" (or dessert, if you're not a coffee drinker!) just to get acquainted. Give you a Buyer Handbook for future reference. Review a transaction time line -- when do things happen? (See Homeowner Handbook below) Go over a Purchase Agreement, so you will know what to expect when you find your dream home. Explain how Indiana "in arrears" property taxes work Share what a pre-approval is and why it's important Introduce you to a great lender who will help you with the financing aspect of your purchase. Help you evaluate different financing options to ensure the perfect fit for your financial situation. Provide an estimate of your closing costs. Put together a realistic "wish list", location and price range for your home search. Discuss the pros and cons of new construction vs existing homes Introduce you to good builders if you decide to consider new construction Get you started on a custom home search - you can register to save searches and receive email or RSS feeds daily. Visit properties together at your convenience - that includes any home for sale, even New Construction and those For Sale By Owner. Assist you in evaluating houses and neighborhoods -- which areas have the best re-sale? Help you determine the right price and write an offer when you find the "Perfect Place for You"! Represent you through the negotiating process Provide a custom checklist with all of the buyer "to do's" for each transaction and check in periodically to see how things are going and offer assistance as needed Introduce you to excellent Home Inspectors and coordinate scheduling as necessary Write a Buyer Response to Inspection and be your advocate ensuring all necessary repairs to the property are completed prior to closing. Follow up with appraisers as needed Provide your lender with all requested documents Assist with information and timing to transfer the utilities Attend your closing -- we call it the "Celebration Table"! Follow up to ensure the possession of the property goes smoothly and everything is as expected
We're available to answer your questions and we'll walk you through the process from start to finish. |