Buying your home is one of the most important purchases you'll make, so make sure you have the right agent -one who can provide you with the experience and the service you deserve.
It's important to understand what's happening in the local market as you look for a home. In a Buyer's Market there are plenty of housing choices and often there's room to negotiate, while a Seller's market means that the inventory of homes is lower and Sellers can hold more firmly to the list price. My role is to educate you so you can plan your negotiating tactics accordingly.
Here are some of the steps I will take to find your dream home:
Determinng Your Wants & Needs
By asking you a series of questions, we'll establish what you really want in a home. My goal is to not waste your time by looking at properties that are not in your price range or homes that don't meet you needs. Throughout the buying process I will maintain your confidentiality and represent your best interests as your Buyer's Agent. Before we ever look at a home, we'll discuss "AGENCY" and I'll ask you to sign an Ohio-mandated form acknowledging that the discussion has occurred. Its Ohio's law and it exists primarily to insure honesty and fair play to all parties.
Getting Pre-Approved for Financing
This the really very first step in the buying process. You'll consult with a Mortgage Loan Officer (or your banker, if you have one) who will verify your private finanacial information and pre-approve you for a mortgage based on a formula using your outstanding debt, income and credit score. A Pre-Approval letter attached to your offer to purchase shows the seller that you can afford the property - it gives you INSTANT CREDIBILITYover any other potential potential buyer and it gives you the same negotiating edge that a full cash buyer enjoys.
Shopping For Your Dream Home
When you work with me we become a team, working together to find your dream home. As your Buyer's Agent, I will act as your FIDUCIARY which means that I promise to uphold your best interests, keep your confidences and help you obtain that dream for the best possible terms. In virtually all cases, fees due to me are paid by the seller, but what's most important is that I work with and for you. We will use every available method to locate a property that matches your search parameters. This will include properties listed with our office, offered through other real estate companies, as well as unlisted properties. I'll disclose all known facts about the property that are likely to affect your decision. When we find the home that meets your criteria, I will assist you in writing an offer and act as a liason between you and the seller.