Steps to Buying a Home

1.) Finding the right property – Nearly every listed property is automatically synched into hundreds of major sites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia and dozens of others. From these sites, there are hundreds more that use this information to populate their individual sites. Most sites have the same homes and the same information so you’re seeing the same, stale listings, no matter what site you go onto. There are potential problems here. Listen to Perfect Home Finder to find out what those problems could be and how to avoid them

1.) Have you ever called a Realtor and they said they would set up a search for you and send you properties that fit your criteria? What do you need that for? You have the same information that they can get through the MLS. You can search dozens – hundreds of sites on your own and find the same properties. That’s an outdated way of finding your next home.

1.) Have you found that everywhere you look, you are seeing the same old stale listings? When you find one that is somewhat interesting, what happens? It is either under contract already or you find that no one knows anything about it and they may or may not get back to you. You need the Perfect Home Finder program. You tell us your price range, what your absolute must-haves are, and a few other details. Our research team will go out and investigate those areas that you are interested in to find people who have the type of home you are looking for. When we find a few available homes that fit your needs, we will set up a private showing.

2.) Researching the area, and making yourself knowledgeable about such things as zoning, water rights, value trends and dozens of other unique characteristics of a particular area or even a particular home in an area can be challenging and time-consuming. It can also be extremely frustrating because it’s sometimes very difficult to find answers to your questions –once you discover the questions you need to ask.

2.) Many agents live and work in the area, some all their life. They may have dependable knowledge about the history, present challenges and problems, but even these agents may not have a firm grip on the local market and current concerns. Realtors are paid on a commission-only basis. They do not get paid unless and until they have sold a home. Make sure you are not working with an agent who is more interested in closing a sale than helping you buy exactly what you want and need.

2.) New legislation, ordinances, litigations, and plain old public opinion constantly changes the look and feel of an area. We have an experienced in-house team who stays abreast of what is happening in the area of water rights, septic guidelines, city zoning and regulations, and a host of other items that could affect your decision on whether a particular property is right for you or not.

3.) Even what appears to be a good deal could be better with effective negotiation by an expert negotiator. It’s sometimes difficult to negotiate on your own behalf.

3.) Negotiation is a practiced art. It starts early in the game and involves analysis, preparation, and planning. Regretfully, this is not something that is taught in real estate schools. Few Realtors have a background in negotiation. And remember, negotiation involves more than just the price of a property.

3.) The art of negotiation takes time to develop. Certain members of our team have honed these skills over the years. They now train others and work with them to make sure the stage is set, the right questions are asked at the right times and the emphasis is placed where it needs to be to obtain the best possible deal for you.

4.) Writing up paperwork may seem simple but there are contingencies, disclosures, and Federal, State, and local forms that you may not be aware of. Some of these could prove to be for your protection in the future.

4.) Most Realtors know how to fill in the basic forms. Even in this area, there are little tweaks and safeguards that come into play to (1) enhance a homeowner’s willingness to accept your offer over someone else’s and (2) reduce your present and future risk and liability.

4.) Timing is important. While you’re still looking at a property, there are team members available to start preparing paperwork, making sure disclosures are provided, services are arranged for, dotting all those i’s, and crossing all those t’s. Logistics are handled behind the scenes so your Realtor representative can concentrate on what is important – your desires.

5.) And last, walking things through a lender, appraiser, and title company changes constantly. They also change from one area to another. Even if you’ve sold a number of houses in the past, this one could be much different than you’ve experienced previously.

5.) And last, walking things through a lender, appraiser, and title company changes constantly. They also change from one area to another. Even if you’ve sold a number of houses in the past, this one could be much different than you’ve experienced previously.

5.) An experienced team working together for you is invaluable. Take a look at how we are set up compared to most.