If you have browsed our Financing page, you know that qualifying for a mortgage is the first essential step to home ownership.
It is necessary for a Loan Status Report completed by your lender to accompany any offer submitted for a property. So, it is unlikely that a real estate agent will take you to view homes without that report. Once that step is completed, it's time to look for a home. Your agent should have a lot of questions for you in order to determine your wants and needs. Your answers to those questions will enable your agent to show you only those properties most closely matching your criteria, saving you time and aggravation.
Once you find that "perfect" home, you will need to understand the offer process. First, your agent will prepare an estimated cost sheet to give you an idea how much it will cost to purchase that home.
Then,
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You and your agent will work together on the Purchase Contract which includes your offer to buy
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Your agent will speak with the seller's agent regarding presentation of the offer
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The seller's agent will present your offer to the seller who may then accept it, reject it, or prepare a counter offer
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If the seller accepts, the closing process will begin
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If the seller prepares a counter offer, it is up to you as the buyer to accept it, reject it, or counter the counter offer
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When any of these counter offers is accepted by both parties, the closing process will begin
Your agent will be in constant contact with the escrow officer and your lender throughout the closing process to ensure a smooth, timely closing and will keep you informed on a regular basis. Your agent will be your lifeline since you will not communicate or negotiate directly with the seller's agent or the seller. And, it is important to know that in a real estate transaction, if it isn't in writing, it is not valid or enforceable!
And, finally, a word to those who plan to purchase a new home from a builder or have a home built. If you visit a model home center, you will be asked to sign in. Your sign-in generally means that if you purchase a home in that subdivision within 60 days, you are NOT entitled to REALTOR® representation. The commission for your REALTOR® is included in the price of the home and that home price will NOT be reduced if you do not use one. The agents at the home centers represent the builder, NOT you. So, smart buyers will look for a good agent before house hunting!!
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