BUYINGRockyRiver

Buying on Your Terms

Buying a home is very personal. It’s about what you need. What you want in the house you'll call home sweet home. This will be one of the largest purchases you make, so naturally the buying process should be all about you, too.

First, put together a list of features and benefits you want in a home. Think of such things as pricing, location, size, and amenities. If you can't get a home at the price you want with all the features you're looking for, figure out what features are most important to you and rank them in priority so you know what you're willing to give-and-take. For instance, you could choose to have a large kitchen and smaller bedrooms?

You should also consider your future needs. Maybe now is the time to buy a larger home rather than buying a small home and expanding it in the future. I can help you compare the price of homes with the features you are looking for or suggest alternate uses of space.

I work hard to make your home buying experience just as good as you imagined it; and since I have the most innovative tools in the industry, I’m well-equipped to do so.

If you're ready, start your house hunting right now with a little planning:

The first step for potential homebuyers is a credit check. It's best to keep an eye on your credit reports so you can spot any mistakes and dispute them. You should also avoid running up high credit card bills in the months prior to buying a home.

The next two steps will help you in the next phase of your game plan, pre-approval on a mortgage. I can help you with this portion of the plan. Pre-approval includes analyzing your income, assets, and present debt to estimate how much house you can afford. This means the lender has committed to loaning you money subject to the house you choose to buy. Being pre-approved for a loan will make you attractive to sellers because the contract won't be tied up with financial issues.

I have many mortgage and lending specialists available who can answer your credit and lending questions. Together, we can help you own your dream home!

After you know how much you can spend, you're in the homestretch. This is the time for you to become familiar with neighborhoods and the features of a home. Educate yourself by visiting my web site and viewing the listings. This is also the time for you to decide what you want and need in a home.

Here are the services I can offer you as your buyer representative;

A "comparative market analysis" or "CMA" is an overview of property values. It includes data on recent sales in a specific neighborhood, along with homes that are presently on the market. Comparing this data, and adding my own knowledge of the neighborhood, I can narrow this analysis to the specific home you're considering, helping you determine the realistic price you'd like to offer a seller.

Unless you're a cash buyer, you'll need to apply for and acquire a mortgage loan. I can help you select a lender and coordinate timing and paperwork - we even offer the "in-house" convenience of our lending affiliate, Wells Fargo, for financial counsel and easy application.

I will work on your behalf to find your new home, first expanding your choices then helping you narrow the field. I will set up and accompany you on home tours; and by email, U.S. mail or fax, can send you a suggested tour of homes that match your needs. Even maps and directions, too! I keep in mind that buyers' preferences vary: some enjoy meeting their Realtor® at the destination listing, while others want to ride with their agent so they can discuss options and focus on comparing houses. Let me know what you would like.

Helping you write your purchase offer is one of the biggest areas of assistance I provide. Will the seller leave the antique fireplace screen? It better be in the contract. I can assure that every "t" is crossed. You can rely on my familiarity with the language, timelines and requirements that lie within the paperwork.

While it may be true that anything is negotiable, it may not be in your best interest. My skills in negotiating are your best ally in a competitive market - especially when there are more buyers than homes for sale. Are you willing to pay full asking price, if the seller agrees to repair the roof? How do you put your best foot forward, in a "multiple offer" situation? I will evaluate what's important to you.

I will function as an objective professional in your home purchase. Where emotion might cloud your better judgment, you can rely on me to advise you of your options throughout the transaction. I'll make sure that details are remembered, and your interests protected.

Sellers in Ohio must disclose material facts about their home's condition to interested buying prospects. Buyers may protect their own interests by acquiring various inspections; municipalities and lenders sometimes require additional once-overs. Whole-house private inspection, pest, radon, well and septic - I can help you determine what you need, make the appointments and accompany you as the inspections are completed.

Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties, with needs and objectives that may differ. I will provide skilled negotiations, mediation and conflict resolution, helping you navigate a potential minefield without "taking it personally"!

Contractual contingencies are terms that must be met before an agreement is binding. The written contingency, therefore, must also be removed in writing, by a specified date, before the contract can be fully in effect. Whether it's financing, inspection or any other item your agreement is "subject to," I will assist you in understanding the fulfillment and removal of these contractual conditions.

It's in the details that frustrations often mount - and the details come at closing time. Once your offer is accepted by the seller, I will work like a duck: paddling like mad below the surface, so that what's above the surface moves smoothly! Broker, lender, title examiner - everyone needs papers, signatures, verifications and certifications. From opening escrow to title transfer, it's another area where I can bring peace of mind.