OUR PHILOSOPHY
EDUCATION
A crucial first step, yet sadly one that is commonly overlooked. We feel strongly that an initial basis of education will make you comfortable and confident when it comes time to make a decision. It will also light the way, and prepare you to understand the process, possible hurdles, expectations, and timing. A strong base, makes a happy client.
SEARCHING
The fun part begins! Having a tailored and reliable search from the beginning is crucial. Because national sites are a third party, they sadly are rather inaccurate, unreliable, and outdated; which is why our search is established through the MLS. The MLS is the source itself, current and accurate. Now that we found some good options, it's time to go see them!
LOOKING OUR BEST
After finding the dream house, and ensuring it's the best decision for you and fits with your finances, it's time to make the best offer possible. There are many nuances in contracts, and ways to use them to our benefit. In a world where everyone is throwing all the money they can at the home, we use certain terms to be more attractive, yet protect you.
NEGOTIATING
This is one of the greatest qualities that we have, and the most common basis for receiving confident referrals from past clients. When the chips are down, and the game is on the line, you need a poised, skilled, and experienced negotiator in your corner. Deals are won or lost, and dreams are made or broken at this crucial step. Side with the best, side with us.
OUR BUYING EXPERIENCE
OUR PROCESS
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Finally we meet, and introduce ourselves and the process! The entire success of the sale is set up here, in the first step. It's not the fun step, it's not the glamorous step, but it is the single most important step. The step that sets us on the straight and narrow path and protects us along the way. First and foremost is education, we want to make sure that you know everything that is to come, timing, expectations, and knowledge. If you know everything, then the fear and worry and confusion fades away, and you're left feeling empowered, informed, and in control. As you can imagine, this is a much better place to be, and starting here is paramount. We will also establish the must haves, must NOT haves, and wants, and draw a plan together.
SETTING THE SEARCH
This step is a lot more important than meets the eye. Because national sites are a third party, they sadly are rather inaccurate, unreliable, and outdated; which is why our search is established through the MLS. The MLS is the source itself, current and accurate. After setting all of your criteria we will have a tailored search, which we call "the portal". Because this search is tethered to the MLS, the moment a home is listed that coincides with your parameters, you (and us too) will instantly receive an email. In a time where we don't just have to compete for a home, but also compete for a showing appointment, timing is everything, and this is instantaneous.
PRE - QUALIFICATION
If in the event that you will be financing the home, and not purchasing in cash, we will need to get you pre-qualified. Knowing your buying power or purchasing capacity, and how that dovetails into the rest of your finances and lifestyle is critical. Having a budget established in the beginning is very important to having a smooth and efficient search. Ultimately, we cannot submit an offer without having this form from a local bank or lender; and depending on who your receive your financing from can even make you stand out against others. This step, and establishing a good relationship with your mortgage loan officer is extremely beneficial when it comes time to evaluate a property of interest. We can find out our cash to close, monthly payment, and the impact of taxes vs. purchase price.
GETTING OUT THERE
Something we see a lot in buyers is that they start WAY too specific. This can cause them to see very few homes, not gain traction and feel discouraged. Eventually, we will inevitably be sent a link for a home that isn't in their search... because it has a different parameter set, they've broadened their horizons. This is why we encourage you to allow us to initially set your criteria slightly more broad than you originally specify. By doing so, YOU are in control, YOU are the judge. If a home is "on the bubble" and only checks a few of the boxes, let's go anyways! We are firm believers you learn something at every home we visit. We commonly find buyers being surprised what they end up liking (or not liking for that matter). It all starts with getting out there; let's look & learn, it's never a waste of time.
DRAFTING AN OFFER
Oh my gosh, am I really going to write an offer on this house?! Yes! You are! You need to be aware and understand that it is likely (statistically speaking) going to take a few offers before we become the lucky winner! In a seller's market, the amount of buyers grossly outweighs the sellers, creating leverage for the sellers and competition for the buyers. The law of supply and demand is in full affect, and we have to push that much harder in order to win. We will always ensure that you are within your means and aware of what the costs are. Yes, price is obviously the single most deciding factor for the sellers, but there are MANY other important factors to the offer that can also sway the sellers to take your offer. We will discuss all of these techniques and intricacies, and always make you look as strong as possible.
GETTING ACCEPTED
It may have been quite the journey thus far, but it's only just begun! Just because we have an accepted offer, doesn't mean your safe just yet. We need to have the offer secured by both the buyer's and the seller's attorney, and clear of any inspections before we are truly in the clear. Still, there are things we can implement in the contract to protect you in that potentially turbulent, transient time. We will guide you through this, and hold your hand through the process. For a buyer, your involvement is very front heavy: acceptance, approval, deposit, inspection, appraisal, etc. We stay on top of things, and constantly keep you in motion. We will also be diligent in performing any necessary tasks for the bank, and stay in regular communication with the selling side for a timely closing. Are you ready?!
HOW DO I BECOME READY TO BUY ?
CALL US & MEET
Your first and most important step
is to call us!
Do go it alone; getting insight from seasoned professionals specific to current market conditions and trends is critical. Start with a process that is tried and true; and most importantly, we can establish a relationship and basis going forward.
NEEDS & WANTS
Knowing your "needs and wants" are very important to give us not only direction, but they help us make decisions and evaluate. We will also make sure we know your "deal breakers", so that we can either steer clear of them, or work to see if it can be overcome within reason. From here, we build a custom search and become educated.
FINANCES
We can show you all the homes you like, but if they are out of reach... then we need to pivot. Knowing what your capable of purchasing is one thing, knowing what you should be spending is another. We will also provide a holistic view of finances, including the months and years after moving in. Then we decide if this is an intelligent design, if so, write!