A SOUND DECISION
Investing in a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. So much more than a roof over your head, your home is where life unfolds and memories are made, all while building a financial foundation for your future.
Deciding how you’ll navigate your journey to home ownership is equally critical to the real estate team you work with. We’ve been in your spot before, and we’re familiar with what’s cycling through your mind, and as real estate professionals, we’ve mastered the ins and outs of the buying process. When you work with us, you’ll benefit from our experience, and together we’ll work toward making sound, smart decisions for your future.
*Before we begin, take a look at these commonly used terms in real estate.
HOW BUYING A HOME WORKS
PARTNER WITH AN AGENT
Meet with an agent for a buyers consultation. Here’s what to bring!
Absorb their local insight
Get to know neighborhood inventory levels
See what’s about to hit the market
Gain access to off-market properties
Review market averages
Complete needs assessment. Not sure where to begin? Start here!
GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A LOAN
Understand what you can afford
Determine your monthly mortgage payment
Understand your debt ratio
Prepare for escrow
Obtain a pre-approval letter
You can find an overview of the process here.
MAKE YOUR OFFER AND NEGOTIATE THE TERMS
Review contract terms and time limit for offer
Negotiate purchase price
Choose a title company
Shop home insurance options
Prepare for down payment, earnest money
Choose a target closing date
Sign the offer
Deliver escrow check
Stay in close contact with your real estate team
UNDER CONTRACT
Secure a home loan
Acquire home insurance and send proof to your lender
Request a list of what conveys with the property
Schedule home inspection and negotiate repairs
Acquire a property disclosure from the seller
Order an appraisal
Neutralize any contingencies. Input any contingencies that may be specific to your area
Conduct a title search
Choose your title company
Schedule your closing
Solidify both contract effective and allowable move-in dates
Certify funds for closing
Stay in close contact with your real estate team, lender, and title company
BEFORE YOU CLOSE
Transfer funds for closing
Reserve a moving company and set a moving date
Change your address through USPS, your bank, and other instances
Set up your utilities to be activated or transferred
Confirm that all contingencies are resolved
Schedule the final property walk-through
Designate a safe, dedicated space to save your final paperwork
Stay in close contact with your real estate team, lender, and title company
CLOSING DAY: WHAT TO BRING
Connect with your lender to wire down payment funds. You’ll need to cover the cost of closing and the down payment. Bring a printed confirmation of your wire transfer
Government-issued photo ID(s)
Social Security numbers
Your copy of the contract
Your checkbook
CLOSING DAY
Sign closing disclosure, promissory note, and all other documentation
Title transfer
Deed delivery
Save your paperwork in your pre-designated spot
Get your keys – congrats! It’s all yours!
Stay in touch with your agent for current or future recommendations in regard to your new home.
A PROMISE FROM US
To serve the community as a leader in the real estate industry and as a friend and neighbor.
To always do the right thing, even if it isn’t what is easiest.
To take care of your needs at the highest level through unparalleled professionalism and attention to detail. No request is too small.
To serve as trusted local experts and advisers by your side.
To consistently and clearly communicate with you in the manner and frequency that you prefer.
To treat you and your family with straightforwardness, integrity, and respect at all times.
To answer your questions, ease your concerns, reduce your stress, and expertly handle the entire real estate transaction from listing to closing and beyond.
To hold ourselves accountable to selling your home for top dollar – after all, that is what our business is built on.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Real estate is complicated.
That’s where we come in.
At the closing table, our goal is for you to feel that the purchase of your home exceeded all your expectations, so throughout all of our transactions – from search to close – we will work hard to achieve that goal.
When you choose us as your partner, you are not just getting a trusted, respected team – you are getting local experts who are passionate about serving our community and those who call it home.
*Download the FREE Keller Williams app (click the link or text “KWMIJLII” to 87778) to search millions of homes from your phone anytime!
