General Buyer Information

“Buying my first house was a great experience thanks to Virginia Hall. She made the process easy, kept the escrow moving along, and explained everything in understandable and thorough terms. She was well versed in the market and kept me abreast of subjects that were related to home ownership. I would highly recommend Virginia Hall as a realtor, give her a call, I am so glad that I did. ”                                                                                                                                               Kristine Roe

The Advantages of Buying versus Renting

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A Certified Residential Specialist Can Help You

BUYING A HOME

If you are a new buyer and are interested in buying a home, I can help!  As a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and an Accredited Buyers’ Representative (ABR) I can help guide you through the buying process Step by Step:

  1. GET A LOAN PREAPPROVAL.  First the buyer needs to know what they can afford.  If you don’t have a lender, contact one of the Lenders I have on my Business Partners Page.    They normally need two years of tax returns, two months of bank statements, and two paystubs to start their preapproval process.  With the loan preapproval, you will be ready to make an offer.
  1. CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT. Once we have a price range you are comfortable with, then we will meet to evaluate your needs and resources to help identify properties best suited for you.    I will provide you with a step-by-step guide on home buying. set up an online home search for you to begin looking.   The seller normally pays all broker fees as outlined in their listing agreement.   Buyers sign a Buyer Brokers Agreement outlining the agent’s and buyers’ commitments to one another.
  1. HOME SHOPPING. Once you find a home or homes you like, you will want to contact me at least 24 hours in advance to set up an appointment to see those homes.   Once you find the home you like and are ready to make an offer, we will determine the best offer price, depending on several factors including:  the general housing market, comparable home sales in the area, condition, and time on the market.
  1. MAKING AN OFFER. I will write up a purchase contract, advising you on protective contingencies, customary practices, and local regulations. I will present the offer and work to negotiate on your behalf to reach a final agreement in your best interest. The seller, in turn, may accept the offer, reject it, or make a counteroffer. Counteroffers are common (any change in terms can be considered a “counteroffer”), it’s important that you remain in close contact with your representative during the negotiation process so that any proposed changes can be quickly reviewed. Once everyone is in agreement on the price and terms, then I will guide you through the escrow and contingencies that normally include physical inspection and reviewing disclosures, appraisal and loan.
  1. INSPECTIONS. A general physical inspection completed by a qualified home inspector is commonly done and at the buyer’s expense.   During these examinations, an inspector evaluates the property for any material physical defects and whether expensive repairs and replacements are likely to be required in the next few years.

For a single-family home, these inspections often require two or three hours. You should plan to attend too. This is an important opportunity to examine the property’s mechanics (plumbing, wiring, etc.) and structure, ask the inspector questions, and learn far more about the property than is possible with an informal walk-through.

The buyer is also responsible for reviewing all of the disclosures, and making a decision about the condition of the home normally within the first 17 days without any loss of the good faith deposit.   Repairs are also negotiated at this time.

  1. APPRAISAL & LOAN APPROVAL. While the inspections and buyers’ finances are being reviewed, the lender orders an appraisal that is normally paid for by the buyers.
  1. CONTINGENCY RELEASES. Once all of the physical inspections are completed, all of the questions answered, the appraisal is good, and the loan fully approved, then the buyer will release their contingencies in writing and are committed financially.   The buyer will sign loan documents.  The loan will fund and the home will close.

Buying a home is a major endeavor and enjoying a successful real estate transaction requires knowledge and experience. As an Affiliated Buyers Representative and a Certified Residential Specialist, I understand your perspective and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Call me today (619)258-8585.

More Links and Flyers with Helpful Buyer Info

Keller Williams Realty
235 Town Center Drive  #R
Santee, CA 92071
CA DRE License # 01889763
Virginia Hall
CA DRE License # 01409760
619-258-8585