Buying Your New Home
Buying a home is an exciting time. For many buyers, a home is the largest single investment they will make. In order to successfully navigate the housing market, a knowledgeable representative is key. With years of experience and a stellar reputation, Leslie Hancock has helped countless individuals and families find their ideal home at the right price.
The buying process:
Step 1 – pre-purchase consultation: (1 Hour)
Here we will discuss market conditions, inventory and developing trends in order to better meet your needs. We will provide neighborhood specific knowledge, the advantages and disadvantages of buying new construction, bank and pre- foreclosure properties and the best investment scenarios.
This meeting serves as a great time to better understand your options and ask any questions you may have.
Step 2 – Customized Property Search:
A search for properties with parameters that meet your specific needs and wants will be set up through NWMLS, the excellent listing service. At first we will provide you with a list of properties that meet that search criteria. The search will continue 24/7 alerting you by email as new listings come on the market. You will then be able to review them and determine which properties you wish to view.
Step 3 – Viewing Properties:
This is the fun part! We’ll tour homes together until you find the home you wish to purchase. Here is when you will find value in my experience, expertise and knowledge while representing you. You will more than likely want advice on whether or not the home you have fallen in love with is a good value and a sound fiscal investment.
Homes may be viewed with Leslie or a highly qualified member of her team, helping you to understand the value and advantages of each property.
Step 4 – Making an Offer:
Finding the home for you is one thing, getting it for you is entirely another matter. The real estate contract is laden with small print, pitfalls and clauses that favor your position and clauses that do not. We will meticulously review the contract with you, paragraph by paragraph and negotiate the best possible terms.This protects you from any potential legal jeopardy. By researching comparable sales we can help you determine a fair offering price and the best strategy for negotiating the offer.
Step 5- Navigating through the contingencies:
There are many contingencies that allow a Buyer to take due-diligence before purchasing a property. We will guide you through these contingencies, making sure you are fully informed and meet the deadlines in a timely manner. Here is a list of the most common contingencies:
Property Disclosure Form (Form 17) Review:
Neighborhood Review
Title Contingency Review
Home Inspection including structural, pest, hazardous materials and soil and stability
On Site Sewage Inspection or Sewer Scope
Resale certificate or Public Offering Statement (if you are buying a condominium or townhome)
Feasibility Review (if you are buying land)
Financing Contingency
Step 6- The closing Process:
After a contract is agreed upon in writing by both parties (mutual acceptance), there are inspections to negotiate, appraisals to perform, lending issues to attend to and a score of other incidentals. We will be there for you in every way through this escrow period. Our team will manage your transaction to ensure it’s kept on schedule for a smooth closing and will update you with weekly communication letters.
1. Escrow- Once the offer is accepted and a closing date agreed upon, the escrow company acts as the neutral third party ensuring all parts of the contract are complete. They collect the funds from the buyer and disperse the funds to the seller.
2. Several days prior to the day of closing, all the paperwork is signed by the buyer and seller. Both parties pay any settlement fees and the documents are officially recorded. Prior to you signing, we will both have the opportunity to review your settlement statement outlining any fees which may apply to you. After closing is finalized and recorded, the home is yours!
