Buyers
Ready to Make an Offer? 

Here’s what you should know about the process  (all will be explained in detail when we meet for a visit)…

The 1st step in finding a new home is to speak with a lender and get Pre-Qualified.  Once you have been pre-qualified for a mortgage and have obtained a “Pre-Qual Letter” we will schedule appointments to view each of the homes you are interested in.  If we are lucky, we’ll find something quickly but if not, keep in mind that homes come onto the market every day.  We will keep looking until you find the one that will work for you. 

When you have found a home in your price range that you would like to purchase, several decisions will need to be made and information will be obtained in order for you to offer an EDUCATED and REALISTIC sale price.  Some of the information (i.e. Names of all buyers, current address, your contact information, mortgage contact information, etc.) will come from the form included in this packet.  I will also be pulling current market information using home sales in the area to determine a good sales price for this particular home.  This report is called a CMA or Comparable Market Analysis. 

Once you have a realistic price in mind, I will prepare the documents for your offer.  Decisions you will need to make include the following: 

  • How much cash will you be putting down on the home?
  • Will you be asking for the seller to contribute to your closing costs?
  • When do you want to close?  Most lenders require 30 – 45 days to complete their paperwork.  You will need to ask your lender the amount of time that will be needed to accomplish this.
  • Do you want the seller to furnish a 1-Yr. Home Warranty and if so, which one?
  • Do you want the seller to furnish subdivision information and a Resale Certificate from the HOA?
  • Do you have an inspector you would like to use (i.e. General Inspector, Termite Inspector & Others)?

 

With your offer, you will be asked to furnish your “Pre-Qual Letter” along with the copies of 2 checks:

  • Earnest Money – At minimum, 1% of the offer and made payable to the Title Company.  Leave blank if purchasing a foreclosure.
  • Option Fee – Negotiable, but generally $100 for up to a 10-Day Option Period (some sellers may require more) made payable to the seller.  Leave blank if purchasing a foreclosure.

 

All documents will be forwarded to you so that you can initial, sign and date where appropriate.  This can be accomplished in person or via fax or email.  These documents and copies of your checks and “Pre-Qual Letter” will then be forwarded to the seller’s agent for consideration.  During as well as after the negotiation process, you may need to be available for additional signatures.

 

Items Often Found on Inspection Reports...>