Select your Realtor and make a decision to work with them exclusively: Some buyers are under the false impression that it is better to have more than one agent search for their new home. There are many reasons to have a Realtor work for you exclusively, one of them being; if the Realtor is sure of your loyalty, you can rest assured you have theirs. Do you want to be first on your agent’s mind, or just another phone call? Doesn’t one of your largest investments deserve exclusive, catered, and professional representation?
Sit with your Realtor to discuss your needs and expectations: location, size, style, special requirements, etc…When you ask your Realtor to find you a home, the first task for the two of you is to explore your needs, wishes and expectations. This is important, so that very little time and energy is wasted; therefore, you will only be shown homes of serious interest. Additionally, discuss the best days and times for you to preview homes and choose the best place and time for your Realtor to call you to introduce homes that have just entered the market place. During this interview, your Realtor will also explain whatever you need to know and what to expect in buying a home.
Pre-qualify for a loan to help ascertain your price range: This is critical for the forthcoming negotiations your Realtor will encounter. You and your Realtor know you are qualified, but the seller does not. When a seller has more than one offer to choose from, the buyer’s and Realtor’s preparation will make a considerable difference.
Target locations within your price range: This is accomplished after pre-qualifying. Your Realtor will introduce neighborhoods that offer homes that meet your description and price range.
Attending Open Houses: If you decide to attend an open house without your Realtor, please make sure to ALWAYS inform the other agent that you are working with a Realtor. The agent holding the Open House will request you to “sign-in” on the registry. Of course do so, however, ONLY list your full name (without any other information, i.e. address, phone, etc.) and your Realtor’s name immediately next to yours. This will prevent confusion and, of course, unnecessary follow-up calls to you from the other agent.
Homes’ Advertised: It is important for you to call your Realtor when you see an ad that interests you. Do not call the agent from the ad. Here are four important reasons: One, so there is no confusion in representation if you have further interest. Second, you want your Realtor to be completely aware of homes that interests you. Third, your Realtor is probably already familiar with the home and can immediately discuss the features with you. Fourth, the listing agent has one goal: to sell you the home you called about and not your best interests.
Your Radcliffe Group Realtor will go to work finding your dream home!: Having a Realtor work for you exclusively is going to raise the level of work and attention being done on your behalf. As we mentioned before, Realtors see a large number of homes. Probably while you and your Realtor first discussed your dream home, possibilities began to come to mind. Your Realtor will have a number of sources in making sure that you see every home that suits your needs in addition to searching DAILY for NEW homes that become available. The Radcliffe Group has all the resources necessary for us to locate the home of your dreams. We have the daily and current information from ALL the members of the Multiple Listing Service – This means we have access to ALL of the other real estate brokerage firms listing information, and all companies cooperate with each other. (In certain cases, because of our knowledge of the neighborhood and networking relationships with the brokerage community, you will probably receive information on homes which are not listed for sale on the open market). Your Realtor will also be reading the classified ads and the real estate section of the newspaper for appropriate properties. Your Realtor will then organize the appropriate list of homes for you to see.
Success! You have found your new home!: You and your Realtor will first determine the value of the home, based on recent sales in the area that compare to the home of interest. It is your Realtor’s responsibility to be familiar with the recent homes that have sold that support the value of the home you are interested in, in order to properly guide you in a “smart” purchase. Your Realtor will explain to you this process in detail. NOTE: This is the critical stage for your Realtor and your choice of representation will make all the difference. Determining value and clearly communicating it to you is crucial. In addition, structuring your offer with terms and PROTECTION is what you need from your Realtor. Please ask us for our brochure on how to hire an agent when buying. Most of the public believes all agents are alike. Nothing is further from the truth.
Making your offer: Your offer is then presented to the seller’s agent, generally by your Realtor and with the seller sometimes present. Negotiations begin, which may include several counteroffers between you and the seller. It is important to negotiate within a timely manner to avoid the possibility of another buyer purchasing the home if you are negotiating slowly. Again, this process is critical for your representative and an experienced Realtor can make all the difference in either securing the home of your dreams or losing it.
Opening Escrow: When everything has been agreed upon between you and the seller, your Realtor opens the escrow. (Your Realtor and the escrow officer will explain this process in detail).
Escrow Instructions: You, the seller and both agents receive the same escrow instructions to review and approve (Your Realtor and the escrow officer will explain this process in detail).
Inspections: Your new home will be inspected by outside professionals to determine its condition. Your Realtor will introduce you to these inspectors. You will then choose inspectors that you approve. Before this undertaking, your Realtor will explain to you what to expect before, during, and after these inspections. If you are uncomfortable with any of the reports completed by these inspectors, you have the ability to cancel escrow and have your deposit money returned to you after both parties sign cancellation instructions. Your Realtor guides you through this entire process.
Paperwork and Financing: When all inspections have been completed and the final closing date is near, the escrow company will notify you to let you know when to sign the final loan papers and how to deposit the balance of your down payment. Your choice in lender will make a significant difference in this process. Your Realtor will advise you about quality lenders and programs available.
Final Walk Through: Just prior to the closing, you and your Realtor will do a walk through of the home, to make sure the home is in the same condition it was when you made your initial offer.
Congratulations!: Your escrow closes and you move into your new home. At this point, you are hopefully totally satisfied with your buying experience. Remember, buying or selling a home is rated as one of the most stressful activities we go through in life. You must be prepared to experience emotions and maybe a little stressful through this process. A Radcliffe Realtor is always on your side and here to guide you through this entire process. It is very important to always communicate with your Realtor at all times; therefore, allowing your Realtor to know how to best represent you.
The Radcliffe Group is here to offer all of these services to you! http://www.theradcliffegroup.net/ , or call us at 310-255-5454.
