 |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
My Buyers' Survival Guide
Exposure - At any given time, it is estimated that only 2-3% of all active properties are advertised. Also, sign ordinances make it difficult to tell if a neighborhood has actice properties in it. I am able to search all home for sale in the Charlotte NC Real Estate market and find properties that are not listed on the MLS. Knowledge - I can provide pertinent information directly effecting the value of you next home. Examples include: proposed roads, schools, taxes, etc..., these can cost you thousands $$$$. For Sale By Owner - Many folks believe for sale by owner will be cheaper, because the owner does not pay an agent to market the home. In reality, owners are trying to save on commission themselves and pocket the difference. Also, some relo companies require a referral from the buyer agent commission to defray the cost of the move. "Pay to Play" Buyer Agency - You can sign a Buyer Agency Agreement without fear of having to potentially pay the commission yourself. I do not charge a retainer fee. New Construction - Most builders will NOT sell a new home for you for less if you go in without an agent. Builders rely on the local agents, like myself, to bring in prospective clients and budget to allow for a certain number coming in with and without an agent. My negotiating skills and knowlege from my experience in Builder Representation have saved clients thousands...ask me for client referrals to back it up!!! Resale - The hardest home to sell is usually the one that the present owner bought without agent representation. Examples:
Communication - I will keep you in the loop throughout the process, giving guidance and professional support. Guarantees - "Love it or Leave it" If you are not happy with you home purchase for any reason in the first year, I'll sell your home for free. Yes there are restrictions, call me for details.
PREPARATION - KEY TO A SMOOTH RELOCATION Step One: Prequalification with a Lender - I recommend this for a number of reasons.
Step Two: Formal Meeting with Myself - It is important to establish a relationship early on, this allow us to...
Step Three: Search for Your Next Home! - I will show you only the homes that fit best what you are looking for. I can set you up with a "House Hunter" system where a personalized website is created for you and only shows you the properties that meet your needs.
NEGOTIATING THE OFFER Price - Properties sell on average for 94-98% of ask, when priced correctly. Some even sell for full price or even more in some foreclosure situations. Be prepared to start an offer at 92% or more to get what you want. If it is priced correctly, starting too low may insult the seller & result in worse terms for you. Do Not React Emotionally in Negotiations - Remember, it is not negotiating if you can not walk away. Conversely, if it is the perfect home for you or "as perfect as possible" do not let a few hundred or thousand get in your way...it will translate to $10-$20/month to you, $1,000-$2,000 to the seller. Adding Bite to Your Offer - You need to get prequalified now! This gives you negotiating strength. Remember that the loan officer wants to help you, so be open and honest. Commit to quick inspections - (within 14 days) This gives you an edge in close negotiations. If you choose not to have an inspections, we will require a waiver be signed by you - we hope this helps to illistrate the importance of getting one! Negotiating Closing costs Instead of Price, Why!? - Regardless of who pays closing costs, you, the buyer, get the tax write off for this. Uncle Sam realizes you pay a little more for the home to get these costs paid by seller. Earnest Money - You will put Earnest Money or "Deposit Money" down on the property. This will go into the company's escrow account, when the home goes under contract and will be credited back to you at closing. Generally, 1% of the purchase price is acceptable earnest money. The money is not deposited until the contract is agreed upon and signed. Closing Date - It is standard for the buyer to receive possession at the time of closing. Sellers do not like to drag on closings and may requre more money up front, to get the best deal, try to close in 30-45 days after contract acceptance.
WE'RE UNDER CONTRACT, NOW WHAT? Inspections - Remember, the repairs, if any, are negotiable. The seller can choose not to fix a mechanical or structural problem, and you then have the choice of not going through with the purchase of the home. So, completing inspections early can save you money on appraisal, termite and other upfront closing costs. If the seller fixes the issues, we need to schedule for adequate time to make repairs. We will need to get copies of receips, ther seller has the option to make repairs themselves if they do them in a workman-like manner. If they do this, a re-inspection is advised. Remember, If you choose not to have an inspections, we will require a waiver be signed by you - we hope this helps to illistrate the importance of getting one! Final Walkthrough - You are entitled to walk the property proir to closing. This is generally done the day prior to closing. The property should be in the same condition as when the offer was written. What the Attorney Needs - The buyer generally picks the attorney, they will need...social security #, certified funds, drivers license, your presence or power of attorney.
Closing - You will receive a HUD statement, detailing costs. I will go over this with you prior to closing. Arrive at the attorney's office 15-20 min early. Make sure to have all utillities turned on in your name, water, electricity, gas, phone, ect. Also, remember to set up Insurance on your new home, do not wait, get it done before closing!
ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!!!!!
For more information on Buying a Home, call me at 704-400-7654.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
