PURCHASING A HOME. ITS A JOURNEY

Overview

When buying a home, there is a process. However, that is just to make sure we can be as accurate and efficient as possible. Purchasing a home is a journey. You take all of your experience living in apartments, past homes, growing up, and you take aspects you love from each one to find the home for you and your family. The "must haves." + the "absolutely never agains" = the features of your next home. Multiplied by the dreams and aspirations for what you have always wanted and now we know what is needed in your next home for your family. 

Expectations. Up front. As always.

As I always say, I promise to set the proper expectations up front. So here they are.

I understand that purchasing a home can be a daunting task for some, and almost feel like an every day occurrence to others. I will meet you where you are. Whether you are a first home buyer, moving across the country, purchasing your 7th home, flipping your first or hundredth house, I have done it all, and will always meet you where you are to get where you need to be. 

Nobody can predict the market. We are all just operating in it. I will tell you honestly where a house lands in regards to price, resale value, investment, and any other way that I find. 

Lastly, I will work to find you the home that fits your families needs, negotiate on your behalf, and walk with you through all of the due diligence required to make sure this home is exactly what you are expecting. 

Throughout the process, you will have full access to my rolodex of trades and inspectors that I deal with for you. You do not have to stress about making sure you are covered. 

1) First Step: Preplanning

This step is simply a conversation. You get to know me and how I work. That is the most important step of this part. You have to trust me with your future home and investment. In turn, I get to know you and what is important to your family. 

For a home search

When we start discussing what is important to you. This is not just how many bedrooms and bathrooms. That is important, but, that would be a very short conversation and I wouldn't have an understanding of what you truly need. I need to know what is truly important to you. Do you need an office because you work from home? Do you want the laundry room on the main floor? Do you need a 3 car garage or more because you work on cars? Do you like modern or contemporary? Formal dining rooms always have a lot of opinions in both directions. We will cover all of your wants, needs, can live withouts, and deal breakers. Including, what you ideal time to be moved in might be, design features and more. . 

We also talk about what is needed on your end to make the transaction smooth and as quick as needed. These things include pre-approvals/proof of funds (since they are all but required with an offer in middle Tennessee) and do you have a home to sell. If you do not already have a relationship with a lender, I have many contacts in the mortgage world that I trust for you to choose from. (I do not have a preferred lender. It is completely your choice.)

If purchasing unimproved land or a home with acreage.

Please see the "Purchasing Land or Home with acreage" page.

2) Second Step: The search begins.

This can be the fun part, or the stressful part. It all depends on your situation. I do everything in my control to take as much of the stress out of it. 

I will start sending you houses based on the criteria we discussed. When we find one or a couple that you like, if you have any questions that I will see if I can find an answer to them before we look at it. Then, we will set up showings as soon as possible. 

All I ask of you is to tell me the "yes and no's." A lot of times, there are things that get missed in the initial meeting that come up later. As time goes on, my search will get more refined. 

The showing.

As long as time permits, I will have physical copies of the listing, tax record, and all pertinent details such as other homes that have sold. Any questions that I do not have the answer to I can always get after the showing before any decisions are made.

3) The Offer

When we find the perfect home that hits all of your criteria, now comes time to offer. I will have already ran a comparative market analysis to see if the home is accurately priced. Based on that, we can come to a price that you are comfortable with. I will negotiate on your behalf to get the best price possible. You will be in complete control and also have access to a wealth of knowledge and guidance to make sure you are making the best decision for your family! 

Other than price, there is more that goes into an offer. I will walk you through every step. Contingencies such as inspections, appraisals, financing, repairs, earnest money, are all things that differ with each house and each buyer/seller. We will discuss the pros and cons, do's and don'ts, and what contingencies are needed for a strong offer that also protects and benefits you, as the buyer. 

4) Due Diligence.

Once we have an accepted offer and are under contract, this is when the actual work starts. There are deadlines and appointments that have to be made or met. Everything I am able to schedule for you I will. 

Inspections are the main one that could require a little more negotiation. I have some inspectors I have worked with in the pas that I like, or you can chose the inspector. Once we get the report back, we will have a meeting where we decide on what, if any, we would like the seller to take care of. Then I will approach the listing agent and negotiate our repair list. You are kept informed every step of the way, but, you do not have to stress about doing it alone. 

If there is a lender involved, they have their own set of requirements before they will approve a loan on a home such as appraisals. I will work with your lender to make this as easy as possible. 

5) Closing

This is the exciting part! You are buying a new home! Once all contingencies are met, we go to the closing table. I have title companies and attorneys that I trust with my own purchases that I will always recommend. If you prefer someone different, we can go with them. You are in complete control of the transaction as much as you want to be. Within 72 hours of closing we will receive a closing statement. I will look over the closing statement to make sure everything is as it should be along with the attorney. You will receive a copy of this statement as well. 

After Closing

Our relationship doesn't end there! I am still at your disposal with anything real estate related! If there are any repairs that you have to do after closing, I am happy to refer you to a trade to do the work for you.

Every year you will get an in depth comparative market analysis to show you approximately what your home is worth. This is not to try and convince you to sell your home. Everybody wants to know what there home is worth! When you make an investment, you get a sheet showing you what your investments are worth. That's what this is! Every home owner wonders what their neighbor sold for! 

You have full access to me for any of your real estate needs. Recommendations, referrals, questions about the market or specific home sales, refinancing, I am at your disposal!