Things you should know before buying a home.

• Knowledge is power.  I am fully committed to my industry, working full time and them some.  I take my responsiblity to you, as a client, very seriously and have invested a great deal of time in education.
• Few real estate agents are Accredited Buyer's Representatives, a designation recognized by the National Association of Realtors.  I have made it my business to achieve that certification so that I give you the best advice and representation possible. 
•  Know that when you step into a Builder's model home, you are greeted by the Builder's agent.  Yes, that agent will be extremely friendly, but make no mistake about it, that agent is there to represent the builder.  You absolutely should have your own representation and it does not cost you a thing!  The sales commission has already been established by contract and either the builder's sales agent will collect the entire commission... or... if you bring in a real estate agent (a buyer's agent), that commission is split between the two agents.
• Did you know the same is true with an Open House?  Yes, the agent that you meet and greet in an existing home is representing the seller.  Not You!  You want to have your own representation and if you let that agent know you are represented by myself or another agent, in most cases they will acknowledge that relationship.       

Money Matters

• Have you considered what you can afford on a monthly basis? 
• Are you aware of the closing costs associated with a purchase? 
• What loan programs are out there that best suit my needs?
• What is an earnest deposit?  How much of an earnest deposit will I need?  And will I get it back? 
• What are the tax advantages of carrying a mortgage?

The Buying Process

Your goal will be to find the property of your choice, withiin your pre-determined budget, within your time frame while minimizing the stress and enjoying the excitement of the treasure hunt.  Your goal will become my goal! 
 
We'll begin the process with an interview. 
          I will do most of the listening as it is imparative that I hear your desires as it pertains to the home specifications, lifestyle, budget, family, time frame and the like.  At that meeting, I will review the purchase process and review some of the  important documents that we'll be using in the transaction.  And finally at that meeting we'll discuss how you will finance this new purchase and take the appropriate action to guide you in the right direction.  

Sara goes to Work.
         I will begin to faithfully look for properties that meet your needs.  I will look at all properties no matter what broker has them listed for sale.  I will notify you electronically of all listings that meet your criteria.  When the search is narrow enough, I will actively seek unrepresented sellers (for sale by owners), canceled or expired listings on your behalf.  
         I will arrange tours of the listings you wish to see and provide additional data on each property that peeks your interest including sales history, comparative market analysis, lot sizes, flood zones, easements, and the like.  I will educate you on current market conditions.

You find your Dream Home
       Before crafting an offer, it will be my goal to determine as much about the seller's motivation as is possible.  I will disclose all that I know to you, so together we can stratigically make an offer.  When at all possible, I will personally present your offer to the seller so that I might best express any of your concerns and represent you to the seller in the best light possible.

While in Escrow  
      I will faithfully follow your transaction through to the close of escrow ensuring that your rights are exercised and protected per the contract.  This is where you will be grateful you have an agent like myself working on your behalf.  Contracts, inspections, scheduling, title, escrow, lenders, home warranties, sellers, home repairs...it all gets a bit crazy.  But you can rest assured that I will stay on top of all facets of the closing to ensure a successful close.  

I hand you the keys to your Dream Home!
      This is the most exciting part of my job, handing you the keys to your new home!  Following a successfull close, I will continue to stay in touch to share with you pertinent real estate information and to see how I might be of further assistance to you. I fully expect that I will be able to call on you, not only as a client, but as a friend.  

 

Are you ready to set an appointment?  Contact Sara at 602-568-2848 or email me at Sara@SaraNickels.com.