Buying a home is tough in this market with many multiple offers and lines out the door! Buying a new home is a large undertaking and can be one of the biggest sales transactions of your life. This should not be taken lightly, and you should do your research to find the best Realtor® that can meet your needs. I have put together some brief steps to give you an idea of what to expect when working with me to find your dream home. Whether it is a resale home, manufactured home, town home, new build, investment property, or raw land, I work diligently to find the home that meets your criteria.
Step 1 – My background in customer service and sales has taught me how to listen and analyze the needs of my client. I do this to find the perfect home for you, not what I feel like will work in order to make a sale. Whether you are searching for a home now or a year from now my process is still the same. I like to start out with a conversation to see what is important to you and a little about your lifestyle. This will help me target your search through the vast amount of homes on the market today. Can you use a site like Zillow? Sure, I have a lot of clients that show me homes on sites like Zillow as a point of reference. In fact, I am a premier agent on Zillow and market my listings on the site and many others. Should you use sites like Zillow exclusively? No, reason being is that sites like Zillow have a delay on homes that are under contract, sold, and new to market. As a buyer, this can be frustrating. My website has a direct feed to the MLS (multiple listing service) and will provide accuracy every time.
Step 2 – It is important at this point that you are Pre-Qualified for a mortgage if you are financing a home. This does not mean the lender has to run your credit at this time if you are worried about lowering your score. I go into more detail on my blog “When Should I be Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved?”. When we do start searching for homes then the fun begins! I sit down with you or go through details over the phone if you are an out of town buyer to ensure you understand how my search is set up. You will receive new listings as soon as they go live on the market (unless you prefer a weekly summary or custom time frame if you are looking in the future). I work hard to make adjustments to our home search to meet your criteria and narrow down the vast amount of homes on the market today. This is extremely helpful if you are searching from out of town or have a busy schedule.
Step 3 –When we go look at homes (in person or virtual), I want you to feel that I am listening and that we found some great possibilities or even the perfect home right away! If not, I take notes on likes and dislikes to ensure that we are on the right track. It is important that by this point prior to looking at homes you are Pre-Approved with a lender that is licensed in Arizona. They will provide an Arizona Pre-Qualification form (please see an example in my “When Should I be Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved?” blog. I am more than happy to provide a few recommendations of lenders I have worked with in the past.
Step 4 – Once we find the perfect home, I empower you with market data to ensure that we establish the best offer possible. I am a tough negotiator and look out for your best interest at all times. I develop a rapport with the other agent to ensure we can move forward and they can explain to the sellers why our offer is the best. Along the way I provide guidance to navigate through the purchase contract, addendums, inspections, lender updates, title and escrow updates, and so much more! In the world of complex real estate transactions, it is important to work with someone that has knowledge and will work side by side with you during the process.
Step 5 – Closing day is exciting for everyone! I work diligently with all parties involved to ensure that we are on track with closing. Should there be any challenges along the way I keep you in the loop and work with the other agent or proper party to help resolve. At closing, I will be with you to answer any questions you may have. Arizona is a little different than some states in which the deed to the home must record prior to you taking possession. I keep in touch with the title company and inform you right away so that I can get your keys and welcome you home!
Clients for life – After closing, I am always available for questions or provide referral to vendors I have worked with in the past for any of your projects.
My commitment to you involves service, professionalism, guidance, support, and friendliness. This commitment is lifelong and I am always available to provide recommendations for vendors and answer real estate questions that you may have. It is my honor to have an opportunity to work with you. Call, text, or email me to have a quick chat or a coffee to discuss your needs. Once we speak, you can determine if I am the best person to help you find your next dream home!
