Welcome to the big, not so bad world of buying property. It might seem overwhelming at first, but if you take it one step at a time, before you know it you’ll be unpacking your DVDs and putting up a new shower curtain.
First of all, working with a realtor is free for buyers! You can’t beat free! The property
seller pays all commissions.
All you need to do is find a realtor that you feel
comfortable working with. The key is finding a realtor that listens to you and takes the time to absorb your particular desires, needs, and limitations. It’s perfectly fine to interview several realtors before deciding which one you’ll work with.
If you think you I might be the realtor for you, we’ll start by sitting down together and talk about what you’re looking for—even if you’re not quite sure yourself.
Next I’ll walk you through the process of getting approved for a loan. Contrary to your deepest fears, all it really involves is a short phone meeting. Getting pre-approved determines your property buying budget. Once you know your budget, we can focus on properties within your price range.
I work with several mortgage brokers and I would be happy to refer you to one of them. However, if you are already working with a mortgage broker, I would be happy to work with him or her.
Even if you do not plan to buy in the immediate future, talking with a mortgage broker now will be of great help to you. He or she will help you strategize ways to improve your credit; the more lead time you have for that, the more favorable a loan you’ll get!
Now comes the fun part: looking at properties! As we go from place to place, I’ll learn about what you like and don’t like about different properties, streets, and neighborhoods. The more I know about your preferences, the sooner I’ll be able to find you the place you’ll love.
I am uncompromising in my pursuit of the right place
at the right price for you. Once you become my client,
I will leave no stone unturned to find the home you’ve been looking for.
Of course, it’s not simply or solely luck. Diligent and vigilant searching will turn up great properties. Once we find one you like, I will research recent comparable property sales and prepare a report that will help you decide what price to offer.
As soon as your offer is accepted, your mortgage broker and I will work together to get your loan approved.
Because of that it benefits you to work with a mortgage broker with whom I have an established relationship. I don’t get a toaster or tickets to Puerto Vallarta if you work with one of them; my motivation is simply to get your loan approved as quickly and smoothly as possible!
Next you’ll sign a mountain of paperwork (I’ll be there to cheer you on with Powerbars and Gatorade). From there you’re on to packing boxes and calling the movers.
If you think I might be the realtor for you, give me a call or drop me line. I’d love to sit down with you and hear about what you are looking for. And if you would like, I’d be honored to be your agent.
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I realize that the convenience of online loans is tempting, but know that the pre-approval process is only the tip of the iceberg. When deciding whether or not to accept an offer, sellers consider the price, the loan terms, and the credibility of your pre-approval letter. The last thing in the world that they want is a buyer that is going to end up not getting final approval for their loan.
A pre-approval letter from a mortgage broker carries the most weight because if for some
reason your loan falls through, a mortgage
broker can quickly access dozens of other lenders.
A pre-approval letter from a single lender and/
or an online lender carries less weight because sellers know that if your loan falls through, that you will have to start from scratch with a new lender. And by that point the clock is ticking on your loan contingency period. If we do not meet that deadline, the seller has the right to cancel the sale.
That’s one of the many reasons why your mortgage broker and I are in constant communication throughout the process—from pre-approval until you get the keys, we’re on the phone daily, usually more often than that!
What’s up with these sites that hit the scene every 7.2 seconds? Not only can they be misleading (Redfin tells buyers that you “normally pay 3% commission to your
agent,” which is absolutely not true), no website or web of faceless “specialists” can serve you and protect your interests like a live, dedicated realtor.
“For Sale by Owner” properties are not included in the Multiple Listings Service. I scour publications for property ads and walk neighborhoods in search of “FSBOs” for my clients.
How to Buy a House in California by Nolo Press. I read this book cover to cover when I bought my house ten years ago. And I still read it for fun!
You’re my kind of client! Let’s get coffee... right now!
