Buyer Road Map

The purchase of a home is the largest item that most people will ever buy. It is important to know as much as possible about the process and to employ an experienced agent to guide you through the purchase.

• Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home.  The Access One Buyer Program allows you to meet with one of our mortgage brokers and qualify for additional savings on closing costs once your property is selected.  
• Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range. With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way  the seller will know immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property.
• Needs vs. Wants: Make two lists. The first list should cover the bare necessities. How many bedrooms, baths, garage size, square footage, etc. The second is your wishlist; if you could have anything in your next home. Things like a pool, media room, stainless steel appliances, granite, etc. Realistically you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.
• Representation by a Professional: Hire your own real estate agent, one who is working for you, the buyer, not the seller. The public as a whole believes that dealing with one real estate agent representing both buyer and seller, they will buy the home at a lower price and get a break on the comission. This is urban legend. The agent has an agreement with the seller and the seller is contractually olbligated to the agent. Another food for thought…the agent still represents the seller if you, the buyer, backs out of the deal. Who is he or she really pulling for?  
• Focus & Organization: Keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted, a file of the properties that your agent has shown to you, along with ads you have cut out from the newspaper.  Bring a notepad and pen, for taking notes as you search. Also a camera to help refresh your memory on individual properties, especially if you are attending a series of showings.
• Visualize the house empty & with your decor: Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?
• Be Objective: Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.