Buyers
Why I should choose Suzanne to help me buy a home?
I am an Accredited Buyer Representative or ABR. As your exclusive representative I will work for you and you alone. Our initial introduction will likely take place in my office at which time we will discuss your goals and dreams. We will narrow down your area, size , needs and many other details that will help me pinpoint the perfect home for you. During our meeting you will discover:
I am a good listener- I’ve learned that to really understand your needs I must listen carefully. When I fully understand your vision we can then work together as a team. You’re not going to be SOLD something, but rather be helped through the process to achieve your goals.
I’m detail oriented- I have a meticulous follow up system from initial contact to closing, which ensures constant communication. My systems enable me to facilitate a smooth transaction and avoide last minute suprises and problems.
I'm experienced- I am not new to this business. I have been in real estate a long time and have a background in new home sales as well as general brokerage. I have been through this process many times with all types of people. I’m not easily “rattled” so if problems arise we won’t panic, rather we will find reasonable solutions to achieve a win-win result.
Relationships are an integral part of my business- I’m focused on relationships, not transactions. As your representative, I strive to exceed your expectations. My goal is for you to become a client and friend for life. I know if I take excellent care of you today I don’t worry about where my business is coming from tomorrow. I have made a conscious choice to build my business in this manner.
Have fun- Yes, buying a home is a big decision, however that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun along the way. There is no challenge without solution and we will work together… and enjoy a good laugh or two along the way.
When you're ready to buy a home kindly give me a call at (919) 740-7024. I welcome the opportunity to be of service and help you make your dreams come true!
What to expect once your offer to purchase is accepted
Mortgage financing: You may already have chosen a lender. If not, I can provide names of excellent professionals. You will need to schedule an appointment to talk with the lender about different financing options that fit your financial needs. They will take a formal application, request a check to cover appraisal and credit report and provide a “good faith” estimate of costs and funds needed to purchase. They will provide a checklist of certain required paperwork and verifications needed before your loan can be processed, underwritten, and approved.
Structural-Mechanical Inspection: I recommend that your hire a qualified inspector who will give your new house a thorough “physical.” He will operate all the systems including the appliances, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, fireplace and its flue. He’ll crawl under the house to check the understructure and look for any dampness condition. He’ll climb into the attic to check for any roof leaks, dampness. He will provide you with a detailed report of its condition, any deficiencies and usually suggestions for home owner maintenance. We will then request in writing the repairs we want the Seller to make in keeping with the spirit of the contract: that all systems providing the function for which intended and not in need of immediate repair.
Appraisal: Your Mortgage Lender will schedule an appointment shortly. The appraiser will come to the home, take photos, measure the home to calculate its square footage, and inventory any upgrades and amenities. With this information, an accurate fair market appraisal will be done to satisfy both the contract and the lending institution. You can receive a copy of this report from your lender, usually at closing.
Pest Inspection: Your Lender may require a termite inspection. Even if it is not a condition of the loan, I highly recommend it since termites are very common in the south. The Pest Inspector will crawl under the home, look in the garage, under the deck, and around the foundation walls for any sign of infestation or excessive dampness. If any wood destroying insect activity is found, it will need to be repaired and treated by the Sellers prior to the closing. We will have any unusual dampness evaluated by a professional and request the appropriate treatment or repairs.
Title Search: Now the lawyers and their paralegals take over. The title history will be searched to assure a clear and marketable title. They will prepare the package and the HUD (closing or settlement) statement.
Survey: If the seller cannot provide an accurate survey, your lawyer can order a new one. It is seldom a condition of the loan to have one performed but it is highly recommended. The corners of your lot will be found, marked with red flagged stakes, and an accurate to-scale drawing made. Any easements, flood-hazard zones, or encroachments will be noted; and all structures will be located. You will receive a copy of the survey from the attorney at closing.
Pre-closing walk thru: A day or two before the closing takes place, we will schedule a final walk thru. This is to make sure all agreed-upon repairs have been completed, that the property is in relatively the same condition as at the time of contract and that any personal property contracted for remains.
Closing day!!! The home is officially yours at the time of the recording of the deed. This is when the actualy ownership changes bands…not at the attorney’s office. At closing, you will review the HUD statement, which is really a balance sheet of all the credits and debits to Buyer and Seller, and sign, sign, sign! At the bottom of the HUD statement is all important figure… the amount you need to bring to closing. Any small difference can be a personal check… so bring your check book just in case!
When you're ready to buy a home kindly give me a call at (919) 740-7024. I welcome the opportunity to be of service and help you make your dreams come true!
