Buy with Sara!

Buying a home can a fun, scary, and a confusing process! You do NOT have to go at it alone!! Having the guidance of a knowledgable expert by your side is both necessary and priceless. As your buyers agent, I offer a step-by-step process along your journey to make sure the process is understandable for you and goes smoothly. 

BUYER CONSULTATION: this will be our first meeting. We will sit together and discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the purchasing process. We will also discuss your wants and needs in your home purchase and discuss critera for your home. 


The VALUE of a buyers representation

Buying a home can be the biggest purchase of your life. Trusting in an expert can be crucial! With me by your side as your buyer's agent I will help navigate all the "twists and turns" during the process. Here are some examples of what I offer as your buyer agent....
extensive market knowledge, writing contracts, disclosures, negotiations, scheduling inspections, septic compliance verification, well water testing, appraisal negotiations, working with title to verify clear title, property walk throughs, keeping lenders on task, utility information and changes, associations and so much more!


FIRST... get preapproved for a loan

Before you are looking at homes, it is very important to talk to a lender and get preapproved! The preapproval process is fairly simple and not too time consuming. The preapproval will tell you WHAT TYPE of loan you qualify for and HOW MUCH you qualify for. It will also give you an estimated breakdown of a monthly payment you can expect at specific price ranges. This is crucial to have so you are able to make informed and smart decisions!!
For example: just because you can get approved for 450,000, does not mean that is a comfortable payment level for you.

It is also important to know your type of loan, loan fees and closing costs. The lender can help explain these, so you know what these are before we go house shopping.

If you are in need of an experienced loan officer, I can help refer you to the BEST!


10 steps to buying a home

There are simple steps to buying a home...
1) SELECT YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT & MEET WITH THEM
2) GET YOUR MORTGAGE PREAPPROVAL
3) REFINE YOUR FOCUS
4) VIEW PROPERTIES
5) MAKE AN OFFER
6) NEGOTIATE TERMS
7) PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
8) APPRAISAL
9) FINAL WALK THROUGH
10) CLOSING DAY!!!


How do I search for properties??

As a buyer, you have many online options to search for available properties. The key in this fast-paced market, is to find properties that are available! Many current websites do not tell the "full story" when it comes to available properties for sale and are just there to collect and sell your data. By working with me, I will set you up with a custom property search from my MLS system that is specific to your wants and needs. You will have access to the most accurate and up to date information. This can be critical when we are in a hot market!


What goes into writing an offer on a property?

Writing an offer on a property has many steps and terms that can be negotiated. Sometimes this can feel like a maze and can depend on buyer and seller needs, wants, & expectations. When my clients tell me they want to move ahead and write an offer, my first step is to always contact the listing agent. Communication! I ask if there are any terms that the seller is not negotiable on? Maybe the seller has a very specific close date needed. Many times we try to find ways to make the offer desirable.
Negotiable terms of an offer can include: offering price, close date, earnest money amount, who pays assessments and taxes, type of financing, personal property included in the sale, who is paying closing costs, who is paying broker compensation, and what inspections are needed.


Closing Day!!

The wonderful day has finally arrived! This is a day to celebrate!
You will close on your property at a title company. Before closing day, you will receive information on what is needed to bring with you for a successful closing. This typically includes a valid ID and your closing funds. You will also receive utility information, if applicable, so you can transfer any necessary services into your name.
Once the papers are signed and the transaction has funded, you will receive the keys!! I will be there to guide you every step of the way!

Status Definitions

For sale: Properties which are available for showings and purchase

Active contingent: Properties which are available for showing but are under contract with another buyer

Pending: Properties which are under contract with a buyer and are no longer available for showings

Sold: Properties on which the sale has closed.

Coming soon: Properties which will be on the market soon and are not available for showings.

Contingent and Pending statuses may not be available for all listings