Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers

Many times buyers have questions about the home search process and the financing of property. We've made it easier for you by addressing some of the most commonly asked questions that buyers have during the purchase of their property.

1. What are my advantages in buying a home? There are many benefits such as pride of ownership, an increased sense of security, the ability to make improvements of your choice, and not least of all, tax benefits.

2. Should I work with many Realtors@ at the same time? Because all Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and all of the available listings, one Realtor with whom you feel comfortable will save you time, and you won't need to be re-qualified each time you work with a new agent.

3. How long should it take for us to find the right home? Because my job is to consider your needs and match them with the best house, you may be surprised to discover that you could find your next home the very first day that we look.

4. What am I supposed to do at the showings? Make a list of everything you like and don't like as we go through each home using the pages in this buyer's guide book. Then, as we travel to the next house, review this informa­tion with me so that we can make sure I am addressing the most important features you are looking for in a home.

5. What specific things should I look for in a home? Look for features that you really would enjoy. Try to picture your family and your furniture in the home.

6. What questions should I ask about schools? You want to know how the state ranks the school(s), test scores, sports programs, gifted and special programs. You may even want to arrange to visit potential schools.

7. Is it possible for us to find our dream home? Yes, however, no house is perfect in every way. There will always be something that is not exactly right or in accordance with your criteria. Every home has a multitude of advantages and features. If you are able to get approximately 90% of those features in a specific house, this may be the one for you.

8. I'm transferring to a new city. What do I do differently in this case? As a transferee, you should try to get a feel for the entire city and the neighborhoods. This will help you find an area where you think you would be the most comfortable before you begin looking at specific houses. I'll be happy to give you an orientation tour of our area before we begin the actual home search.

9. What should I know about the contract for sale and/or the offer to purchase? I'll be happy to give you a sample blank copy of the contract and explain the various clauses so that when we make an offer you'll know exactly what we are trying to accomplish during the negotiations.

10. Do I need to have any inspections on the home? The contract gives you the opportunity to have the home inspected for the items that are warranted by the seller. You may also want additional items inspected on the property for your own information or for future remodeling purposes.

11. Can I add extra inclusions into the contract that are not in the listing? You should consider the possibility that the sellers had personal or financial reasons to exclude these items. However, we can try to negotiate their inclusion.

12. What kind of pressure should I put on myself when I'm about to sign a purchase offer? When you find that house that feels right to you, place pressure on yourself to make an offer. After all, there may be another potential buyer who also finds this house appealing and while you are delaying a decision, the other buyer could conceivably offer a purchase agreement first.

13. When should I begin to look into financing? Right away. If you choose, I can provide you with the name of a loan officer in the area to discuss your financing options and how you can speed up the loan process. Questions such as what items are required by the lender to hasten the process of approval and the various types of financing available are addressed during the meeting.

14. What is ""buyer's remorse"? Buyers usually second-guess themselves as to whether or not they made the correct decision. This normally sets in between the time the contract is signed and closing. If you begin to get those feelings, call me and we'll talk about it.