Home Buyers
Home buying is an exciting journey. And just because it can be a stressful process doesn’t mean it has to be. Our role is to partner with you and use our expertise and unique skillset to guide you seamlessly from beginning to end. As top producing agents and YOUR local realtors, we have the experience and connections to make sure your home buying dreams come true. We have the leverage to make things happen for YOU! As you move toward this major purchase, you want experts on your side, advocating for you, protecting you, and keeping you informed of all options. Ready to be a homeowner? Let’s get started!
We work with you to:
- Understand the home buying process and any finacial obligations that may arise!
- Get you preapproved for home financing if you need it!
- Find your perfect home!
- Navigate inspections, appraisals, and the closing process!
- Work with any necessary vendors for repairs, updates, and the big move!
A Message From Ashley
Home buying is an exciting journey. And just because it can be a stressful process doesn’t mean it has to be. My role is to partner with you and use my expertise and unique skillset to guide you seamlessly from beginning to end. As a top producing agent and YOUR local realtor, I have the experience and connections to make sure
your home buying dreams come true. I have the leverage to make things happen for YOU! As you move toward this major purchase, you want an expert on your side, advocating for you, protecting you, and keeping you informed of all options. Ready to be a homeowner? Let’s get started!
Mortgage Pre-Approval
You may choose your own lender. However, I do have preferred lenders that I have vetted for you for their strong communication, thoroughness of approval, and competitive rates and fees. I will be collaborating with your lender throughout the entire process in order to coordinate dates and documents for your home buying transaction.
Things to Remember:
Do not make large purchases or deposits without talking to your lender FIRST! Do not open any new lines of credit once you begin the process – especially once you go under contract. Beginning & end credit need to match or we will be starting back over and you may lose the home!
Choosing a Home
You will know when it’s the right home for you. There are usually several signs that show me it’s the one you want as well. Because I research and review the home in such depth, we will most likely find THE home in the first 5-7 homes we tour. If we get beyond that number, we need to take another look at your criteria.
When it’s THE ONE:
I will establish contact with the listing agent & ask pertinent questions.
I will prepare a market analysis on the home to make sure you are not overpaying for the home and to alleviate risk on the appraisal. We will double check numbers for you with your lender.
Offer Accepted
Once the sellers sign the offer and the listing agent communicates that to me, you are officially under contract. There will be immediate items for us to attend to. So, celebrate your acceptance, but also be prepared that there are items I will need to take care of with you, as well as with the lender.
Immediate Action Items Once Under Contract:
• You will need to write checks for your due diligence fee and earnest money deposit. We will need to get these over to the listing side and closing attorney within a limited time frame.
• Your lender will send you preliminary documents to be signed, usually within 24 hours.
• We will need to discuss appropriate inspections so I can line those up.
Viewing Properties
I will set you up with a home search in Triad MLS. MLS is like home base for realtors as all listings must be put in MLS. They’ll drip to your email and we will review listings that appeal to you. I will review disclosures, agent only remarks, and more to make sure the home meets your criteria. I will set up showing access to the property. I also employ showing assistants to get you in the home!
Things to Remember:
We can view any home listed by any firm, not just eXp. I can also set up showings for you of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes, so if you see one, send me the information and I will establish contact for you.
Offer to Purchase
There are several legal forms I will need to prepare in order to present your offer. Don’t worry! I have access to all of these forms and will help you understand all of the terms to be included in your offer. Here are some important pieces to your offer:
•Offer Price • Financing
• Due Diligence • Closing Costs
• Fee Earnest Money • Personal Property
• Deposit Due Diligence Period • Home Warranty
• Closing Date • Closing Attorney
• Contingency • Additional Terms
Schedule Inspections
I will speak with you about which inspections are appropriate for the home you are under contract on. In most cases, inspections are optional. In all cases, they are encouraged. The inspector works for YOU, the report belongs to YOU, and the findings may help us to negotiate repairs. Please remember that inspections are different from an appraisal and are a separate cost to you from the sale of the home.
Things to Remember:
Inspection costs can be paid at the time of the inspection or at closing. If you pay before closing, send me a receipt for records.
Appraisal
An appraisal is a service required by the lender. The appraiser’s job is to assign a value to the home in order to make sure the lender is not funding a loan amount disproportionate to the value of the home. This is why I run a CMA on your home – so we can minimize appraisal concerns.
Things to Know:
Appraisals are not an exact science, so 10 appraisers can give 10 different values to the same home. Our goal is that the home appraise at offer price or higher.
If the home appraises above offer price, you will have immediate equity in the home.
Mortgage Processing
Your lender may ask you to provide additional documentation required by the underwriter. Some of it can feel redundant, but do know that they’re having to meet lending compliance and we need to cooperate with their requests in a timely manner. Our goal is to collaborate with the lender and underwriter in order to achieve a “clear to close” status on your loan.
Things to Know:
Bank statements and other docs need to be sent over to lenders as a PDF, not a photo taken on your phone.
They may ask for written explanations of various funds. I promise they have a reason for asking for everything they request.
Home Owners Insurance
Shortly after going under contract, it is important to shop around for home owners insurance quotes. The insurance company will be able to see past claims on the property that can be very helpful to us in uncovering potential issues. Since home owners insurance is part of your monthly house payment, it is important to have a great estimate of these costs as you are finalizing your lending numbers.
Things to Remember:
Have the insurance provider run quotes to bundle your home and auto insurance together for some savings.
Closing Day
On closing day, we will do a final walk through of the home to make sure repairs have been done and that the home is in acceptable condition. At the closing attorney, you will sign legal and lending documents. Afterwards, the deed will be recorded with the county and then the home becomes yours. And we celebrate!!!
Things to Know:
• A closing is never goodbye. It becomes a, “How can I help you next?”
• I continue to support my clients long after closing. Always ask me if you need a recommendation for ANY home service.
• I will need to replace your business once you close, so be prepared to share anyone who needs to buy or sell with me!
• My goal is for you to be a client for life!
