Information for Buyers

Montague, Miller and Co. buyers come from near and far. They are your friends with growing families that need a bigger home, or your older neighbors that need to down-size so there is not so much to take care of.  We pride ourselves on quality customer service, first-hand industry education and more sold homes than the local competition. Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it includes many decisions that go beyond simply choosing one you like. As a top real estate agent, I will guide you through the entire process--from viewing homes and financing options, to making sure the final contract is in your best interest.

Let's begin the home buying process so that you can understand how easy and hassle-free I can make it for you, a valued client.

#1 Getting Ready To Buy

Preparing to buy a home can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Fortunately, I can lead you in the right direction toward the home for your dreams.

You first may want to ask yourself these questions:

1. What am I looking for in a new home?
2. Do I have enough money to purchase a new home?
3. How does my credit look?

You may want to make a list or brainstorm about the features and amenities that you find most appealing in a new home.

 #2 Starting the Loan Process

It is important as a buyer that you establish some kind of financing before you make any serious home offer. The "pre-approval" process allows lenders to take a look at your finances and credit history in order to make a general assumption about your loan amount.

The pre-approval process is when a lender looks at all of your finances and determines the amount of money you could afford for a mortgage.

In order to get pre-approved for a loan, you need to contact a lender. I can help you find a lender that you feel comfortable with, and that offers programs best-suited to your needs.

#3 Starting Your Search

Now it is time to start the exciting search for homes!

1. Where do I want to live?
2. What is the neighborhood like?
3. What is the crime rate?
4. Would I be moving into a good school district?
5. Are there any zoning restrictions?
6. How far is this home from my job?
7. What is my price range?
8. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I want?
9. What style of house am I attracted to?
10. What amenities do I desire (ex. pool, fenced-in yard, etc.)?
11. Does this home have potential to increase in value?
12. Is there room to expand if I would like to build an addition?

Searching for a home is becoming easier than years ago. We now have the Internet as a powerful "home finding tool," as well as the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and print advertising. You will have full access to ALL homes available in the market areas you prefer, including listings that have not yet appeared on the MLS.

#4 Finding Your New Home

Beginning the search for your new home can be a great feeling. It is important that you directly communicate what your desires in a home are to me.

You may want to first begin by making a list of the features and benefits that are most important in your pursuit of finding a home.

These could be:

1. Location
2. Affordability
3. Size
4. Style
5. Design
6. Amenities

Looking for a home in an area where you feel comfortable is key. I can look for homes in the specific areas you have designated.

#5 Making an Offer on a Home

Selecting a home should be relatively easy once a home falls somewhere in your criteria and the property is desirable for purchase.

You will want to inform me what you like about the house and make a list of your likes and dislikes with the property. Though you will most likely have done this already in a general sense, it is important to do it again for specific homes you have in interest in.

1. Accept the seller's asking price and I'll write up the contract
2. Reject the seller's asking price and I'll help you make a different offer.
3. Agree to different terms and I'll write an offer.

This is all a part of the negotiation process.

Communicating about the house and how it makes you feel is important when making this decision. It is also important to be realistic when it comes to how much you can afford when selecting "your" home. I will be representing you as your buyer agent and not the seller. I will look out for your best interest and give you advise as well as providing a CMA of the property to help you in deciding what to offer.

#6 Financing

Doing your homework about loans will save you both time and money.

1. How much money should I put down?
2. How is my credit?
3. Is this my first home?

Receiving a loan requires completion of a loan application and specific financial documents including pay stubs, rental checks and/or tax returns. You can receive a loan from a number of different financial institutions, namely: commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks and insurance companies. If you don't already have a lender I can recommend several that I have worked with for you.

#7 Insurance

Insuring your home is like making an investment in your future. You work hard to have a home; homeowners insurance protects you and your family from someone or something taking it all away.

Title Insurance

• Protects you in the event that the title on your property has a lien, unpaid taxes, or other legalities that would make it invalid.

  Homeowners' Insurance

• Protects your home from fire, theft and other liable coverage.

  Flood Insurance

• Protects your home from flood damage.

  Home Warranty

• Offers buyers and sellers the piece of mind that should anything unexpected happen (due to normal, every day wear and tear) of the home's appliances, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems, it will be repaired (or replaced in some cases) for you without costly fees.

#8 Closing Procedures

The closing process is always changing. It is even referred to as "settlement" or "escrow" in different parts of the country. With increased technology, most closings are completely automated and both parties do not have to be present at the same time to sign.

Closings usually take about 30 days to complete. This mainly depends on the buyer's financing availability, successful home inspection completion, and various lender conditions (ex. title search, title insurance, termite inspections, surveys and appraisals).

The closing process is the transfer of the title of the property from the buyer to the seller. The buyer will receive the keys to the home or the deed to the land, while the seller receives payment for the property. The amount the seller receives is based upon the amount that is still owed on the mortgage, any outstanding fees or taxes, and any additional closing costs.

It is this step where the buyers and sellers do very little. It is important as the buyer to take a final walk through the property to make sure the property's condition as not changed. It is equally important for both the buyer and seller to make sure the paperwork they are signing reflects the agreement of the original sale.

I will guide you through every step of the home buying process and make this a rewarding experience so you can rest easy and get ready to enjoy your new home.

#9 Settling In

You have unpacked your boxes, arranged your furniture, and feel complete with your moving task.

What's next?

There is always an adjustment period when you move. It is important to understand that what you, your spouse and/or children may be feeling is completely normal.

1. Urge everyone to talk about how they are feeling.
2. Get outside and tour the neighborhood or take a drive and visit some new places around the community.
3. E-mail old friends and neighbors to let them know about your new home and community.

1. Home
2. School
3. Neighborhood
4. Community
5. Church
6. Friends
7. Teachers   

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