The
offer process
It's important to know what you're doing. At this stage sometimes
it's difficult to not be emotionally involved. Experience on your
team can help you ask yourself the right questions during the negotiation
process. Experience on your team can make sure you get the answers
you need from others.
Servicing until closing
REMAX City Centre teams work with a transaction coordinator to make
sure all the details are handled. It's important your agent is not
the doctor, nurse, and specialist all rolled into one. The days of
"one agent does all" are long gone.
Enjoy
REMAX City Centre's future success depends on your happiness. Only
be earning your valued referrals can we be successful.
 You'll
be asked to submit an earnest money deposit that usually isn't refundable.
Begin making moving
arrangements (select a mover, obtain change-of-address cards, inform
friends and relatives).
Have the property
professionally inspected.
If necessary,
request repairs.
Obtain homeowner's
insurance.
Contact utilities
(phone, water, power, etc.).
A few days before
closing, stage a walk-through.
Obtain a cashier's
check for the down payment and closing costs.
A REMAX Sales Associate can help
you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the
mortgage and continuing right through closing - and beyond. He or
she can help you shop for the best interest rate and terms and,
if you wish, suggest mortgage lenders.
Get Preapproved for a Loan
Obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICO score and, if
necessary, do what you need to do to improve it. The higher your
FICO score, the better interest rate you can command. You can get
this information online; your REMAX agent can also help you. Contact
several lenders and determine which one will give you the best deal.
Determine Your Price Range and Area(s) in Which
You're Interested
By now you should have a good idea of how much home you can afford.
This helps you narrow down your home search. You should also begin
researching the neighborhoods in which you might want to live. Your
REMAX agent can help.
Decide Which Amenities and Features You Must
Have - and Which Ones Would Be Nice but not Necessary
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Would you prefer a
newer home or an older one with established landscaping? Are hardwood
floors a must? Is an updated kitchen important to you? Walk-in closets?
Which features would you be willing to give up if you find the otherwise-perfect
home?
Begin Testing the Market
Right here on remax.com, you can find listings that meet your criteria
as well as neighborhood data. Identify properties that seem to be
fits for you, take an afternoon and go on a driving tour. See what's
available in your price range and explore neighborhoods.
With Your Agent, Begin Seriously Looking at Homes
Your agent can add to the list of homes you've already identified
- including ones that have just come on the market. Look at homes
with a critical eye - does the floor plan work for you, is the property
in good condition, would it be right for your lifestyle? In short,
can you imagine yourself and your family living there? Take notes
at each home you visit. What do you like and not like? Narrow down
your choices; re-visit homes in which you're interested. See them
at different times of the day.
Make an Offer
When you've identified the home you want to buy, be prepared to
help your agent prepare a written offer quickly. Your agent will
be familiar with market values and will help you arrive at a price
that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted.
At this stage, try not to become emotionally attached to a home.
Your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Have backup
homes in mind. Be prepared to negotiate through your agent with
the sellers.
Once Your Offer Is Accepted
You'll be asked
to submit an earnest money deposit that usually isn't refundable.
Begin making moving
arrangements (select a mover, obtain change-of-address cards, inform
friends and relatives).
Have the property
professionally inspected.
If necessary,
request repairs.
Obtain homeowner's
insurance.
Contact utilities
(phone, water, power, etc.).
A few days before
closing, stage a walk-through.
Obtain a cashier's
check for the down payment and closing costs.
At Closing
Make sure the
terms and conditions of the loan statement are correct.
Carefully read
everything before you sign.
ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!
Why You Should Use a REALTOR® in Your Home
Search
Buying a home is probably the largest investment you'll make in
your lifetime. Having an experienced, knowledgeable REMAX realty
professional representing you in this transaction just makes good
sense. Buying a home is not like buying a car, a mutual fund or
other commodity. It can be a life-changing event. REMAX agents
fully understand the real estate process - and just as important,
they understand your local market.
Of course they know the right steps to take, but they can also help
you avoid a misstep in your home purchase. If a new freeway is going
to be built a few blocks away, they'll probably know it. If you're
unsure about school districts, they'll be able to direct you to
answers. If you're unsure of a builder's reputation, they'll know
how you can confirm it. Your REMAX Sales Associate also performs
another important function: minimizing the emotion involved in a
home transaction. You may be in love with a home, but your agent
can point out factors that might not make it right for you.
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