Finding Your Home

Know Your Needs

Drive To Learn
Evaluate as you drive though a community. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your location needs:

  • Where is the nearest shopping center, bus line, police station and Library?
  • What schools are available and what school district are you in?
  • What types of homes (single family, apartments, condominiums) are in the neighborhood?
  • How far apart are the homes?
  • How far is it to your work?
  • What community resources are available?
  • Generally, where are the cars parked (driveways, garages, street)?
  • Do you notice a lot of noise, traffic or pollution?
  • Are the homes in good repair and the landscaping well kept?

Finding The Right Home
Keep your eyes open and your notebook in hand as you walk through a potential home. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your needs as a homeowner:

  • How long has the home been on the market?
  • Why is the home being sold?
  • What is the asking price of the home?
  • Has the price been lowered?
  • Is the price comparable to other homes in the neighborhood?
  • What is the down payment required?
  • Is the house structurally sound?
  • Is there room enough for the present and the future?
  • Do you like the floor plan of the home?
  • What condition is the yard in?
  • What improvements must be made?
  • Will the seller repair or replace any items that need repair or replacement?

Think carefully about each house you see and don’t be in a hurry. Your real estate agent can point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.

The Offer
Making an offer to buy a home entails many factors. The Einan Home Team will discuss the following factors with you prior to putting an offer on the table:

  • Amount of earnest money
  • Down payment
  • Price you are offering
  • Details of financing
  • Proposed move in date
  • Proposed closing date
  • Details of the sale
  • How long the offer is valid

The seller will either accept the offer as presented, or make a counter offer and ask you to resubmit a proposal. When all the parties involved have agreed upon the details, initialed any revisions and signed the final agreement then the offer becomes a contract.

 

Contract Review

Sales contracts may differ significantly yet all should clearly set forth the responsibilities and privileges of all the parties involved. It is a legally binding document that protects each party. Carefully review the terms of the contract. The sales contract should include the following:

  • Legal description of the property and the exact street address
  • Selling price of the property
  • Amount of earnest money and who is holding it – often it is held in an escrow account by a neutral third party.
  • Amount due at settlement
  • Specifics of the mortgage (amount, rate and terms)
  • Title company – either a title company or attorney must be agreed upon by buyer and seller
  • Details of the closing, when and where
  • Home inspection – to ensure again structural and unknown defects, to be completed in a specified time period
  • Inclusions and exclusions - examples would include washers, dryers, drapes, etc.
  • Pest Inspection – and who is responsible if there is damage or an infestation
  • Warranties – get the description of any that are included with the house
  • Repairs – unless you are accepting as-is, state who is responsible for repairs, with a date for a walk-through inspection
  • Well and septic – they must past a test, if applicable
  • Date of possession – when you take possession of the property
  • Acceptance date – either an acceptance or counter-offer must be responded to by a specified date

 

Processing the Sale

Once the contract is signed, the Einan Home Team will continue to be your advocate and ensure that your best interests are served. Some of the details they will be available to handle are:

  • Schedule all necessary pre-closing inspections.
  • Check finances are deposited according the contract specifications.
  • Keep you informed of any unseen problems that may arise and offer solutions
  • Present a list of utility companies available for service
  • Schedule and attend-the pre-closing walk through.
  • Prepare for and attend the closing.