Beginning The Process

The Buying Process.

Organization is the key to finding the home you want while spending the least amount of time and energy.

It’s always best to find out how much house you can afford before you go house-hunting. We can refer you to a loan officer who can assist you with determining how much of a down payment you can afford, along with a monthly payment you can handle. (To help determine how much house you can afford see pages 6–7 of this booklet.)

Make a list of everything you want in a home. Is a master suite important? How many bathrooms? What about closet space? Do you need a yard for the kids and pets to play in? How about a fireplace or a bay window? Do you prefer a rambler or a multiple-story house? Are schools or access to public transportation important?

Separate the essentials from the items you could do without and put them on the “A” list. Prioritize the rest of the items into a second and third list in order of importance. We’ll then go over the lists so that I’m very clear on what you want and need in your home.

Keep good notes as we look at homes. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember which features belong to which home. We can provide you with a form and rating system to help you compare homes.

When selecting a home, look beyond cosmetics. Make sure the home is in good physical condition and that you understand the cost of repairs. For more information on how to assess the home’s condition, refer to “Home Inspections” on page 10 of this booklet.

Look at additional homes, even if you love the first one you see. Many times, it takes looking at several homes before you find the one that is really right for you.

As your Windermere agent, we will check with you regularly, even if you haven’t yet found the home that’s right for you. Keeping in contact allows us to establish a good rapport, and helps us learn how to help you effectively. We will continue to be on the lookout for homes that suit your needs.