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How Many Steps Are In The Home Buying Process?

Many, but one of the role's of a good buyer's agent is to make it go smoothly, and that's why Buyers should have buyer representation! Here is a partial list I came up with, however there are even more steps behind the scenes that I will do!

  • Meet with Buyers to determine buyers needs.
  • Aid in lender financing options.
  • I network with other agents, search the MLS, and other sources to find as many home choices as possible.
  • Set up appointments to see homes.
  • Visit homes, make recommendations to buyer.
  • Write an offer, acquire all disclosures, and explain all forms to buyer.
  • Present offer to sellers or selling agent.
  • Negotiate terms back and forth until a deal is accepted
  • Arrange escrow account deposits
  • Arrange Home inspections
  • Correspond with lender.
  • Submit and negotiate any neccessary repairs
  • Arrange a title closing agent to handle the actual closing
  • Resolve any problems that arise along the way
  • Arrange for property survey
  • Arrange for title insurance to be issued for Buyer and Buyer's lender.
  • Help Buyer submit any applications to condominum or Home Owner's Associations for approvals.
  • Review the Closing statement to ensure there are no errors that can cost my Buyer any uneccessary expenses.
  • Attend the Closing

This is a general guideline!  It's important to use a buyers agent to help with this process, and remember, my services are almost completely covered by the seller in most cases, so why not have the help!

How Long Does It Take To Move In?

That all depends. On a cash sale with no lender financing involved, I have seen sales occur in as little as a week or two. If financing is involved, closing usually will take place in as little as 30 days, but 45 is a more realistic period.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are based on many factors including the purchase price of the home, the amount being financed, and what is actually negotiated between the buyer and seller! In general though, when acquiring a pre-approval from a lender, they will be able to issue buyers a "good faith estimate". It is very important to shop… Read More

Must I Be Pre-approved To Visit Berks County Properties?

It is not mandatory from most agents, however it will definitely show the agent that you are indeed a serious buyer. Also, having a pre-approval letter issued from a lender GREATLY improves your ability to negotiate a better deal with the seller, and really streamlines the time it takes to reach a signed deal! If… Read More

What Is The Mortgage Pre-Aprroval Process?

It is actually very easy. A pre-approval involves you talking to a bank loan officer or mortgage broker. They will gather some information about your needs, your desired monthly payment, and also gather information about your current income. They willl run a credit report, and based on all the information they gather, they will determine… Read More

Do You Work With First Time Homebuyers?

Absolutely! Many of our past clients have been first-time buyers. I REALLY enjoy helping clients realize their dream of owning their first home!  Buying your first home can be very nerve-racking experience, but I understand that first time home buyers have a lot of questions, and I am eager to help our first time buying clients realize the American… Read More

What’s The Cost To Hire A Buyers Agent?

The real question is what does it cost you NOT to hire a good buyers agent to look out for you.  In most cases, the answer to the original question of the cost, it  is usually nothing, or a minimal fee at closing.  As far as commission payable by the buyer, there is NO commission payable… Read More

What Does A Buyer Agent Do?

Wow, what a great question to ask! Traditionally, when a seller lists a house for sale, they hire an agent. That agent takes care of all aspects of selling the home…for the SELLER! The agent was hired by the seller, so that agent WORKS for the seller. If you, as a buyer, call about a… Read More