Kitty Snow, Broker, GRI, C.S. A.
Work: (804) 794-2603
Cell: (804) 615-1125
kittysnow@comcast.net
Work: (804) 794-2603
Cell: (804) 615-1125
kittysnow@comcast.net
The Buying Experience
One value I bring to your home buying experience is expertise. If you’re a first time buyer, it’s ALL new and scary. Terms are foreign (PITI, title insurance, loan app…HUH?) and just understanding the process can be intimidating. I can simplify the whole experience so that buying your home is what it SHOULD be…fun.
Even if you’re a veteran homeowner, it’s not something you do every day so you might not be aware of current procedures or legal requirements. Inspections, disclosures, association issues…you shouldn’t have to be proficient in these areas. That’s my job.
This overview will give you an idea of the logistics and timing of the buying process. The first step is to speak with a lender who can qualify you for a loan. I can get you in touch with a mortgage broker who speaks plain English instead of “Mortgagese”. This way we know our price parameters and what cash you’ll need. My motto is: No surprises.
Once we know your price range and anything else the lender requires (gift letter, tax forms, whatever), I pull up houses from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) based on your requirements (number of bedrooms, baths, style, school area, price, etc.) and usually I email these (a BUNCH of them!) to you to look over. I give you more options than we will usually look at because sometimes communication is flawed. When you say “big dining room”, my mental image may not match yours. This is only the beginning of the elimination process.
After you tell me which houses you like, I’ll set up showings and we’ll make our first foray into house-hunting. Until then, there is no way to really see these properties. Virtual tours are misleading. Cameras lie. Distances can be manipulated. Flaws can be hidden. I always remind people that our first excursion is more elimination than choosing. Sometimes you find the perfect home on the first day but don’t be discouraged if you don’t.
When we’re looking at a house, tell me the truth. If it makes you want to throw up, tell me. Otherwise, I’ll show you ten more just like it. Being polite is good but not when I’m trying to figure out how big the ‘big master bedroom’ you’ve asked for really is in square feet. Checking out every closet in a house that you hate isn’t prudent use of our time, so speak up. We’re on the same team here and I work for you. Clear, honest feedback is essential to getting you into the home you really want.
Even if you’re a veteran homeowner, it’s not something you do every day so you might not be aware of current procedures or legal requirements. Inspections, disclosures, association issues…you shouldn’t have to be proficient in these areas. That’s my job.
This overview will give you an idea of the logistics and timing of the buying process. The first step is to speak with a lender who can qualify you for a loan. I can get you in touch with a mortgage broker who speaks plain English instead of “Mortgagese”. This way we know our price parameters and what cash you’ll need. My motto is: No surprises.
Once we know your price range and anything else the lender requires (gift letter, tax forms, whatever), I pull up houses from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) based on your requirements (number of bedrooms, baths, style, school area, price, etc.) and usually I email these (a BUNCH of them!) to you to look over. I give you more options than we will usually look at because sometimes communication is flawed. When you say “big dining room”, my mental image may not match yours. This is only the beginning of the elimination process.
After you tell me which houses you like, I’ll set up showings and we’ll make our first foray into house-hunting. Until then, there is no way to really see these properties. Virtual tours are misleading. Cameras lie. Distances can be manipulated. Flaws can be hidden. I always remind people that our first excursion is more elimination than choosing. Sometimes you find the perfect home on the first day but don’t be discouraged if you don’t.
When we’re looking at a house, tell me the truth. If it makes you want to throw up, tell me. Otherwise, I’ll show you ten more just like it. Being polite is good but not when I’m trying to figure out how big the ‘big master bedroom’ you’ve asked for really is in square feet. Checking out every closet in a house that you hate isn’t prudent use of our time, so speak up. We’re on the same team here and I work for you. Clear, honest feedback is essential to getting you into the home you really want.
There will be...
There will be a time when (1) your heartbeat starts racing, (2) your imagination soars, or (3) you clutch my arm and whisper frantically words like “this one! This one!” and at that point, we write an offer. (Definition here: it’s an offer until everyone agrees in writing and then it becomes a ratified contract). I get the offer to the listing agent who presents it to the owners and they can (1) accept it as written (2) reject it (won’t happen, not in a normal situation) or (3) counter the offer with the changes they want. You can then do the same…until we either have a contract or walk away. Usually it’s option #3 but the interesting thing about real estate is that anything can happen.
Once we have a contract, we schedule a house inspection since the contract is subject to any inspections being satisfied. You aren’t required to do this step but I’ll tell you “This is your mother speaking…do this.” I’m not a roofer and can’t tell you if it’s ok or not. Get an inspection. I’ll help you set it up. Once it’s completed, we write up what we want repaired/replaced and the sellers respond. When the inspection contingency is satisfied, your hard work is almost over.
We get the contract to the lender so the loan process can begin. Like I said, the hard part’s done. The processor may need documents from you or other paperwork but your pre-qualifying meeting (or online application) should have accomplished most of that. Then it will seem like nothing is happening. I liken it to the expression “casting upon the waters” because they send out all this paper (verification of employment, rental verification, appraisal request…) and finally it comes back to shore. Normally the whole process takes about 30-45 days from the start of the loan to closing.
Meanwhile, I’ll remind you of anything you need to do, such as calling utility companies, arranging homeowner’s insurance, and so on. I’ll provide guidance as needed but really, this part is easy. A day or two before closing, we’ll do a “walk-through” to make sure the house is in the same condition as when the contract was written and then the long awaited day of closing arrives. I’ll be at the closing. It normally takes about an hour and other than hand cramps from signing your name a hundred times, it’s relatively painless. And exciting. You get the keys and can drive from closing to your new home where you can start unpacking. OK…maybe THAT part’s the hard part, too. But it’s worth it. Really worth it. It’s the best investment you can make and when I’m on your team, you definitely have the Home Team Advantage.
Read about my promise to you here.
