• Identify Your Needs:

• Prequalification:

You need to know what you can afford. 
We have a slogan we use at BHG Real Estate Metro Brokers  "Everything and The Kitchen Sink".  Ask me, I can refer you to one of our loan officers that can assist you with this important first step in the home buying process.
Interested in how much you can afford? Use the calculator.

• Start The Search!!!:

You are now ready to start looking for your ideal home.  The search can be overwhelming if it is not approached correctly and with some forethought.  The most efficient route is to allow your realtor to do the initial search, with your wishlist as the guide, he or she can alert you to the existing listings and the new listings that come up with the strongest potential.  If there is any interest on your part, a home tour is arranged that is convenient for you.  Email alerts, sometimes as often as daily depending on the available inventory in your market, are used by a number of realtors.  Advise your realtor on how you would prefer to receive these alerts, whether by phone, email, or fax.
Your own research is helpful.  Read local real estate publications, the internet is widely used, the local chamber of commerce,
driving around desired neighborhoods.
It is important to note that a large percentage of home sales are the result of agent connections.*
That means it's more likely your agent will find your ideal home through being in the real estate industry than you driving around on the weekends.
    *National Association of REALTORS

• The Offer :

Congratulations!!  You have found the ideal home, it is time to make the offer.  Your realtor will help you determine the offer price by reviewing recent sales of homes comparable in size, quality, and amenities.  Your realtor will draft a written contract with you that outlines the responsibilities of both parties to execute the transaction.
When the seller accepts the offer, this document becomes a binding agreement. 
Carefully review this document with your realtor, discuss anything that is not clear.  It is very important that you understand this agreement.
If the seller changes any aspect of the offer, it is not a binding agreement until the buyer agrees to the changes the seller makes.

• Lets Make a Deal :

On occasion the offer comes back unchanged. 
However, under some circumstances the seller will make a counteroffer.
As part of the Distinquished Service that we offer at BHG Real Estate Metro Brokers  I will: work diligently as your Negotiator , prepare a Comparative Market Analysis for you prior to making an offer, obtain and review with you the seller's written property history and disclosure statement prior to the Offer to Purchase, prepare the written offer to purchase reflecting your price and terms, negotiate on your behalf and recommend specific strategies to achieve the best possible pricing and contract terms, and assist you in monitoring the status and satisfaction of contract contingencies.  This will give you a great deal of leverage in the buying process.
Almost everything is negotiable; ie, price, financing, closing costs, move-in date, repairs, appliances, painting.
It is important to remain in constant contact at this stage so you can quickly review any changes from the seller.  Remember, Bargaining is not winner-take all.  It is a business process that involves compromise.

• Prepare for Closing :

The offer is now a binding agreement.  You have action items as a buyer that you have agreed to perform prior to closing.  Your realtor will aid you in this preparation.  Depending on the responsibilities per the agreement, as a buyer you typically will :
    Conduct a home inspection
    Get an appraisal
    Finalize your financing
    Secure title insurance
    Shop for a home warranty
Time is of the essence.  Have the above items done in a timely and professional manner, any delays threaten a successful closing.
BHG Real Estate Metrobrokers  is a one-stop shop, ask me, in addition to Real Estate Services, we can offer Mortgage Services, Insurance Services, and Title/Closing Services.
As your realtor, I can also serve as your advocate, helping to coordinate the activity and make sure the vendors have access to the property.