{"id":2495,"date":"2021-04-22T02:45:47","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T02:45:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/?page_id=2495"},"modified":"2022-05-04T14:59:14","modified_gmt":"2022-05-04T14:59:14","slug":"elementor-2495","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/elementor-2495\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>Home Buying Tips from Keller Williams<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In our experience, a house is not a dream home because of its size or color. It&#8217;s about how you feel when you walk through the front door &#8211; the way you can instantly see your life unfolding there. This about more than real estate. It&#8217;s about your life and your dreams.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Home Visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We&#8217;ll arrange to visit the homes you&#8217;ve selected, together and in-person, to determine the best fit for you.<\/p>\n<p><a>How can I make the most of my time when visiting homes?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get an accurate idea of your price range, an estimate of your monthly payments and a pre-approval letter, so sellers will take you seriously when you make an offer.<\/li>\n<li>Work with your KW agent to hone your \u201cwants\u201d and \u201cneeds\u201d list. Think about what\u2019s most important to you: the location or the house itself.<\/li>\n<li>Preview homes through the KW app to eliminate those you won\u2019t need to visit in person.<\/li>\n<li>Plan an itinerary with your Keller Williams agent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What should I expect when visiting homes?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You and your KW agent typically visit homes together<\/li>\n<li>Homeowners usually are not home, so you\u2019re free to spend as little or as much time as you want.<\/li>\n<li>Buyers often have a gut reaction to a home. First impressions count, but you can also consult your agent to learn more about home values and possibly to reevaluate your priorities in the context of what\u2019s available in your price range.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>How many homes should I visit?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes buyers find their future home the first time out and others look at 50 homes before they see one that checks all their boxes. It\u2019s a good idea to see at least a few alternatives so you have some points of comparison, but sometimes you just know a place is where you want to live.<\/p>\n<p><a>What should I look for when visiting homes?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Look beyond the staging and decorative items to see the features and fixtures that convey with the house.<\/li>\n<li>Check the condition of the home.<\/li>\n<li>Keep track with photos and notes.<\/li>\n<li>Consider possible home improvements you might want to make so you can research costs later.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to check out the outside of the property and the neighborhood. Your Keller Williams agent has access to neighborhood insights and data to help inform your decision.<\/li>\n<li>Locate your commuter route, schools, shops, restaurants, parks and other amenities.<\/li>\n<li>If the property is a condo or located in a homeowners association, find out the fees and rules to see if you can live with them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your Keller Williams real estate agent will be your trusted partner for your home search.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Making an Offer<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve narrowed down your list and have a clear favorite, collaborate with us to make an offer on a home.<\/p>\n<p><a>What should I include with my offer?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Your Keller Williams agent will have the most recent standard purchase offer forms that comply with state and local laws.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The price<\/li>\n<li>Terms \u2013 such as a request for closing cost help or that the offer is subject to your obtaining financing and a home inspection<\/li>\n<li>Target date for closing<\/li>\n<li>Earnest money deposit \u2013 your KW agent can advise you about how big your deposit should be based on local customs and current conditions<\/li>\n<li>Request for final walk-through<\/li>\n<li>Time limit for the offer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What are the most common contingencies?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Financing. Unless you\u2019re paying cash, it\u2019s typical to write your offer with a contingency clause that lets you off the hook if you can\u2019t finalize your mortgage within a certain number of days. Even though you have a pre-approval for a loan, it\u2019s smart to protect yourself.<\/li>\n<li>Home inspection. Your offer can be made dependent on a satisfactory home inspection report within a certain number of days. This protects you if the inspection uncovers expensive necessary repairs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What happens if I face multiple offers?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In a competitive housing market, you may find yourself competing against other buyers. In that case, your Keller Williams agent is your best ally in strategizing for your offer to be accepted. With access to real-time market data, your KW agent will know how to best position your offer. If there\u2019s more than one offer, the sellers can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Accept the best offer<\/li>\n<li>Counter all the offers to get a better price and terms<\/li>\n<li>Counter one offer that\u2019s close to what they want<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You and your KW agent can work together to find out what\u2019s important to the sellers, such as a specific moving date, and to discuss possibly waiving contingencies, or adjusting your price.<\/p>\n<p><a>What is a counteroffer?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sellers can accept your offer as is or they can make a counteroffer with an adjustment to some or all of your terms. You can accept or reject the counteroffer and make your own counteroffer. The contract is final once you and the sellers have agreed to all the terms and executed a written contract.<\/p>\n<p>Your Keller Williams agent is essential when negotiating the terms of your purchase.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Executed Contract<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The period between an executed contract and closing. Your Keller Williams agent will help ensure deadlines are met and the contract moves forward smoothly.\u00a0 You will be kept informed throughout the process.<\/p>\n<p><a>What happens during this time frame?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Your Keller Williams agent will monitor the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Deadlines within the contract and timeframes for performance<\/li>\n<li>Provide recommendations of trusted vendors to use<\/li>\n<li>Communicate with lender, title company and cooperating agent<\/li>\n<li>Further negotiations, as needed<\/li>\n<li>Review of Closing Statements to ensure accuracy with contract terms<\/li>\n<li>Schedule of final walk throughs and closing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Schedule Home Inspection<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As soon your offer is accepted, you should schedule your home inspection. If you\u2019re buying in a busy season, it may take time to find an available inspector, so rely on your Keller Williams agent to recommend trusted home inspectors.<\/p>\n<p><a>What is a home inspection?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Your home inspector will check a massive list (more than 1,000 items) of systems, appliances and structures in your home to evaluate its condition. You\u2019ll get a written report that identifies potential problems and future maintenance issues. It\u2019s up to you to decide whether the report means you want to walk away from a house or ask the sellers to make repairs. You can also have an \u201cinformation only\u201d inspection, which means you\u2019re buying the house as is, but want to know its condition.<\/p>\n<p><a>What\u2019s included on a home inspection?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The inspector will check:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Structural conditions such as the foundation, beams and floors<\/li>\n<li>Roof condition<\/li>\n<li>Mechanical systems such as heat and air conditioning<\/li>\n<li>Appliances \u2013 to make sure they\u2019re working<\/li>\n<li>Plumbing \u2013 for leaks, rust and water pressure<\/li>\n<li>Electrical systems such as grounded outlets and code violations<\/li>\n<li>Safety issues such as stairs, handrails, mold or chimney maintenance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What should I watch for during the home inspection?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You should attend the home inspection to learn about home maintenance and so you can see any potential problems yourself. The inspector can answer questions as you go, so if there\u2019s anything you don\u2019t understand or are worried could be a problem, just ask.<\/p>\n<p><a>I\u2019ve got the home inspection report, now what?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>While you and your KW agent can decide whether to negotiate on anything in the inspection report, you can ask the inspector the following questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are the items you\u2019ve flagged major or minor issues?<\/li>\n<li>What needs to be done to resolve any flagged issues?<\/li>\n<li>Can you give me an estimate of the cost of any repairs?<\/li>\n<li>Do I need another inspection, such as by an electrician or a structural engineer?<\/li>\n<li>Are there things I need to do after I move in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your experienced real estate agent can be the best adviser to help you understand the implications of the home inspection.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Get a Home Warranty<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Some home sellers pay for a home warranty that covers them while their home is on the market and conveys to the buyers after the sale. You can ask your real estate agent for advice about negotiating for the sellers to pay for a warranty or buying one yourself.<\/p>\n<p><a>What is a home warranty?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A home warranty policy, which typically lasts for one year and is renewable, provides coverage for some of your home\u2019s systems and appliances. In return for the annual fee, the company will cover repair costs and arrange for contractors. You\u2019ll pay a deductible fee and possibly service fees if you need to use the warranty.<\/p>\n<p><a>Do I need a home warranty?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re buying an existing home, especially one with appliances that are more than four years old, a home warranty can give you peace of mind about paying for unexpected repairs and finding a reliable contractor. If you\u2019re a first-time buyer, especially if you have limited savings, this can be particularly important. If you have plenty of emergency savings, you\u2019re handy or know good contractors, you may not need a warranty. Your real estate agent can also be a good source of recommendations for contractors. If you\u2019re buying a newly built home, structural defects are usually under warranty by the builder for 10 years and other items are typically covered for six months to two years, so you don\u2019t usually need a home warranty.<\/p>\n<p><a>What should I look for in a home warranty?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>To choose a good home warranty, you and your Keller Williams agent should review:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The home warranty company\u2019s license with your state\u2019s real estate commission<\/li>\n<li>The fine print \u2013 that\u2019s where you\u2019ll find exclusions and limitations<\/li>\n<li>What\u2019s covered and what\u2019s not<\/li>\n<li>The coverage limits \u2013 your repairs will only be paid for up to a specific level<\/li>\n<li>Service fees and deductibles<\/li>\n<li>How quickly service and claims are handled<\/li>\n<li>How contractors are vetted and what happens if you use your own<\/li>\n<li>Coverage differences between a basic warranty and enhanced warranty<\/li>\n<li>Online reviews<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can always ask your real estate agent for home warranty recommendations and advice.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Close<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While you may feel jittery before your closing, your KW agent and lender should have you fully prepared for the day. As the buyer, you choose the title company for your title search and the closing. Your agent and lender can recommend reliable title companies.<\/p>\n<p><a>What should I do before the closing?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>As your closing nears, you should:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stay in close touch with your Keller Williams agent, lender and title company.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid lowering your credit score with a new credit application or late payments.<\/li>\n<li>Confirm that your contract contingencies are resolved, including the home inspection, an appraisal and your financing.<\/li>\n<li>Finalize your homeowner\u2019s insurance policy.<\/li>\n<li>Gather your down payment and closing cost funds in an accessible account.<\/li>\n<li>Review your Closing Disclosure form, which you\u2019ll receive three days before your settlement, and ask questions if you don\u2019t understand something.<\/li>\n<li>Arrange a wire transfer or get a cashier\u2019s check for the funds you need for the settlement.<\/li>\n<li>Schedule a walk-through of your new home within 24 hours before your closing to check its condition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What can I expect at the closing?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In a word: Paperwork! Allot a few hours for your closing. Bring to the closing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A government-issued photo ID<\/li>\n<li>Proof of homeowner\u2019s insurance<\/li>\n<li>Your copy of the contract<\/li>\n<li>All paperwork associated with your loan and the home purchase<\/li>\n<li>Your cashier\u2019s check or wire transfer confirmation<\/li>\n<li>Your checkbook for miscellaneous funds that weren\u2019t included on your closing estimate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What paperwork is required to close?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll be signing numerous documents, including a repeat of the documents you signed when you applied for your loan. The most important documents you\u2019ll sign are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Promissory Note to repay the mortgage<\/li>\n<li>Deed of Trust, which gives the lender the right to foreclose if you don\u2019t repay the loan<\/li>\n<li>What\u2019s covered and what\u2019s not<\/li>\n<li>Initial Escrow Disclosure, which outlines the funds on deposit for your property taxes and homeowner\u2019s insurance bills<\/li>\n<li>Right to Cancel form, which states that you have three business days to cancel the transaction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a>What\u2019s next?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>After your closing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep all your signed documents in a safe place.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid lowering your credit score with a new credit application or late payments.<\/li>\n<li>Change your address.<\/li>\n<li>Change the locks and security codes on your home<\/li>\n<li>Review your due dates and new budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Congratulations! You\u2019ve got the keys to your new home! Stay in touch with your Keller Williams agent for future recommendations and service.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home Buying Tips from Keller Williams In our experience, a house is not a dream home because of its size or color. It&#8217;s about how you feel when you walk [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2495","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2495","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2495"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2495\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2903,"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2495\/revisions\/2903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/marketcentersites.com\/mc256\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}