It’s an exciting time when you start the home buying process and begin shopping for a new home. On this page, we have some information to help you navigate the field. Of course, we’ll be happy to guide you every step of the way! One document we like to have people read when they begin their home search is the Buyer Advisory form from the Arizona Association of REALTORS. This document has a ton of great information for anyone looking to purchase a home. You’ll also want to know about things like disclosure laws and about what sellers may or may not be doing while we are touring their home.
If you are financing your purchase, you’ll want to talk to a mortgage company to get pre-approved for a loan before anything else. This will pinpoint your price range and make sure you are comfortable with the loan product and monthly payment for your new home. Additionally, having a pre-approval from a mortgage company is essential when the real estate market is hot, because you may need to act quickly to make an offer on the home you want, and a completed Pre-Qualification form will need to be included with the Purchase Contract. Once you begin the loan process, make sure you don’t make any major purchases, increase your credit card debt or change jobs until after you close on the sale of your new home.
When it’s time to start looking for a home, we will be happy to set up a customized search in the MLS for you. By entering your specific wants and needs into the system, we will make sure you are alerted via email as soon as a listing matching your criteria comes onto the market. Then, when you decide you’d like to see a home up close and personal, we’ll be happy to show it to you.
Now here’s one very critical thing you need to know, that many people don’t understand. In order for your interests to be represented during negotiations, make sure that we accompany you to any new home builders and open houses. Otherwise, if you decide to make an offer, the new home sales associate or open house agent may try to fight us for some kind of “procurring cause” claim. We can typically “win” the battle, but it isn’t one that either one of us want to fight.
Remember, if you are unrepresented in a purchase, the listing agent will only be considering the builder or seller’s interest! And more often than not, you can’t take us with you to negotiate a deal after previously viewing a new home. Well, you can, but it could muddy the waters quite a bit so please, make sure we are with you every step of the way.
Once you choose a home, it’s time for us to help you make an offer. We’ll walk you through this every step of the way. Many things are taken into consideration to determine everything about your offer. We’ll look at comparable sold properties, see how long the home has been on the market, review the location and condition of the home, and examine other relevant details to assist you in making an educated offer. Once we submit an offer, some negotiation will likely be required. Remember, there’s a lot more to purchase price when determining what offer is best for you. Timing, inspection items, warranty items, Home Owner’s Association items, closing date and more all come into play.
Upon acceptance of your offer, we’ll make sure that all of the details are attended to. Escrow will be opened with your earnest money, a home inspection and appraisal will be ordered, seller property disclosures and insurance claims history will be requested, and repair requests will be handled. Don’t worry – we’ll walk you right through the entire process. Heck, this stuff is my favorite part of the process. I love making sure the contract and all of its terms and conditions are handled properly. The art of the deal, it’s a LOT of fun!
For helpful phone numbers and contact information for utility companies see these links. Also check out our Moving Checklist. These are other items that will ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience.
Please call the Nick Bastian Team at 602-803-6425 with ANY questions to get started and along the way.
We are here to help!
