WORK WITH US
FOR BUYERS
YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a home — you’ve made the first step on the journey to Live Where You Imagine!
This is an exciting and sometimes daunting decision, and we at Sam Winter & Co. are here to guide you, by minimizing your stress and providing clarity throughout the process. We treat our clients like they are family, and we are committed to helping you find, purchase, and move into the home you’ve always imagined.
When it comes to
working with buyers,
our goal is trifold:
working with buyers,
our goal is trifold:
Help You Purchase the Home that Meets Your Wants & Needs
Help You Move into Your New Home within Your Preferred Time Frame
Make the Moving Process Easy for You
THE
HOME-BUYING
JOURNEY
01
Buyer Consultation
Our professional agent will sit down with you to discuss your needs and devise a tailored strategy for your success. We’ll discuss your search criteria in detail, review available inventory, and answer any questions about the home buying process. We’ll review the costs of homeownership; such as maintenance, insurance, etc. We’ll go over budget and financial concerns, and the need for a lender resource. Your agent will explain the usual time line for house hunting, mortgage approval and closing; and share estimated potential out of pocket costs to complete the transaction.
02
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Before you begin the search, you’ll want financing pre-approval. We’ll connect you with a mortgage broker, who’ll determine how much a bank will lend you. This process will help you understand the variety of financing options and what your down payment will be while placing you in a better negotiating position in the seller’s eyes. Your agent will review a sample contract and accompanying forms so you’re prepared when it comes time to make an offer.
03
Home Search
We will survey a range of neighborhoods and share all of our local knowledge and insight on schools, shopping, taxes, utility expenses and other local services to help determine your ideal location. An automated email alert will be setup through the MLS to notify you of potential properties that come up in that area. Your agent will also research beyond the homes listed for sale in the MLS, and may collaborate with you on properties you heard about through your sphere of contacts. Properties exclusive to us through private placements will be explored, and your agent will network with other real estate colleagues to uncover other “off-market” possibilities.
04
Home Tours
After the available properties are narrowed down to your list of favorites, we will schedule buyer tours, previewing properties prior to showing if necessary. While touring homes, we’ll observe how closely each property aligns with your personalized criteria. As you assess how each home aligns with your vision, we will continue to provide information and guidance to help you identify the top choice for purchase.
05
Make An Offer
Once you have found your dream home, it’s time to present a written offer. To arrive at the most attractive offering price we research neighborhood market trends and analyze recently closed sales to gauge a home’s value for the initial offer. Your agent will assist you in submitting an offer that you make with confidence, at a comfortable price, and in alignment with your goal to Live Where You Imagine.
06
Possible Negotiations
Your agent is prepared to strategically and skillfully negotiate with the listing agent on any issues vital to acceptance of your offer. We prioritize contract negotiation goals with Buyer and discuss the pros and cons of negotiating strategies, such as an escalation clause. Your agent, throughout the process, will offer strategies for your consideration, never making the decisions, but offering perspectives.
07
Home Inspections
We work to make sure that the property is what it appears to be. We help you organize professionals to perform inspections and address many other property-related items. We will explain how the professional inspection contingency works, identifying repair issues as they relate to purchase agreement required items and inspection items. Sometimes, everything is as advertised, and other times additional negotiations may be necessary. In either case, you will benefit from peace of mind knowing that your concerns have been thoroughly reviewed and addressed.
08
Loan Application & Appraisal
During this time your agent will closely monitor and review all contract deadlines, and coordinate with your selected appraisal company, loan/financial institutions, attorneys, title companies and escrow agents. Once we feel confident your home purchase is moving forward after attorney review/inspection period, your lender will have an appraisal done on the property.
09
Contracts & Contingencies
We will review the contract prior to closing to confirm all requirements and terms of addendums have been met. We’ll coordinate the transfer of utilities to the new residence, and schedule the final walk-through. Once we obtain a clear to close from the lender, and ensure all parties have forms and information needed to close the transaction, we will schedule and coordinate the closing day details.
10
Final Walk Through
Our final step prior to closing is to schedule a final walk through of the property. We’ll make sure everything is agreed upon with the sellers. Typically, we recommend hiring a professionally cleaning and landscaping company to service your new home prior to moving in. We also advise Buyer to re-key all locks prior to possession.
11
Closing
We will attend closing with the Buyer and jointly review all documents, ensuring the title company closing agent thoroughly explains all form details pertaining to the transaction, such as title coverage, survey if required, etc. When closing is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home and it’s now time to celebrate!
