Buyer's Guide

It's important to me that I take the time to get to know my clients on a personal level. The bonds I have created have been invaluable and often lead to life-long friendships. I strive for excellent communication and always have my client's best interest in mind with the most accurate and up-to-date information they need to make informed decisions every step of the way.

"My job isn't just to find you a home. My role is to be your advocate, your ally and your advisor — so you can take your life to the next step. So you can move forward." - Lisa

Decide which communities, home features, and property types you and your family prefer. Have candid conversations about which of these characteristics are required, and which are "nice to have" in your next home.

The first step in any home search is finding out exactly how much home you can afford and securing the financing to make the purchase. While you can get a rough estimate through pre-qualification, taking the extra step to obtain pre-approval will give you some added advantages. Pre-approval helps you understand your financial condition, know exactly how much home you can afford before you begin your home search, and strengthen your purchasing power when making an offer. When you find a home you love and are ready to make an offer, your mortgage pre-approval lets the seller know that you're serious and fully prepared to buy their home, putting you in a stronger position than other potential buyers. I would be happy to provide you with a list of my recommended lenders if you are not currently working with a trusted partner.

Now it's time to find your dedicated real estate representative. Regulations enacted in 2024 require real estate agents to obtain a signed buyer's agreement before showing consumers homes. Of course, we do a great deal more than opening up listings — we can help you understand your local market, identify areas and properties that fit your specific criteria, help you create competitive offers that match your financial and logistical needs, and much more.

Once you have selected the perfect home and have your finances in order, I will help you craft a fair offer price based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Here's the step-by-step process:

• I will provide you with a list of comparable properties to help determine the best offer price
• I will send you the property disclosures to review and sign
• I will review the contract with you and explain its contents in detail prior to your signing
• I will explain and advise if you should ask for a seller-paid home warranty
• I will email you the contract, set up for your electronic signature

Most property sales are contingent on the results of a home inspection, which is paid for by the buyer. The inspection occurs within 5 business days of offer acceptance and includes a review of the home's exterior and interior elements. I have a list of trusted home inspectors I would be happy to recommend. If defects are discovered during the inspection, you may exercise the remedy described in your offer or negotiate with the seller to determine what repairs will be made. Your attorney and I will assist you during this process.

Just prior to closing, you'll be given the chance to look at the home and make sure it's in the same condition as when you signed the sales agreement. I will assist in scheduling and accompany you. In addition to your deposit and down payment, closing costs may include:

• Loan origination fees, appraisals and reports
• Home inspection
• Mortgage insurance (if applicable)
• Hazard insurance
• Taxes (if applicable)
• Attorney fees
• Association fees (if applicable)
• Title insurance, notary and escrow fees
• Recording fees and transfer stamps (if applicable)

I am happy to provide you with a moving guide if needed.