Buyer Process

  • Outlining Your Objectives

    • What is your motivation to buy?

    • What price range are you considering?

    • What is your timeline to move?

    • What are your ideal features and “non-negotiables”?

    • What are you looking for in a neighborhood?

    Planning and Preparation

    • Discuss objectives and process

    • Select a lender and begin approval process

    • Obtain loan approval letter

    • Sign exclusive buyer-broker agreement

    • Research neighborhoods of interest

    Understanding the Market

    • Review your neighborhood references

    • Consider personal timing and seasonal factors

    • Analyze active, pending, and sold properties

    • Discuss market forces: supply v. demand, macro v. micro

  • Finding Your Home

    • Browse and review online listings

    • Network with local agents to uncover new and off-market homes

    • Attend open houses

    • Select ideal location and home

    Offers and Negotiation Strategies

    • Review purchase contract

    • Discuss objectives and processes

    • Create offer presentation highlighting buyer strengths

    • Negotiate to optimize price and terms

    • Accept offer/counter-offers

  • Escrow Process

    • Notify escrow of acceptance and send fully executed contract

    • Wire initial deposit to escrow per terms of agreement

    • Notify lender to begin the loan and order appraisal

    • Sign and return opening package of escrow instructions

    • Contract insurance agent regarding homeowner’s coverage

    • Provide escrow with vesting (title) information

    • Sign loan documents

    Inspections and Disclosures

    • Review seller’s disclosures and reports

    • Schedule all desired home inspections, including termites

    • Approve or negotiate repairs based on the inspection reports

    • Review and approve preliminary title report

    • Meet deadlines and remove contractual contingencies

    • Schedule final walk-through prior to close of escrow

  • Closing

    • Review closing statement from escrow

    • Meet with escrow to sign loan documents

    • Arrange to wire the down payment and closing cost

    Working Together Agains

    • Destiny and Windermere Lakewood Abode are here for you

    • Yearly home valuation to keep you informed

    • Second homes and investment properties

    • Provide resources and introductions

    • Referrals, testimonials, reviews