Elaine Graf, First Weber Real Estate

Purchasing a home...

We realize the new internet consumer does much more research online now and talking with a real estate agent to see how it all works is most likely a later step. So while you are dreaming of buying a home and looking at properties online, here is a quick overview of some of the steps in the home buying process to give you an idea. 

Communicate with your agent 

For your benefit, it is essential that your First Weber agent ask questions to understand your needs, wants, and ability to purchase.

Showings

Your First Weber Agent will assist you in selecting homes for viewing. Feel free to inspect all aspects of a home during the showing and make notes regarding each home. This can be very helpful when viewing numerous homes.

Communication During Showings

Feedback is essential. Specific comments help your First Weber Agent determine exactly what you’re looking for and should result in finding a suitable home and making an offer.

It’s the ONE!  Writing the Offer to Purchase

This is a very long and complicated document that your agent will walk you through,  After an offer is written, your First Weber Agent will contact the listing agent who will then present your offer to the sellers.

The sellers have the following alternatives:

• Accept the offer
• Reject the offer
• Write a counter offer (Should a counter offer be written, you and your agent can decide too accept it, reject it, or counter back.)

Once the offer is accepted, your First Weber Agent will notify you immediately. Lots of things start happening now…

Mortgage Application

It is extremely important that you apply for a loan immediately after your offer is accepted. Your First Weber Agent can recommend several lenders for you to contact. The lender may require a loan application fee to be used toward a credit check, appraisal, etc.

Home inspection

If your offer allows for an inspection, getting one is a must. Money well spent. Here’s an article devoted to home inspections.

Processing Your Loan

In order to speed the process along, have your bank account and credit card numbers available as these will need to be verified by your lender. Your First Weber Agent will check with your lender throughout the processing of your loan to ensure things are progressing smoothly.

Time and Place of Closing

Once your loan is approved, the time and place for closing, as agreed upon in the offer, will be scheduled.

Prior To Closing

• Have all utilities transferred to your name as of the date of closing. Notify post office and telephone company of your address change.
• You will have the opportunity to make a final inspection of the property.
• A one year Home Warranty Plan will be made available for purchase by you if it was not part of your offer to purchase.
• Your lender may require you to obtain a homeowner’s insurance policy and have a paid receipt to begin coverage on your new home at closing.
• Obtain a certified check for the exact amount of money to be paid at closing. This figure will be made available to you prior to closing.

Buying a home is an exciting time, but can get stressful. That’s why you need an experienced agent to guide you through all the steps, meet the deadlines and come prepared to close.  A real estate agent’s job is to help you from start to finish, answering questions and educating you along the way.

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The home buying process

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Buyer’s guide

Your understanding of the purchasing process is invaluable and deserves your special attention. For your benefit, it is essential that your First Weber agent ask questions to understand your needs, wants, and ability to purchase.

Showing process

Your First Weber Agent will assist you in selecting homes for viewing in accordance with your needs. Please feel free to inspect all aspects of a home during the showing and make notes regarding each home.

Communication during showings

Feedback is essential. Specific comments help your First Weber Agent determine exactly what you’re looking for and should result in finding a suitable home and making an offer.

The offer

After an offer is written, your First Weber Agent will contact the listing agent who will present your offer to the sellers.

The sellers have the following alternatives:

• Accept the offer
• Reject the offer
• Write a counter offer (Should a counter offer be written, your First Weber Agent will then discuss whether it is in your best interest to accept, reject, or counter back.)

Once the offer is accepted, your First Weber Agent will notify you immediately.

Mortgage application

It is extremely important that you apply for a loan immediately after your offer is accepted. Your First Weber Agent can recommend several lenders for you to contact. The lender may require a loan application fee to be used toward a credit check, appraisal, etc.

Processing your loan

In order to speed the process along, have your bank account and credit card numbers available as these will need to be verified by your lender. Your First Weber Agent will check with your lender throughout the processing of your loan to ensure things are progressing smoothly.

Time and place of closing

Once your loan is approved, the time and place for closing, as agreed upon in the offer, will be scheduled.

Prior to closing

• Have all utilities transferred to your name as of the date of closing. Notify post office and telephone company of your address change.
• You will have the opportunity to make a final inspection of the property.
• A one year Home Warranty Plan will be made available for purchase by you if it was not part of your offer to purchase.
• Your lender may require you to obtain a homeowner’s insurance policy and have a paid receipt to begin coverage on your new home at closing.
• Obtain a certified check for the exact amount of money to be paid at closing. This figure will be made available to you prior to closing.

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Understanding Buyer Agency

Wisconsin Agency Law Provides for Different Types of Relationships Between Buyer and REALTOR®

The Traditional Buying Process

In the traditional buying process, a real estate agent working with a buyer without a Buyer Agency contract is, by law, working as an agent of the seller. An agent working without a Buyer Agency contract must still be fair in his/her dealings, but is prohibited by law from giving the buyer critical advice such as a professional opinion of a price or in suggesting negotiation strategies.

Buyer Representation

Buyer Representation (Buyer Agency) was created in response to buyers’ desires to have agents work in their best interests as opposed to the sellers’ best interests. First Weber was one of the first brokerages to embrace buyer agency and First Weber agents are encouraged to work as Buyer Agents for buyers if at all possible.

Designated Agency

With Designated Agency, a buyer under Buyer Agency with a broker continues to receive full client services even when purchasing a property listed with another agent in the same brokerage. First Weber Group, as a full service broker to both buyers and sellers, offers Designated Agency to better serve both buyers and sellers.

The benefits of Buyer Representation

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Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

How can we help you?

At Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, we strive to create an extraordinary experience through the efforts of knowledgeable and caring mortgage professionals where relationships are valued, and the focus is on treating every client as if they were the only client.

Shelli Ellis, Mortgage Consultant

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC

Mobile: 262.893.2942

[email protected]

NMLS# 433573

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