Frequently Asked Questions

• Where do I start with looking for a home?• Do I have to get pre-approved before looking at houses?• How do I schedule looking at houses?• If I find a For Sale By Owner online how do I find out more

information?• Can I/Should I go to Open Houses without my Agent?• How many properties does the typical buyer look at? • When should I make an offer? • How much should I offer? • What is “earnest money”? How much and when do I need it

by? • What happens to my earnest money? • Will I get my earnest money back if the contract is not

accepted or if I terminate my offer due to the home inspection?

• How long does it take from when I offer to when the home is mine?

• What are other fees/costs I have to plan on out-of-pocket?• What if I change my mind after writing an offer?• If my offer is accepted can the seller change their mind? • How does my Agent get paid?• When will I get the keys? • What happens at the closing? • Is the closing date on my contract guaranteed? • How long does the home inspection take? • Do I really need a home inspection?• Can you recommend a home inspector or a lender?• Is there anything I should not do during the house hunting

process?

What not to do when buying a home

• Don't quit your job • Don't change your job • Don't buy any large ticket items • Don’t make mystery deposits (all funds need to be traceable) • Don't talk to Sellers directly (loose lips sink ships) • Not getting a gift letter and a bank statement for down payment gifted funds• Not being completely honest with the lender about child support, alimony, wage garnishments or any other payroll reduction• Don’t get advice from a buying committee that has not purchased in the last year (the rules change almost daily) • Don’t wait to see everything else that is on the market • Don't trash talk the property in front of the owners or even inside the house as they may have a way to listen in• Don’t call the other agent on "For Sale" signs • Going home to sleep on it (in a hot market, if you sleep on it, you might not get to sleep in it) • Waiting to find the absolute PERFECT house.• 80/10/10 Rule If you find a house that has 80% of what you are looking for, 10% of things you can change and 10% of things you can live with, it's a keeper. • Don't schedule a vacation before we close (especially a cruise)• Don't order Direct TV, Cable, Telephone or any utility that will pull a credit report unless you want to write a letter of explanation about the credit report to the mortgage company • Don't change your name during the mortgage process • Don’t post your real estate thoughts on a social media site• Not getting a home inspection • Believing what you see on HGTV and reality television (the majority of that stuff is scripted) • Not using name on drivers license for mortgage docs (use Jr. and Sr. if required) •Don’t be afraid of a For Sale By Owner…typically they will pay a buyer’s agent so I can still represent you. Just give me the link and I will arrange showings with the seller directly.

• You will not be told how much money to bring to closing until the day before or even the morning of closing • The dates on your contract will change, perhaps multiple times • You will become anxious or nervous • You will become irritated or annoyed about frequent and last minute paperwork requests with seemingly impossible deadlines • You will be overwhelmed by the inspectors report and think there are too many items to repair• You will want to tell your friends and family about your experience on social media sites - Don’t! • The Mortgage company will most likely pull another credit report on you days before or even the day of your closing• The property might not appraise at what you are buying it for

THIS WILL MOST LIKELY HAPPEN

I will apply my knowledge and expertise to help you find the right home. Here is what you can expect from me:

• I will work with you at every stage of the homefindingprocess, from the initial selection of properties to view, through the presentation of a purchase offer, to obtaining financing and the completion of the transaction.

• We will want to agree to a system of regular communication so that you can be kept informed at all times.

• I will give you reliable information and solid advice so that you can make informed decisions.

• It is my hope that you will be so pleased with my service that you will turn to me for advice on your future real estate needs.

Thank you allowing me to guide you through this exciting process!

How I can Help You