Lake Lanier Homes | 10 Steps to Buying Real Estate

Real Estate Tools | Buying | Selling

10 Steps to Buying Real Estate...

1. Obtain a Comparative Market Analysis Report
A "comparative market analysis" or "CMA" is an overview of property values, prepared by a Realtor®. It includes data on recent sales in a specific neighborhood, along with homes that are presently on the market. Comparing this data, and adding their own knowledge of the neighborhood, your buyer's agent can narrow this analysis to the specific home you're considering, helping you determine the realistic price you'd like to offer a seller.

2. Facilitate Financing
Unless you're a cash buyer, you'll need to apply for and acquire a mortgage loan. Your Citihomes Associate can help you select a lender and coordinate timing and paperwork

3. Streamline Your Home Search
The right buyer's agent will work on your behalf to find your new home, first expanding your choices then helping you narrow the field. She or he will set up home tours; and by email, U.S. mail or fax, can send you a suggested tour of homes that match your needs. Maps and directions, too. Keep in mind that buyers' preferences vary: some enjoy meeting their Realtor® at the destination listing, while others want to ride with their agent so they can discuss options and focus on comparing houses. Let your agent know what you would like.

4. Prepare Required Documents
Helping you write your offer to purchase is one of the biggest areas of assistance provided by Citihomes. Will the seller leave the antique fireplace screen? It better be in the contract. Your agent can assure that every "t" is crossed. Rely on our familiarity with the language, timelines and requirements that lie within the paperwork.

5. Evaluate/Negotiate Offers and Counter-Offers
While it may be true that anything is negotiable, it may not be in your best interest. A Realtor® skilled in negotiation is your best ally in a competitive market - especially when there are more buyers than homes for sale. Are you willing to pay full asking price, if the seller agrees to repair the roof? How do you put your best foot forward, in a "multiple offer" situation? A trusted buyer's agent stands in your stead, evaluating what's important to you.

6. Counsel for Contract Acceptance
Your Citihomes Associate functions as an objective professional in your home purchase. Where emotion might cloud your better judgment, you can rely on us to advise you of your options throughout the transaction. We'll make sure that details are remembered, and your interests protected.

7. Set Up Inspections
Sellers in Georgia must disclose material facts about their home's condition to interested buying prospects. Buyers may protect their own interests by acquiring various inspections. Whole-house private inspection, pest, radon, well and septic - your Citihomes Associate can help you determine what you need, make the appointments and accompany you as the inspections are completed.

8. Negotiate Disputes/Issues
Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties, with needs and objectives that may differ. The right buyer's agent provides skilled negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution, helping you navigate a potential minefield without "taking it personally"!

9. Contingency Resolution
Contractual contingencies are terms that must be met before an agreement is binding. The written contingency, therefore, must also be removed in writing, by a specified date, before the contract can be fully in effect. Whether it's financing, inspection or any other item your agreement is "subject to," your Citihomes Associate will assist you in understanding the fulfillment and removal of these contractual conditions.

10. Facilitate Closing
What's the #1 irritant among home buyers? That they ran into unanticipated difficulties gaining possession of the home they purchased! Your Citihomes buyer's agent will make it happen, finalizing the transfer of utilities, house keys and ownership.