Buyer Resources
Home Buying Tips from Keller Williams
In our experience, a house is not a dream home because of its size or color. It's about how you feel when you walk through the front door - the way you can instantly see your life unfolding there. This about more than real estate. It's about your life and your dreams.
Home Visit
We'll arrange to visit the homes you've selected, together and in-person, to determine the best fit for you.
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Get an accurate idea of your price range, an estimate of your monthly payments and a pre-approval letter, so sellers will take you seriously when you make an offer.
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Work with your KW agent to hone your “wants” and “needs” list. Think about what’s most important to you: the location or the house itself.
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Preview homes through the KW app to eliminate those you won’t need to visit in person.
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Plan an itinerary with your Keller Williams agent.
Making an Offer
Once you’ve narrowed down your list and have a clear favorite, collaborate with us to make an offer on a home.
Your Keller Williams agent will have the most recent standard purchase offer forms that comply with state and local laws.
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The price
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Terms – such as a request for closing cost help or that the offer is subject to your obtaining financing and a home inspection
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Target date for closing
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Earnest money deposit – your KW agent can advise you about how big your deposit should be based on local customs and current conditions
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Request for final walk-through
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Time limit for the offer
Execute Contract
The crucial period between an offer and a final contract is an important time to stay in close contact with your Keller Williams agent so you’re equipped with all the information you need to make smart decisions.
Ask your KW agent to explain the key points in your multi-page contract, such as:
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Accuracy of information, including the correct spelling of your name and the property address
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The effective date of the contract – important because your contingencies have time limits.
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A list of contingencies, such as that the sale depends on financing, an appraisal, a satisfactory home inspection and perhaps the sale of your current home.
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Property disclosure information from the seller, depending on your state laws.
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A complete list of what conveys with the property
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A list of required inspections, such as a home inspection and a pest inspection
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Information about when you can move in.
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In some cases, such as if your offer is contingent on the sale of your home, the seller may add a “kick-out” clause, which means that the seller could accept another offer if one is made before your home is sold.
Schedule Home Inspection
As soon your offer is accepted, you should schedule your home inspection. If you’re buying in a busy season, it may take time to find an available inspector, so rely on your Keller Williams agent to recommend trusted home inspectors.
Your home inspector will check a massive list (more than 1,000 items) of systems, appliances and structures in your home to evaluate its condition. You’ll get a written report that identifies potential problems and future maintenance issues. It’s up to you to decide whether the report means you want to walk away from a house or ask the sellers to make repairs. You can also have an “information only” inspection, which means you’re buying the house as is, but want to know its condition.
Get a Home Warranty
Some home sellers pay for a home warranty that covers them while their home is on the market and conveys to the buyers after the sale. You can ask your real estate agent for advice about negotiating for the sellers to pay for a warranty or buying one yourself.
A home warranty policy, which typically lasts for one year and is renewable, provides coverage for some of your home’s systems and appliances. In return for the annual fee, the company will cover repair costs and arrange for contractors. You’ll pay a deductible fee and possibly service fees if you need to use the warranty.
Close
While you may feel jittery before your closing, your KW agent and lender should have you fully prepared for the day. As the buyer, you choose the title company for your title search and the closing. Your agent and lender can recommend reliable title companies.
As your closing nears, you should:
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Stay in close touch with your Keller Williams agent, lender and title company.
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Avoid lowering your credit score with a new credit application or late payments.
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Confirm that your contract contingencies are resolved, including the home inspection, an appraisal and your financing.
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Finalize your homeowner’s insurance policy.
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Gather your down payment and closing cost funds in an accessible account.
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Review your Closing Disclosure form, which you’ll receive three days before your settlement, and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
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Arrange a wire transfer or get a cashier’s check for the funds you need for the settlement.
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Schedule a walk-through of your new home within 24 hours before your closing to check its condition.