Buyer's Consultation

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The very first step to purchasing a home is to contact Beatrice, REALTOR® Sales Associate (856) 676-4046 because she can easily refer you to the professionals you will need to have a successful buying or selling process. She has access to all the ACTIVE listings in New Jersey via Bright and Garden State MLS.  

If you are looking to relocate to or out of New Jersey, Beatrice can help you with the process.

This is not 1950 - 1980 or 2008, the market is constantly changing.  Listen to Beatrice and your Lender, they are the professionals.

You must obtain a Pre-Approval Letter before searching for a home.  This letter will help you find the perfect home within your budget.  They will also prepare you for all your closing costs.

Your Lender can help you find the grants and programs you need to get your help.  You need to have the right Lender because each situation is different.

Beatrice will search endlessly throughout the Bright and Garden State MLS as well as numerous other avenues to find you a suitable home.  She will schedule any and all appointments to take you for a tour of the properties you are interested in.

If you are unable to come to the home in-person, let her know because she can create a virtual tour just for you!  Technology is great!

Beatrice will prepare an offer on your favorite property and present it to the Listing Agent and/or Seller. 

She will negotiate the terms of the offer and carefully review the Contract of Sale (COS).  She will mitigate your exposure to risk.  She will find the best way to win just for YOU! 

Once your offer is accepted, you will receive a COS.  Beatrice will make sure to review carefully the COS and will take the time to explain it all to you before you sign it.   She will create a Timeline for the Transaction to make sure everyone stays on task.  Time is of the Essence in all transactions, we must move accordingly and on time.  

Once all parties have signed the COS, Buyers have the right to seek an attorney during the 3-day Attorney Review period.  Afterwards you will need to send in the Earnest Money Deposit for escrow to the Title company listed on the Contract of Sale.  If your Attorney wishes to change anything on the COS, he/she must put everything in writing. 

Earnest Money Deposit also known as a good faith deposit or escrow.  The deposit amount is typically 1% of the purchase price or higher.  This shows the Seller how serious you are about purchasing their home.  

Escrow is due 5 days after all parties have signed the COS.  Funds are placed into an escrow account and held until Settlement by the Title company listed in the COS.  

Yes, this amount is subtracted from the amount you must bring to closing. 

A Buyer has 14 days for all inspections to be conducted, unless otherwise specified by the Listing Agent.  

Home Inspections can seem like an unnecessary expense.  However, the cost of a home inspection is worth it!  It is better to pay $400-$600 for a report you think you don't need than to skip it and pay thousands of dollars on major repairs you could have known about on your new home.  

If the property has a septic or water well system or  in-ground pool - GET IT INSPECTED before Settlement. 

A home inspection is for the Buyer to know the condition of the home.  A home appraisal is to get the market value of the home which is needed to finalize the Lenders Underwriting process.  

The Appraiser goes out to the property and determines its value.  Depending on the type of loan you are getting you may need to have some repairs done.

At this point you will also need to purchase home insurance.  Beatrice and/or your Lender can help you find the right insurance for your home.  You can also choose your own insurance company.

One week prior to Closing you should make your change of address in the post office.  You should transfer all your utilities over to your new home by the closing date.  Make sure to notify your children's school(s) of the new address.  Beatrice will help you find the utility companies you need to call and provide you with the numbers for you to call. 

After all financial contingencies are meant by Buyer, title company conducts the title search and orders the survey (if requested by Buyer) - we receive the Clear to Close. This is great news!!  The Buyer will receive a Closing Disclosure (CD) 3 days before Settlement, which tells the buyer how much you need to bring to the closing and the itemized details.  Lender will explain everything.  

Beatrice will schedule the Closing Day! 

You have worked hard for 30 days or more to get to this moment!  Exercise your fingertips and get ready to sign your homeownership paperwork. 

Bring your ID and certified check.  Beatrice will greet you at the closing table with a big smile. Approximately 2 weeks after closing you will receive your Deed in the mail. 

                            Congratulations!!!