We understand the home buying process can feel overwhelming, so we've broken it down into 8 simple steps to make the process as easy and painless as possible. With our support and guidance, you will find the perfect place to call home.
Selecting a buyer's agent is a very important decision that must be based on finding a Realtor with specialized skills. These skills include having a thorough understanding of the market area, new construction, local, state, and federal laws, and finally negotiation, and financing skills.
Michelle Porter has the experience and education to ensure you are making the best investment decision for your needs. Plus, she also has the tools and technology to help make the process as enjoyable and smooth as possible.
Let's get to know each other and create your wish list! Need to move for a job? Want a shorter commute? Getting married? Having a baby? Once you're ready to work with our team, we'll talk on the phone or meet in person to discuss. We truly want to understand your wants and needs.
My focus is on excellent service with emphasis on a satisfying experience for YOU!
Ready to talk? Click HERE to schedule a chat with me.
Identifying up front what is affordable will save time and frustration in the home finding process. It is important to begin the financing process prior to looking at homes.
We'll introduce you to Our Mortgage Partners, who can help determine your buying price range with confidence. Be prepared to dig up lots of paperwork! The lender will do a full review and then tell you how much money you will be able to borrow in order to purchase a home. This is a vital step in the home buying process! Download a Mortgage Documentation Checklist.
A pre-qualification letter from a lender can help make your offer stand out among others, giving you the advantage!
We want to get to know you and your family -- Need an extra bedroom? Need a home office? Need to upgrade or downsize? At this stage, we'll set up a custom profile for you in our MLS system based on your criteria. This enhanced interface will send you notifications each day about the listings that you're most likely to be excited about. I'll handpick homes for you to review based on my knowledge of what you are looking for.
Our MLS search is the most effective way to find homes that are available now. Zillow and other websites are often many days behind our system. This can be the difference between finding the perfect home or losing out to another buyer.
Here's where the buying process gets really fun! We'll schedule showing appointments from the listings you have seen online or while driving around town, plus our own recommendations. You may also want to attend weekend open houses. We'll help you evaluate each property, narrow down your selections, and choose the right home and area for you.
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Once you've found a home, we'll review comparable sales data to determine offer price, decide on other terms, and prepare a written offer to present to the seller. The price the seller is asking may or may not reflect realistic market value. Download a sample NC Offer to Purchase and Contract.
And while everyone loves getting their offer accepted right away, the seller could come back to us with a counter offer, or there could be a multiple offer situation. We're happy to walk you through each of these possibilities and exactly how to handle them. Our goal is to negotiate the best possible contract terms for you.
Once the offer is accepted, it's time to get your financing in order and move forward to the next step!
The seller accepted your offer, WOO-HOO! Now it's time to inspect what we expect. During the Due Diligence Period, we will schedule inspections on your behalf to make sure everything in the home is functioning properly and to make sure there are no major issues. Customary inspections in our area include general home, radon, termite, HVAC, fireplace, survey, and well and septic (if applicable). Download our Due Diligence Checklist.
After we complete all the inspections, we will discuss the findings and submit a written request to the seller outlining any items you want to address. They will respond and we will handle all of the negotiating details for you.
Your lender will be performing their appraisal and insurance will be procured.
Hooray, it is time to close on your home! This process includes going through all the final paperwork and signing your name (a lot). You'll sign the loan documents, deed, settlement statement, and then you'll get the keys! Don't forget to bring your down payment and/or certified funds. Lastly, the deed is recorded at the local courthouse, and then you own a new home.
You'll want to schedule all your utilities to be cut on effective the day of closing. Download the Utility Information for the Triad. Other things you may want to consider at this time are landscaping plans/maintenance, home security systems, new home furnishings, appliances, and interior decorating to help make the house a home. Download our handy Moving Checklist.
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