Buying real estate can be a tedious and confusing process. My experience from 29 years of local real estate practice give my clients many advantages. I work extra hard to make sure my clients understand each step of the process, and strive to help them accomplish their goals with the greatest ease possible. Here is a brief synopsis of the buying process:

1. Determine your price range. Use this form to determine what you can afford. How much money do you have for a downpayment? Generally you pay 3% - 30% of the purchase price, depending on the type of loan you get. 20% is the most common amount. What can you afford for monthly loan payments? It might help to take a look at a mortgage calculator provided by Mortgage101.com

2. Determine some criteria of what you are looking for: Location (in-town, out-of-town), lot size. Home specifications such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and age of home. Also think of any special features that are important to you, such as views, irrigation, or bordering public land. It is often difficult to find your absolute "dream" property, so be somewhat flexible and prioritize your specifications.

3. Get an idea of the area's real estate market. Check out property listings online and in the local newspaper. If you are out-of-town, research my area's relocation information and learn about the neighborhoods. If you are in-town, drive through various neighborhoods to get a sense of where you would like to be.

4. Now that you have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for, it's time to get down to business. Give me a call so I can start researching properties appropriate to your needs. Being aware of what is available on today's market is one of my main priorities. One resource I use is the local Multiple Listing Service, which provides information on the majority of area listings. I also have knowledge of non-published listings and properties soon to be on the market. I will use your specifications and my knowledge of current listings to create a of property information, maps, directions and photos. As we work together, I will continue to update you on new or changed listings.

5. Now it's your turn to narrow down the options. You will discard some possibilities and request more extensive information on others. We will rework your property packet until it is made up of listings you find interesting enough to view in person.

6. Now it is time for us to set up an appointment to view these properties together. I will take you for a tour, and give my input on the quality and value of the properties. You may take notes as we go, and narrow the selection to 2 or 3 properties, or rework the criteria if you are not happy with the selection.

7. After deciding on a property, we determine a buying strategy and make an offer. It is advisable to obtain pre-approval on a loan, which may be presented with the offer. The offer is comprised of the purchase price, terms, various deadlines and any exceptions or contingencies that are necessary. An earnest money check is also given to the listing broker to show the buyers' intent is serious. (If the contract falls through, it is returned to the buyer. Otherwise, it is applied towards the purchase price at closing.)

8. I assist you through the negotiation process, and we hope to come to an agreement everyone is happy with. I make sure you are familiar and comfortable with all of the aspects of the negotiations and terms of the contract. If no contract is agreed upon, we continue looking for property.

8. Now the property under contract undergoes inspections and Title work. This sheds more light on the value and condition of the home and/or land, and gives you as the buyer an opportunity to back out if anything unexpected surfaces.

9. Hopefully, everything runs smoothly and the contract closes without a hitch. Some closings are done in person, but for out-of-towners, sometimes closings are done through the mail. At closing, the buyer brings the purchase amount and their share of the closing costs, and the seller brings the property deed, applicable keys, and share of closing costs. There is usually a lot of paperwork to sign, and then you are finished! Welcome to your new home!