BUY
Why you should use Arlington Premier Realty to purchase a home:
First and foremost, you are our top priority. We will help you through each step along the way to finding your next home in Northern Virginia. At Arlington Premier Realty we function as a team. There is always an agent available to show you that property that just came on the market. You will never be left hanging because your agent is away on vacation. This type of coverage is a “luxury” that you deserve. From the day we meet to discuss what you are looking for, all the way to the settlement table, we will work to make the entire transaction seamless and ensure that everything is done in your best interest.
Eight Steps To Purchasing A Home:
1. Initial Consultation - When you first meet with an Arlington Premier Realty agent, you will start formulating your vision for your next home. Many clients come in only knowing that they are “ready to buy.” Others might have an exact picture of their budget, location, and type of home they are looking to purchase. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, rest assured that we are experienced in guiding you through the process so you feel confident in your decisions.
2. Mortgage Pre-Approval – Purchasing a home can be a financially daunting and scary process. Our goal is always to make sure that our clients are working within their “comfort zone.” A pre-approval will help you embark upon the search process with a clear understanding of your range of affordability. Also, when you are ready to submit an offer it is one less hurdle and indicates to the seller that you are a serious, qualified buyer.
3. The Search
a. Daily Email Alerts - Give your tired eyes a break and stop searching through endless real estate websites with outdated information. From here on you will receive a daily email alerting you to new and updated listings – in real time – that meet your criteria.
b. Showings - Your agent will schedule appointments to view properties at times that are convenient for you.
4. Submitting An Offer - In Virginia, the average offer to purchase a home is approximately 20 pages of legal documents. Our agents will patiently guide you through each section so you are comfortable with its content before you sign. Your offer will be submitted to the Listing (or Seller’s) Agent, along with a copy of your Mortgage Lender’s Letter and a copy of your Earnest Money Deposit (or EMD). An EMD is typically equal to 1 to 5 percent of the purchase price. All EMD’s are held in an Arlington Premier Realty Escrow account until settlement. Your EMD will be applied to your down payment at settlement. A good offer is more than just how much you are willing to pay. Your agent will help you prepare a clean and compelling offer.
5. Negotiating A Successful Contract - Here is where we really go to bat for you. Once your offer has been submitted it is up to us to represent your best interest during the negotiating process. Again, more than just the purchase price is on the table here. What about a seller subsidy, or a home inspection contingency, or a pre-settlement occupancy agreement? We will work to get you a ratified contract that you feel good about.
6. The Home Inspection – We always recommend that a buyer conduct a home inspection whether the property is a brand new condo or a 100-year-old farmhouse. This is an important step in getting to know the property and possibly even discovering any hidden deal-breakers. At this stage, we also encourage a radon test be conducted on most properties.
7. Getting to the Settlement Table – Once you are “under contract” there are other administrative and negotiating steps that we will manage on your behalf. Whether we are following up on an appraisal, or coordinating settlement between all parties, we are always keeping an eye on the transaction. The last step before settlement is a “Final Walk-Thru.” This is your opportunity to walk through the property one last time before you purchase. With a checklist in hand we will make sure that the property is being sold to you as your contract stipulates.
8. Settlement: A Successful Conclusion – Before you pop the cork on the champagne, uncap your pen. You will be signing a lot of papers at settlement including all of your loan documents and transfer-of-ownership forms. You will also pay your down payment, and review every penny that is changing hands as it is recorded on your Settlement Statement (HUD-1). Once you have signed everything you are given the keys to your new home. Congratulations! Now, it is time to celebrate.
