STEP ONE
BUYER CONSULTATION
I will speak with you to learn the details of your current situation. I will help you sort through your list of needs, wants, and wishes. I’ll let you know what services to expect from me. I’ll also educate you on the process, local market trends as well as what’s available in your target area.
STEP TWO
GET PRE-APPROVED
It’s a smart move to get pre-approved for a loan early in your home search. Pre-approval requires the lender to pull your credit information and assess your financial situation. The lender will then give you a letter that states the amount they will be willing to lend you.
STEP THREE
VIEW HOMES
We’ve now talked things over and nailed down what you really want and need in a home. Armed with this, your price range, and my knowledge of the local area, we’ll come up with properties for you to tour.
STEP FOUR
MAKE AN OFFER
Once you’ve found a home you want, I’ll work with you to craft an offer. Remember the listing price is only a starting point. I understand the market and will help you make the most attractive offer, whether below, at, or above the listing price.
STEP FIVE
NEGOTIATION
I am an experienced negotiator and will be your invaluable ally in this area. Having dealt with obstacles that hinder real estate transactions, I will be adept at finding solutions.
STEP SIX
CONTRACT OF SALE
Your down payment is placed in a Trust Account as specified in your contract. Note: In the state of New Jersey, an attorney review of the contract is customary.
STEP SEVEN
SCHEDULE A HOME APPRAISAL
When a home appraisal is required for financing purposes, I will arrange for the home appraiser to have access to the property.
STEP EIGHT
HOME INSPECTION DAY
If your offer calls for a home inspection, this is a big day. You get to have a home inspector look over the home to make sure there are no unseen defects you want to negotiate to have fixed.
STEP NINE
FIRST WALK-THROUGH
Approximately 7 to 10 days before your scheduled settlement date, you and I will look everywhere inside and around the home to ensure that everything is in the condition that was agreed upon and that it meets your expectations.
STEP TEN
CLOSING CONFIRMATIONS
You confirm the date and location of closing/ settlement with your attorney and me.
STEP
ELEVEN
GET CLOSING COSTS
At least three days before closing, you will receive the Closing Disclosure with final settlement costs from your lender. The costs will include any adjustments for miscellaneous items such as heating oil, taxes, etc.
STEP
TWELVE
FINAL WALK-THROUGH
I will schedule a time and together we will look everywhere inside and around the home to confirm that the condition is as expected; also make sure that everything that’s supposed to be there is present and nothing unwanted is left behind.
STEP
THIRTEEN
CLOSING DAY
You sign the mortgage and other documents. The seller is paid and you receive your title (or deed) and keys.
STEP
FOURTEEN
GET THE KEYS AND MOVE IN!!!
You are now a homeowner! Your sale contract will specify exactly how soon you get to move in. Sometimes it’s on the day you sign closing papers, sometimes possession happens a few days after closing. whenever it is you’ve just ended the adventure of home buying and started the adventure of homeownership. Congratulations.
JOSEPH LECZ 