Tips For Buyers

Buying a Home Requires Many Difficult Decisions. Make Sure Your Real Estate Agent is a Top Local Expert. 

Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing one you like. 

As a top Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Charles County area real estate agent, here is how I will guide you through the entire process, from viewing homes and financing, to making sure the final contract is in your best interest: 

- You will have full access to ALL homes available on the Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Charles County market, even listings not yet on the MLS, through my professional Missouri real estate affiliations. 

- My expert local knowledge of the Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Charles County area should be invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more. 

- Every local real estate market absolutely has its own trends and opportunities. This can vary greatly, even one neighborhood to the next. Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Charles County is no different! It's my job to steer you into opportunities and out of traps. 

- What is the true market value of the home you are interested in? Is it priced too high? Is it a bargain that you should jump on? I help home buyers make decisions like this every day, and I'll make sure that YOU get the best value for your money. 

- Negotiating with sellers can be stressful. I will help you negotiate, so that the final contract includes your best possible terms and conditions. 

- You should know absolutely everything about the property you are buying! You and I will view every home that you are interested in, together. And prior to closing I will make you fully aware of any and all inspections available to you. 

- Have confidence when signing documents. Contracts are full of complicated terms and clauses that can greatly affect your future life in your new home. I will give you the full benefit of my real estate knowledge and experience. 

Let me represent your best interests in your search for a new home in the Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Charles County area. While you can see a million homes on the web, actually buying your home is another matter entirely. Buyers beware! 

Tips for Buyers

Use a Buyers Agent
Finding the right agent is important in the home buying process. An agency relationship is required by law to have with the agent helping you find your home. Choose the agent that you feel is committed to you, with your best interests in mind. This agent should also be knowledgeable in all facets of the home buying process. Don't just use any agent unless you know he or she will work totally on your behalf. If you do not hire an agent to be your "buyers agent" this agent will just be considered a "transaction broker" and may not have your best interest in mind. I am totally committed to all my clients and will work for your best interests at all times. I also have many years experience with real estate and mortgages which will help you from contract to close!  

Setting Your Financial Goals
Try and be conscientious on your spending before your home purchase. Limit credit card purchases or any large purchase item such as a vehicle. Remember every $100 monthly payment could lower your new home purchase price by $10,000.00. 

It is best to consult with a loan officer to help you set your goals and to get pre-approved before your home shopping. For more helpful loan information please go the "Mortgage Center". 

Find A Lender and Get Pre Approved
It is best to find a loan officer before you start the shopping process. Your buyers agent should have great references of trust worthy lenders. Knowing exactly what you qualify for will help you and your agent find the right homes to tour. 

Your loan officer should have many different loan options and programs that can fit your needs. You may be pre-approved which tells the seller, when your offer is made, that you can qualify for their home. This helps you with your negotiations. You may also get total loan approval just subject to you finding the home. That will shorten your time from contract to close. 

I will help fit you with the right loan officer and loan program. Please go to the mortgage center on the main menu for more loan information.  

Make Your List
When looking for your dream home it is always best to make of list of the very important things that you would like. I always suggest that you write down five very important items that you desire in your home search. You may also write down another five that you would also like if possible. This helps you with a focus for your home search. 

Some items of importance may be location, home style, home size, age, options or upgrades, walk out, fireplace, school district, garage size, lot size, price range, etc. 

Things are not always set in stone but this will help alleviate looking at many homes that may not be right for you. 

Importance of Inspections
BUILDING INSPECTION -For a buyer, getting a home inspection is a very important thing to do. Do not think because you may want to save some costs on your home purchase, that this is something you can forgo. Even on new construction, it is important to get a building inspection. 

A building inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering, and to get a written professional opinion of its condition. An inspection is also helpful for you just to learn how to keep up the maintenance. 

When your offer to purchase is submitted be sure that your agent has included the opportunity for you to have a inspection. It is advisable to use an inspector that belongs to a local or national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspections). 

WELL AND SEPTIC -If a property you are considering has a well and/or septic system, you should always demand these be inspected. This must be written in your offer. You or the seller may agree to pay for this. Certain counties require a clear report before transfer of ownership takes place. 

OCCUPANCY INSPECTIONS -Some cities require occupancy or code compliance inspections before transfer of ownership. Your agent will help advise you on this. 

What Happens From Contract To Close?
I will not say that every contract to purchase follows exactly the following time line, but for the most part, the following order and deadline sequence usually pertains. Number of days start from contract acceptance date (On contingent to sell, days start from sale of buyers home). 

1. Usually insurance needs to be applied for and confirmed by insurance company.
2. Any Inspections to be done and repairs agreed upon between buyer and seller.
3. Buyers loan approved.
4. Title and Survey comes in and reviewed.
5. Closing set.
6. Seller needs to provide buyer with gas inspection and any city inspections that may be required.
7. Closing Day! 

Closing and Title Costs
There are closing costs involved with the purchase of your home. The total costs for these vary depending on the loan program and lender you use. 

You may request in your offer that the seller pay your closing costs. This will help you be able to get into a higher price home than you may be able to if you needed to use your savings for closing costs. Be aware that some loan programs may only allow the seller to pay only a certain percentage of your purchase price. 

Usually the buyer pays for title costs, but you may also request the seller to pay for these.
 

Ask me any question about buying a home in Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Charles County. It's my job to help you! There's no obligation, and I promise to respond quickly...