Terri Doria - Realtor®
104 E. Olive Ave., Ste. 103
Redlands, CA 92373
Cell: (909) 496-8374
Email: realtorterri@yahoo.com
 Buying A Home
Helping people to buy a home is always exciting. Whether you are a first time buyer, previous homeowner, or investor, I will always do my utmost to give you the very best service. Below are a few things you should know about buying a home.
When we initially meet I will ask you questions to determine what you are looking for in a home and where you would like to live. Next we'll do an initial search in the Multiple Listing data base and map out those properties that fit your guidelines. You will want to drive by the properties to see they appeal to you and if the location is acceptable. You should probably do this as soon as possible, as in today's market, the best homes go fast. Once you have narrowed the list to the properties you like I will schedule to show you the inside of the homes. If we don't find the perfect house for you on the first try, we'll check the MLS on a daily basis for new listings that fit your criteria. As soon as these new listings are discovered, I will contact you immediately so that you may drive by the properties as soon as possible. In today's marke we suggest you don't wait too long to drive by.
GETTING PRE-QUALIFIED WITH A LENDER While you are looking for a home you will want to be working with a lender to obtain your loan. The loan process can be started before you choose a home. If you have been pre-qualified and have provided the lender with the paperwork necessary to do the loan, you will have saved a substantial amount of time, which will then reduce the length of the escrow. This planning ahead will impress a seller and make your offer more desirable than one in which the buyer is just starting to obtain a loan and will need a longer escrow. Obtaining a lender in advance will also help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. Some of the variables to consider could be; how much you want to put down on a home, how much you expect to gain from the proceeds of your current home's sale, and the prevailing interest rate. If you don't have a lender and need some referrals, here's a few local lenders who I believe can help. The list is not long but they are lenders that I have either worked with or interviewed and that I would be comfortable using myself! When we have found your home, I will assist you in making a formal, written offer to purchase. This is a legally binding contract outlining what you will give (a combination of price and terms) in exchange for the home. Remember, everything is negotiable. You can ask for what you want, but you should also consider what you're willing to give up. Keep in mind, the more contingencies in your offer, the less attractive it will be to the seller. Also, it is best to know your absolute upper limit before you begin negotiations, so that in the heat of the moment you don't end up with a home you really can't afford. The difference between a Firm or Conditional Offer. . . A conditional offer to purchase means that you have placed one or more conditions on the purchase, such as subject to financing, home inspection, repairs, or sale of your existing home. The home you're purchasing is not sold until all the conditions have been met. Acceptance of the Offer . . .
The counter-offer may be in reference to the price, the closing date or any number of variables. The offers can go back and forth until both parties have agreed or one ends the negotiations. What is Escrow? Simply put, Escrow provides one central place where all funds and documents related to a sale of property may be deposited until all conditions of the contract are met. Once the sale is completed the Escrow office will collect funds from the sale, pay the Seller, and record the sale. Escrow is an independent third party who is trusted to perform these services impartially, protecting both Buyer and Seller, and acting on their written instructions in dealing with lenders, attorneys, brokers, agents, and any other parties involved in the transfer of the property. Although all Escrow Companies should provide basically the same service, a few tend to be better at getting the job done quicker, some even with a smile. Here's a couple Escrow Company recommendations I've used regularly and enjoy using. Regardless of who you choose as your Escrow Company, as your agent I'll keep in contact with your Escrow Officer regularly to check that everything is going as smoothly as possible. These days nearly everyone has a home inspection performed before buying a home. This is a very valuable tool for two reasons. One, an inspection can reveal potential problems with key items that can be costly to repair, such as roofing or air conditioning. The repair of these items might be negotiable with the seller. Second, inspectors usually find many small problems due to wear and tear. Although these items are usually not considered as needing immediate attention, the buyer should keep them in mind for repairs down the line, after the purchase is concluded. A home inspection is traditionaly done as soon as possible after opening escrow. The purchaser often has 17 days to have a Qualified Home Inspector go through the home in detail. The inspection takes from 2 -3 hours and includes a detailed analysis of the home's 5 major systems:
A good inspector offers you a written report at the time of the inspection detailing any deficiencies and/or positive qualities found in the home. The purpose of the Home Inspection is to give the buyer an overall blue print on the condition of the home and often helps the buyer plan what should be done next. Remember, even a renovated home must be maintained on a regular basis. It is not done for the purpose of renegotiating the offer, unless something completely unexpected turns up. It's a day filled with nervous anticipation. This is the day on which all of the legal and financial promises in the offer are met. It's the day when you get the keys and begin a new phase in your life. Working with your escrow officer, I'll give you all of the details on steps and timings. We'll make certain all of the small details will be taken care of ahead of time, so in most cases all you'll have to do is wait by the phone. If you are hiring a professional mover be sure to call for quotes well in advance. If you are relying on friends and family, consider:
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