The Buying Process
Find a REALTOR®
The first and most important step in purchasing a home is selecting a representative that you can trust! By choosing to work exclusively with a buyer representative, you are ensuring that you have an agent who works for you and is always mindful of your best interest.
Get Pre-approved
Having a letter of pre-approval for financing tells sellers that you are a ready, willing and able buyer. When the time comes to submit an offer, your letter of pre-approval will also be sent to the seller. This will let the seller know that you are a serious buyer and intend to follow through with the purchase.
Being pre-approved can also ensure that you are looking at homes within your budget!
Your buyer representative can put you in contact with a lender, who can provide information in regards to your approval and what programs and financing options are available!
Consultation
Once you’re pre-approved and have a budget set, you’re ready to meet with your agent and discuss your wants and needs in a home. You’ll also discuss area and pin-point exactly where you want to search.
The Search Begins
Once you’ve established the type of home you’re searching for, it’s time to start looking! Your buyer representative is available, by appointment, to help you find your dream home.
Making an Offer
When you find your dream home, you should present a competitive offer immediately. Your buyer representative has extensive experience in contract negotiations; he or she will ensure that you get the home you want for a fair price—a transaction in your best interest.
An Accepted Offer
When the seller accepts your offer, you will be “under contract” and a step closer to home ownership! You and your buyer representative will work together to make sure every detail is handled accurately and in a timely manner. We want to ensure that your home closes properly and on schedule.
Inspections
Property inspections are often performed to determine the home’s condition. Depending on what the home inspection report displays, further negotiations may be made.
Closing
At closing, you’ll finalize the Lender’s Commitment and sign closing documents, which will ultimately transfer possession of the home to you. Be prepared to bring a cashier’s check, insurance information and proper identification to the closing. The next steps you take will be into your new home!
Home Sweet Home
Congratulations, you are now a homeowner!
Financing
I work with several lenders and can connect you with the right one based on your needs. Not all lenders do all types of loans, so knowing how you want to finance your home is as important as shopping for the best rate. Let me know how I can help you.
VA Loan: A VA (Veterans Affairs) loan is a mortgage loan program available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. The loan is issued by private lenders but guaranteed by the VA, which means the VA will pay a portion of the loan if the borrower defaults. VA loans often have lower interest rates and don’t require a down payment, making them an attractive option for eligible borrowers.
FHA Loan: An FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan is a mortgage loan program insured by the FHA and issued by private lenders. It’s designed to help low- to moderate-income borrowers who may have difficulty qualifying for a conventional loan. FHA loans require a lower minimum down payment and credit score than conventional loans, making them accessible to a wider range of borrowers. However, FHA loans also come with mortgage insurance premiums, which can increase the overall cost of the loan.
Conventional Mortgage Loan: A conventional mortgage loan is a mortgage loan that’s not guaranteed or insured by a government agency. It’s issued by private lenders and typically requires a higher credit score and larger down payment than VA or FHA loans. Conventional loans come in two types: conforming and non-conforming. Conforming loans follow the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while non-conforming loans don’t meet these guidelines and are often referred to as jumbo loans. Conventional loans generally have higher interest rates than VA or FHA loans, but they also offer more flexibility in terms of loan terms and repayment options.
Assumable Mortgage: An assumable mortgage is a type of home loan that allows a buyer to take over the existing mortgage on a property when they purchase it. This means that the buyer agrees to assume the outstanding balance and terms of the original mortgage instead of obtaining a new loan with a prevailing market interest rate. The assumption process still involves a credit check and an approval from the mortgage lender. Assumable mortgages are beneficial for both the buyer and the seller. For the buyer, it can be a way to secure a much lower interest rate or avoid the need for a down payment. For the seller, it can make the property more attractive to potential buyers and potentially expedite the sale process. However, not all mortgages are assumable, and even those that are, may have certain restrictions and requirements. If the purchase price is more than the balance of the assumable loan, the buyer will need to pay the difference in cash at closing, or obtain additional financing to pay the difference.
Construction Loan: A construction home loan is a type of mortgage loan designed to finance the construction of a new home or major renovations to an existing home. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the funds are disbursed all at once, a construction home loan releases funds in stages as construction progresses. Typically, a construction home loan is a short-term loan that covers the cost of the construction phase, usually 6-18 months, after which the borrower can either refinance the loan or convert it to a traditional mortgage loan.
Residential
Whether you are looking to buy your first home or your forever home, upsizing or downsizing, or even wanting to buy an investment or vacation property, you need a knowledgeable agent that will listen to your needs and get to work finding you that perfect place. And in this fast-paced, and ever-changing market, experience and savvy negotiating skills matter.
New Construction
Did you know that you can have your own Realtor when you build a home, and it doesn’t cost you anything? When you visit a model home, that on-site agent represents the builder’s or the developer’s best interests, not yours. And most times, once you sign that contract, you’re on your own from that point on. Building a home requires a lot of decisions, from choosing your paint colors, door knobs, light fixtures, flooring, and even the height of your toilet. I have enjoyed helping scores of Buyers throughout the building process. With me by your side, I will help guide you through the different ways to finance a new build, help you through the design phase, as well as monitor the build timeline and help keep things on track so that you can move into your new home within the expected timeframe.
Land
Land is one thing they aren’t making more of, so owning it is a great investment. Whether you are dreaming of some acreage, or maybe just a small plot to build on, I can help you find what you’re looking for.
Relocation: Inbound & Outbound
Whether you are receiving relocation benefits from your employer or not, having an experienced Realtor in your corner can make the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic, stressful one.
An agent that specializes in Relocation is the key to making your transfer a smooth one.
For over a decade, Heather has partnered with dozens of relocation management companies to support the needs of a plethora of transferring executives, employees, and military personnel.
Not only has she worked with transferees, but she, herself, has been a transferee, several times, and is excited to help her clients juggle the many facets of such a big move.
Heather is a Preferred Agent, which means she has specialized training in Relocations and proven expertise navigating the complexities of a corporate move, helping her clients get the most out of their relocation benefits. She is well-versed in the latest relocation and tax-related policies, procedures, and best practices, which enables her to provide her clients with valuable advice and guidance throughout the entire relocation process.
Able to offer personalized support and strategies, she has earned the reputation as one of the best Corporate Relocation Specialists in the industry. So if you’re looking for a real estate professional who can assist you with all of your corporate relocation needs, Heather Golden is the right choice.