an indispensable partner
Kathy is an indispensable partner in the homebuying process and excels in helping her clients find that special place to call "home". Whether you're a first-time home buyer, looking for a bit more space, or wishing to downsize, you'll want Kathy's eye for uncovering a home's true value & potential on your team. If you're considering purchasing a home, or have questions about the critical steps involved in buying a home then contact Kathy and schedule a consultation because it's time to Stop Looking and Start Finding.
Overview of Kathy's home buying process for finding your ideal home.
Critical Steps and Buyer's Advantages of working with Kathy
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare you for this moment and understand the critical factors that will ensure your success, you will need to know what to expect during the process. Kathy's step-by-step Home Buyer's guide will help understand the keys in submitting a winning offer, highlight some of the many industry leading tools and advantages of @properties, and help you enjoy our journey to finding your dream home.
Meet with Kathy
There are many steps involved in buying a home, but one of the most critical is for us to meet and review your goals and situation. To create success for you, it's important to understand your lifestyle, your budget, and your future plans. Don't just wander around from Open House to Open House or spend your days scrolling through Zillow. Make better use of your time by getting a true professional to work with you. Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you might not possess. I may be able to steer you away from certain homes or neighborhoods, suggest hidden gems, or give you pointers that will help you find your dream home for the right price.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Before you get your heart set on a home, let's talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. I have direct connections to some of the best mortgage lenders and can provide you with recommendations if needed. This will also be an advantage when we go to make an offer on a home. A mortgage pre-approval letter or proof of funds for cash buyers is a must have when submitting an offer.
The power of @properties
Now with a firm understanding of your goals, your unique situation and price range we can truly collaborate in finding you that dream home. @properties has the industry's leading real estate tools and internal networking capabilities to optimize our home search efforts. I'll set up a digital market analysis (dCMA) of homes and neighborhoods that meet your criteria. I'll be able to look for off-market properties, communicate with fellow real estate agents, preview homes for you and focus in on your desired neighborhoods. I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that hit your goals and are within your price range. I'll take notes about what you like and don’t like, and help you determine a home's true market potential.
Digital Comparable Market Analysis
This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.
Purchase Agreement & Negotiations
Once we have found a home that fulfills your goals, I'll work with you to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what asking price the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I'll be able to negotiate on your behalf, while protecting your confidentiality and financial interests. Once we reach an agreement with the seller, the house will go under contract - "Pending".
inspection and appraisal contingencies
In most cases, your offer will have an inspection contingency to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and schedule it within our inspection contingency period. If there are major issues uncovered during the inspection, I can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed.
The mortgage company will also need to have the home appraised to determine the basis of the mortgage loan. I will be working throughout the appraisal periods and continue to negotiate on your behalf.
Taking ownership of your new home
The days leading up to your closing and officially taking ownership of your new home are exciting but can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don't worry, I will be there with you every step of the way. I'll review with you the title company's settlement statement that indicates the amount required to close and help you with the final details of arranging utilities, homeowner's insurance, and other tasks to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new home. As you start to work on your "to-do" list, please remember that I have contacts to some of the best interior designers, painters, architects, handymen ... and whatever else you need for the home of your dreams.
Address 400 S Old Woodward Ave., #100 Birmingham, MI 48009
Address 400 S Old Woodward Ave., #100 Birmingham, MI 48009
