+ How do I get started?

First things first, do you need financing in order to buy a house? If so, you will want to get prequalified for a mortgage in order to find out how much you qualify for. This is key, so we know what price range to look for homes in and so you can get the information you need for how much you will need for a down payment and what your estimated closing costs are. This is also super helpful so you can know how much your estimated payment can be along with what the going interest rates are currently. If you have any credit concerns, they can also help put a plan in place to increase your credit score. Lots of great information comes out of this. We have several preferred lenders that can help walk you through this entire process.

+ Now that I am prequalified for a Mortgage, what is next?

Congratulations! This is so exciting – now we get to start looking at homes! This is where we will connect with you and talk more about what you are looking for in a home, and set you up on a property search and get to working to finding you the home you are looking for and we can start seeing homes! Some homes sell very fast and we know that it is important to be accessible to you and we will work closely with your schedule to make sure you can see the homes you are interested in and be available for you. Once we find a Home that fits what you are looking for, we can start the offer process now that we have a Prequalification Letter.

+ How do I search for a home?

You will find that there are many sites that allow you to search and look for homes. It is so much fun to search the internet for homes and see all the great homes for sale.

As exciting as this is, most of these sites will show that more homes are for sale that are actually already pending (under contract) or sold and closed. This can be very frustrating, we know.

We have the technology through our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that we can give you direct access to a customized search for homes that will also give you real time availability, so you are getting the most current up to date information and homes on the market.

+ I want to buy a brand New home, do I need a Realtor?

YES! And YES! Please never visit a Model Home or New Build Community without your Realtor with you on your First visit! This is so important! If we are not with you at your first visit to register you and help you, the sales representative/builder there will more than likely not allow you to have representation if you later want to purchase a home from them. The sales consultants in the model homes work for the builder, AKA seller.

If you end up buying a home through them, you may be unrepresented if we are not with you on your first visit. Which means you will have no one on your side helping you review your legal documents and looking out for your best interests. Also, please know that builders are not able to give you a better deal if you do not have a Realtor. Having an experienced Realtor on your side can help you actually save money during this process and guide you every step of the way. Please call us before visiting any model homes or new build communities, we want to help.

+ Once we have found a home with Lisa, what's the next step?

Once we have found a home for you, we are ready to make an offer. We will discuss all the key aspects that are important to you, along with the details about the home in order to make an offer.

Timing, strategy, and putting all the details together are all important.

We use the best technology to get your purchase agreement together quickly and efficiently by utilitizing digital signatures that you can sign from your phone or computer. We take the time to run a detailed market analysis to determine what the true market value is for the home you are wanting to purchase in order to ensure you are offering a fair price. A lot of different strategies go into the offer process and depending on the market we are in, we know how to help your offer stand out. An experienced Realtor on your side is very important to help you through every detail and get you the home of your dreams, and we can do just that!

+ What is earnest money?

When you are ready to make an offer on a home – and also want to prove to the Home seller that your serious about your offer – earnest money is the perfect what to show your level of seriousness and commitment.

Earnest deposits are typically 1% of the purchase price, however if your finances are tight, this can be a lower amount. The higher the amount, the more serious you will look to the Seller. As a Buyer, your earnest deposit would be due within 24 hours of going under contract. This deposit is typically paid to the Title company and is credited back to you at closing and combined in your total costs to close. If the transaction falls through due to a failed home inspection or any other contingencies listed in the contract, and depending how the contract is written, the buyer typically gets their earnest money back.

+ Should I get a Home Inspection?

When you are under contract on a home and your offer gets accepted, you will typically have a 10 day inspection period. This will give you all the time you need to do your due diligence and research anything and everything that is important to you. This includes hiring a Home & Termite Inspector. This is a cost that the Buyer pays for that is separate from your closing costs but it is very important.

This will give you a lot of great information about the home you are purchasing. The cost for a home & termite inspection can vary from around $350-$700 depending on sq ft, pool, and features of the home.

If you want to do any other inspections beyond this, those will be added expenses from those providers as well.

+ What is an appraisal?

An appraisal determines the amount a mortgage lender will let you borrow for the property. If you are getting a mortgage, the lender will order the appraisal through an appraisal management company called an AMC. Appraisals must be conducted by a licensed, third-party appraiser who has no connection to the Buyer, Seller, or Lender. That way, all parties can be sure the determine market value given is fair, unbiased, and free of any influence from any party that could benefit. The appraisal fee is typically charged to the Buyer as part of their closing costs. Sometimes the lender needs to pay the appraisal fee upfront and will charge the Buyer when the order is placed, and sometimes you can pay for it at closing along with your closing costs.

+ How quickly can we close and get keys?

Typically, this can average 30-45 days from the time you go under contract to the time you close and get your keys. Several factors goes into this. You will need time to complete your inspections and if you are obtaining a mortgage, the lender will need this time to get your appraisal back from the appraiser, and get your loan documents completed in a timely and efficient manner.

+ How much do I have to pay a Realtor to help me buy a house?

We have great news, buyers pay little or no fees to their Realtor when buying a home. Typically, there are two real estate agents involved in the transaction of buying a home, one that represents the seller and another who represents the buyer. Additionally, in Arizona, the home seller's take care of the Realtor fees for most transactions.