The Buying Process
GETTING PRE-APPROVED
If you’ll be obtaining financing, it’s important to get pre-approved as soon as possible so you have a clear idea of the price point you’re comfortable with. We have found that a pre-approval from a local, trusted lender can make a difference when in competition. You may already have a relationship with a lender but we are happy to provide names of trusted and reputable lenders.
UNDERSTANDING BUYER AGENCY
In the traditional buying process, a real estate agent working with a buyer without a Buyer Agency contract is, by law, working as an agent of the seller. An agent working without a Buyer Agency contract must still be fair in his/her dealings, but is prohibited by law from giving the buyer critical advice such as a professional opinion of a price or in suggesting negotiation strategies. We welcome the conversation of the benefits of hiring us as your buyer agent.
YOUR HOME SEARCH
Many buyers have their preferred online search site for available homes. However, the most accurate and up-to-date source is MLS. Our team will set up a customized search for you in MLS after working with you to define your ideal home parameters. We will provide access to a customized portal and app to allow you to look for homes any time. You’ll also receive an email update as soon as a property that fits your needs hits the market. Our team will ensure your timely access to newly listed properties, which is extremely important in a highly competitive market.
THE OFFER PROCESS
As your Buyer’s Agent, we do our homework so we can advise you on crafting the perfect offer and ensure you’re well represented. This is when our years of experience and expertise is put to work. Our team thinks out-of-the-box as an advocate for you to package and ensure the offer represents your best interests before it’s accepted. Once your offer is accepted, we don’t just “push papers”. We’re fully engaged with you every step of the way, managing all the details and keeping you informed.
CLOSING & BEYOND
It’s finally here! You’re all packed and ready to close on your home and as your advocate we’re here to help ensure closing day goes smoothly. And once closing is complete we’re always here for you. Anything you need, just reach out to us any time, even for a favor.
The home buying process
Buyer’s guide
Your understanding of the purchasing process is invaluable and deserves your special attention. For your benefit, it is essential that your First Weber agent ask questions to understand your needs, wants, and ability to purchase.
Showing process
Your First Weber Agent will assist you in selecting homes for viewing in accordance with your needs. Please feel free to inspect all aspects of a home during the showing and make notes regarding each home.
Communication during showings
Feedback is essential. Specific comments help your First Weber Agent determine exactly what you’re looking for and should result in finding a suitable home and making an offer.
The offer
After an offer is written, your First Weber Agent will contact the listing agent who will present your offer to the sellers.
The sellers have the following alternatives:
- Accept the offer
- Reject the offer
- Write a counter offer (Should a counter offer be written, your First Weber Agent will then discuss whether it is in your best interest to accept, reject, or counter back.)
Once the offer is accepted, your First Weber Agent will notify you immediately.
Mortgage application
It is extremely important that you apply for a loan immediately after your offer is accepted. Your First Weber Agent can recommend several lenders for you to contact. The lender may require a loan application fee to be used toward a credit check, appraisal, etc.
Processing your loan
In order to speed the process along, have your bank account and credit card numbers available as these will need to be verified by your lender. Your First Weber Agent will check with your lender throughout the processing of your loan to ensure things are progressing smoothly.
Time and place of closing
Once your loan is approved, the time and place for closing, as agreed upon in the offer, will be scheduled.
Prior to closing
- Have all utilities transferred to your name as of the date of closing. Notify post office and telephone company of your address change.
- You will have the opportunity to make a final inspection of the property.
- A one year Home Warranty Plan will be made available for purchase by you if it was not part of your offer to purchase.
- Your lender may require you to obtain a homeowner’s insurance policy and have a paid receipt to begin coverage on your new home at closing.
- Obtain a certified check for the exact amount of money to be paid at closing. This figure will be made available to you prior to closing.
Understanding Buyer Agency
Wisconsin Agency Law Provides for Different Types of Relationships Between Buyer and REALTOR®
The Traditional Buying Process
In the traditional buying process, a real estate agent working with a buyer without a Buyer Agency contract is, by law, working as an agent of the seller. An agent working without a Buyer Agency contract must still be fair in his/her dealings, but is prohibited by law from giving the buyer critical advice such as a professional opinion of a price or in suggesting negotiation strategies.
Buyer Representation
Buyer Representation (Buyer Agency) was created in response to buyers’ desires to have agents work in their best interests as opposed to the sellers’ best interests. First Weber was one of the first brokerages to embrace buyer agency and First Weber agents are encouraged to work as Buyer Agents for buyers if at all possible.
Designated Agency
With Designated Agency, a buyer under Buyer Agency with a broker continues to receive full client services even when purchasing a property listed with another agent in the same brokerage. First Weber Group, as a full service broker to both buyers and sellers, offers Designated Agency to better serve both buyers and sellers.
The benefits of Buyer Representation
Services provided: |
Buyer Representation |
Traditional Buying Process |
• Express a professional opinion of the seller’s asking price, based on a Comparative Market Analysis prepared for YOU |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: NO |
• Recommend and assist YOU with negotiation strategies for best price and terms |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: NO |
• Negotiate exclusively on YOUR behalf throughout the transaction |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: NO |
• Critique a seller’s property beyond disclosing defects |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: NO |
• Advise on, write the offer, and draft provisions in YOUR best interests |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: NO |
• Protect your confidentiality |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
• Treat you honestly and fairly |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
• Respond honestly and accurately to questions concerning the property |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
• Provide community data and current market conditions |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
• Present contract proposals in an objective and unbiased manner |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
• Accompany you to the closing and assist you throughout the process |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
• Disclose “adverse material facts” about the property |
Buyer Representation: YES |
Traditional Buying Process: YES |
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
How can we help you?
At Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, we strive to create an extraordinary experience through the efforts of knowledgeable and caring mortgage professionals where relationships are valued, and the focus is on treating every client as if they were the only client.
97% of our clients say they had a great experience working with us.
4.89 out of 5 stars: our average client rating.
Rated Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America – 2017.