Buyer Resources

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process. From financing to negotiating to closing, there are a lot of moving pieces that can leave homebuyers bewildered.

A real estate agent can help guide you through each step of the buying process, offering sound advice along the way. By working with a professional agent who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry, you’ll not only end up with a great home, but you’ll also walk away with a great experience.

Here are some of the key areas that an agent can help you with:

Getting pre-approved by a lender
Your real estate agent can assist you in obtaining pre-approval from a reputable lender by providing basic financial information such as income, savings, and debt. This process allows the lender to review your financing options, assess affordability, and outline down payment requirements and closing costs. Moreover, your agent, drawing from their experience, may recommend local lenders they have successfully worked with in the past. Whether you're embarking on your home search or preparing to make an offer, securing an updated pre-approval letter is essential, and your agent is here to guide you through this crucial step in the home-buying journey.

list of Southern Oregon Mortgage Lenders

Finding the right home

Finding the right home can be an emotional journey for most buyers. Having the guidance of a skilled real estate agent is invaluable during this process. With the help of a Realtor portal, which updates you on properties as soon as they hit the MLS, you can stay informed about available options in real time. Not only does this portal keep you in the loop, but it also notifies your agent, enabling them to promptly address any questions or concerns you may have about a property. Together, you and your agent can plan showings and explore homes that meet your specific requirements. Unlike relying solely on online property search platforms, where you may end up viewing properties that don't align with your needs, utilizing the agent portal ensures that your home search is efficient and tailored to your preferences from the start. Trusting the expertise of your real estate agent and utilizing the agent portal is the most effective way to find your dream home.

I'd like to sign up for an Agent portal to help find the right property

 Making an offer

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, an agent will research recent comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help determine a fair selling price. Based on those comparable sales, as well as other factors like inspections and repairs, an agent will then help you structure an offer and negotiate to get the very best deal possible.

If time permits, it's crucial to have your Realtor run comps on a property you're considering making an offer on. While online price opinions from real estate search companies can be convenient, they often lack vital data about the home, such as its condition or recent renovations. This can result in inaccurate pricing estimations, potentially leading to missed opportunities or overpaying for a property.

An agent who lives and works locally has invaluable insight into the market and can provide more accurate comparable sales data. They understand the nuances of the neighborhood and can identify factors that may affect the home's value, such as nearby sales or the condition of comparable properties. By relying on your agent's expertise and thorough analysis, you can confidently put your best foot forward when making an offer and increase your chances of securing the house of your dreams.

Due diligence and inspections

The due diligence period in the home-buying process is a critical phase during which home inspections are conducted to uncover any hidden issues or concerns. Having an experienced real estate agent by your side during this time is essential. Your agent will have a network of trusted local home inspectors who have demonstrated professionalism and reliability in representing their clients in the past.

During the due diligence period, various types of inspections may be performed, including sewer scopes, whole-home inspections, mold inspections, and well & sewer inspections, among others. Your agent's resourcefulness becomes invaluable as they coordinate and schedule these inspections within the specified timeframe, ensuring that all necessary assessments are completed promptly.

Additionally, your agent will assist in scheduling secondary inspections, such as roof inspections by reputable roofers, to provide accurate bids during repair negotiations. Beyond inspections, the buyer may need to conduct due diligence on potential property uses, involving contact with city building departments and other relevant entities. Your realtor can help facilitate this process, particularly if you're out of town. With your trusted agent guiding you through this crucial period, navigating the complexities of due diligence becomes more manageable, alleviating stress and ensuring a smoother path to homeownership.

Closing

Closing, or settlement, can be a complicated process. In Oregon, the escrow or title company handles the closing process, and the real estate agent can help ensure everything goes smoothly. Additionally, when loans are involved, buyers need to be available to sign closing docs, either at the title company or remotely, if they live out of the area. It's also crucial to set up utilities nearing closing to avoid any gaps in service upon taking ownership. Your realtor can provide you with contact details for utility companies in the area you're purchasing.

Moreover, as you approach closing day, your agent will work diligently to coordinate with all parties involved to ensure a seamless transition. This includes liaising with lenders, title companies, attorneys, and utility providers to ensure all necessary documents are in order, payments are processed correctly, and utilities are transferred smoothly. Your agent will guide you through each step of the closing process, answering any questions you may have and addressing any concerns that arise along the way. With their expertise and attention to detail, you can rest assured that your closing will be a stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on the excitement of moving into your new home.