Search one of the most complete collections of properties in the region.
Get Pre Approved For a Mortgage
- It’s best to use a local lender with underwriting
- Authority
- Your lender will let you know
- What type of mortgage best suits your needs
- How much, if any, down payment you will need
- What your monthly payments will be
- What other expenses (closing costs, etc.) you will have with your home purchase (often, your Realtor can negotiate with the seller to pay for some or all of these costs)
- Obtain a pre-approval letter-it will strengthen your offer
Meet With Your Townsend Realtor and Let Him/Her Work For You
- Complete the proper paperwork so your Townsend Realtor can represent you as a buyer’s agent
- Discuss what you’re looking for in your new home
- Visit www.townsendrealestate.com to view homes, and share your thoughts with your agent
- Enjoy looking for and finding your new home
- Keep in mind that:
- Your Townsend agent can show you homes listed by other companies as well as those For Sale by Owner
- Townsend agents are extremely knowledgeable about the market, and, with company property tours, all our agents are thoroughly familiar with our current inventory
Make An Offer
- Remember, your Realtor is invaluable, as he/she will help you negotiate terms of your contract, including:
- The Purchase Price
- The amount of your closing costs that a seller is willing to pay for you
- How much earnest money (the amount- usually 1% of the sales price-you give to the seller’s agent, to show your good faith when making an offer to purchase)
- Due diligence time period and fee. Due Diligence is the amount of time “under contract” during which you have the opportunity to perform all inspections of the property, have the property appraised, negotiate repairs, and decide if you are willing to move forward with the purchase of the property
- Inclusion of a Home Warranty
- The closing date
While Under Contract...
- Your lender will order an appraisal of the home to ensure that you are purchasing the home at fair market value
- It is recommended that you conduct inspections of the home so you’re aware of any repairs that may need to be done. (Your agent can negotiate to have these fixed for you)
- Have a survey performed to show your property line and make you aware of any encroachments
- Obtain a homeowners insurance policy
- Review restrictive covenants
- If you and the seller are unable to come to an agreement on repairs or survey issues, you have the right to back out of the contract as long as you do so before the “due diligence” date
At Closing/Settlement...
- At settlement, you will sign all documents finalizing your loan and ownership of your home
- If you have a down payment or other buyer expenses, you will need certified funds payable to the attorney
- Your home will officially be yours after settlement, when the attorney has recorded the deed (typically the next business day)
For answers to any of your real estate questions, contact us. We’re here and happy to help you.