For Home Buyers

Buying a home is an exciting time! Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that your new home and community meets your needs. Our services and experience range from financial aid to helping you find the home that best suits you and your family. For your convenience, we also provide listings by email. We work nearly exclusively with returning clients and referrals from clients. It is a true honor and a testament to the way we work for you!  The best part of being the buyer....YOU DONT PAY US!!! Thats right, the seller is responsible for our commission. 

As Your Agent, We Will:

• Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria. We ca quickly narrow your search electronically now! Gone are the days of driving all over town just to be disappointed. From color photos to virtual tours it almost feels like you are in each and every home you view online!
• Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing, to sitting by your side at the closing table. We are a team from beginning to end. You will NEVER question whether we are on your side!
• Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
• Get you a 1 year Home Warranty as a THANK YOU for your service!
• Be your advocate NOW and FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Our relationship doesnt end when you leave the closing table. We promise to stay in touch and encourage you to call us anytime! If we dont have answers, we will help you find them!

Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:

• Check your credit rating. Straighten out any errors before its too late. We recommend calling James Walrod of Union Mortgage.  He will start by pulling your credit and either issue a pre-approval or work on a plan to get you ready.  If you are close to being ready but have some minor "tweaking" to do, he may be able to help with credit rescoring.  Check out his website or call him at 757 274-3444.
• Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment. With a VA loan, you dont need a down payment. However, there are factors to consider like Earnest Money Deposit, Home Inspection, and Appraisal. 
• Find a loan program that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved).
• Choose a REALTOR® that you trust and who understands your needs.
• Determine what neighborhood best matches your needs. You may wish to narrow by school district. We understnad the importance and know the districts which are highly sought after.
• Identify important features you need your new home to have. Sometimes these are dreams, sometimes they are wants, and sometimes they are needs. Build us a categorized list so we can understand what you have in mind.

Closing Costs to Expect:

• Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
• Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
• Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
• Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
• ALL OF THESE FEES CAN OFTEN BE NEGOTIATED INTO THE DEAL FOR PAYMENT BY THE SELLER!