Buyer's Guide

Step 1

One-on-one Consultation

Getting to know you and your wish list for your dream home is the key to our work together.  For our initial meeting, we will connect via zoom, phone call, or meet person, to discuss your  needs, timeline, budget, potential neighborhoods and expectations. What is prompting your move? Are you looking for a starter or a forever home? Are you a first-time homebuyer, or a seasoned investor? Do you have an existing home to sell first? Do you already live in the neighborhood where you want to buy, or are you new to the area? What are your desires,  must-haves, and non-negotiables? We will discuss all the details of what is important to you,  and what you can expect from our working relationship together.

Step 2

Affordability & Budget

Getting clear on your budget is one of the most important first considerations of the home-buying process. What are you comfortable contributing as a down payment? How do you envision your monthly expenses? Have you taken closing costs into account? Keeping a home in good condition requires ongoing maintenance which should be part of your cost projections.  Discussing your financial goals with a CPA may be a beneficial step in this process.

Step 3

Lender Pre-Qualification

Once you have determined a range for your personal budget, you will connect with a lender to obtain your pre-approval. Pre-approval letters are required as part of the offer package if you are financing any part of the purchase price of the property. Large down payments and cash offers will require proof of funds. Keep in mind that the amount you may be pre-approved for,  may not be in-line with your expectations. Lenders may often provide a pre-qualification letter based on your maximum buying power, and not necessarily what’s within your personal comfort level.

Step 4

Understanding the Market

The real estate market is incredibly fluid, with prices, interest rates, buyer demand, and available inventory constantly shifting depending on seasonality, financial market conditions,  and world events. Each neighborhood often has its own niche sub-market which may differ greatly between towns and property types just a few miles apart. As a top agent with over a  decade of experience in different markets, I can quickly help parse and analyze relevant data.  Once we identify your preferred location(s), I will provide you with a clear overview of the local market, including metrics with comparable sales, list-to-sale price ratios, absorption rates, and detailed analytics on particular properties, so that you can proceed with confidence in your investment.

Step 5

Choosing Preferred Neighborhoods

The city of Boston and the surrounding suburbs offer a plethora of lifestyle options. From urban hubs to treelined neighborhoods adjacent to conservation land. Are you primarily looking to drive, walk, or bike for daily activities? How do you envision your commute to work? Do you prefer a bustling neighborhood with shops and restaurants or a peaceful oasis with nearby hiking trails and natural sites? Are you looking for an exceptional school system? Or maybe just a particular vibe? We will discuss all these and more, as well as consider demographic metrics so that your dream home is the right community for you.

Step 6

Find Your Dream Home

Seeing potential homes is the fun part. I will keep you in the know on all new suitable listings,  as well as their respective tour schedules and offer deadlines, arrange all showings, and will accompany you on property visits. You also have the option of previewing video tours with me,  should you be out of town. With over a decade of touring thousands of homes, I can quickly help you identify pros and cons, and potential issues, as well as offer ideas for future upgrades and design elements that will quickly build your equity.

Step 7

Making an Offer

Once you are ready to proceed with an offer, We will consider and discuss all the elements of a  successful offer package, such as competitive buyer demand, inspection options, financing,  appraisal, down payment amounts, deposits, timelines, and unique seller requests. We will also  discuss options for seller incentives in a competitive market, such as the option of pre inspections, rent-backs, and waving of contingencies. Your offer will be expertly crafted to  optimize the best price and terms and conditions, while representing you as a top buyer,  always keeping you in your comfort zone and clearly aware of your obligations. Counter offers,  objections and best & final rounds will be expertly negotiated to optimize the best price and  terms.

Step 8

Conducting Inspections

Inspections are a key way to understand the full scope of your purchase, and what is requited for conscientious home maintenance to maintain, and build equity in your home. I will provide you with a vetted list of expert inspectors, and any additional service professionals should any follow-up be needed to clarify initial findings, Qualified inspectors are extremely thorough, and will carefully inspect the property inside and out. Be prepared to spend up to three hours at the property. Afterward, you will receive a detailed report with all findings and recommendations on items that may need immediate attention. We may then make requests for repairs, cost credits,  or price adjustments based on the terms outlined in your offer. Most importantly, you will have a clear picture of the overall condition and unique workings of your new home.

Step 9

Purchase & Sale Agreement

Post offer and any subsequent inspections, you will retain an attorney to negotiate the  Purchase & Sale Agreement which outlines the terms in your offer in greater detail, and spells  out any obligations, representations and warrantees made on your and seller’s behalf. If you  are purchasing a condominium, your attorney will also conduct a review of all relevant  condominium documents, such as budget, HOA rules and regulations, and any upcoming  assessments. Upon execution of the P&S, you will be required to make an additional deposit  as outlined in your offer.

Step 10

Financing

Between Purchase & Sale and the closing, you will work closely with your chosen lender to finalize the financing of your purchase and meet any contingency obligations in your offer. I  can provide you with a list of trusted lenders, with historically competitive interest rates, and excellent communication. Be prepared to submit a multitude of documents relating to your income, investments, taxes, retirement, checking, and savings accounts. Your lender will provide you with options on various loan products to best meet your financial goals.

Step 11

Final Walkthrough & Closing

On the day of your closing we will conduct a final walkthrough together to make sure the property is being transferred to you in good condition as agreed in the offer and P&S. We will then meet at your attorney's office where they will facilitate the signing of your mortgage and title documents. Once a new deed is recorded at the registry, you receive the keys to your new home.

Step 12

Celebrate!