The Buying Process
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING A HOME
Explore The Home Buying Process
Start your journey to homeownership with my step-by-step guide. I will advise you through each step, from assessing your buying power to the final walkthrough. my strategic approach will ensure you're equipped to make informed decisions for a successful and rewarding home purchase.
Get Pre-Approved
The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. A licensed lender can help evaluate your financial standing and provide a pre-approval. They will review your income and credit history to determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search. Having a pre-approval letter in-hand can also increase the attractiveness of your offer, particularly when a seller has multiple offers to choose from.
The Home Search
You can start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. Create your free account to save your favorite properties, request showings and more! As your REALTOR®, I will also search for homes on your behalf. When you find a home that you like, we'll schedule a showing tour for you to preview the property in person.
Making An Offer
When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, I will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible. Then I will draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss the purchase price, the closing date, sale contingencies and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until an agreement is reached, or the offer is rejected by either party.
Going Under Contract
If your offer is accepted, I will bind the agreement, and you will be officially under contract. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point you may be required to make an earnest money deposit, and you will also need to secure your mortgage loan, unless you are making a cash purchase. Lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender you trust to help you determine the best loan for your specific circumstances.
Home Inspection
Inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home-buying process. A licensed home inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire property and report any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems. The inspector will also investigate potential issues such as pest infestations or mold. In some cases, additional inspections by specialists may be desirable, such as a structural or roof inspection. Depending on the purchase agreement, we may enter additional rounds of negotiation to resolve any problems discovered during the inspection process.
Home Appraisal
Your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the true (or fair market) value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract.
The Final Walkthrough
Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed, and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This is the final opportunity to call out any problems identified with the home before closing. Depending on the purchase agreement, you may sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walkthrough is complete, and the condition of the home is acceptable.
Closing!
Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and other costs associated with the closing. They will also confirm that you are clear to close, and you will sign all of the paperwork required to complete your purchase and loan agreement. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive keys, and you'll be ready to move into your new home!
Register Your MLS Search Account
By registering an account, you'll gain access to special features that make the home search process easier and more convenient. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest homes for sale in your preferred area.
Home Search
Access interactive search features with real-time MLS listings to help you find your new home. Save and rate your favorites!
Email Drips
Save your searches and get email alerts with the latest listings that match your criterion sent direct to your inbox!
Market Analysis
Make smart decisions with local market reports. Subscribe today and access up-to-date housing market data!
Featured Listings
Browse my exclusive featured listings in your favorite area. Sort homes by price, location and more!
Moving Checklist
Make planning your move effortless with my Moving Checklist, your essential guide to a successful move. From getting organized two months before moving day, to packing, updating personal records, and final home preparations, this complete guide is designed to keep your move on track and stress-free.
BUYER'S REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
Important Update for Homebuyers!
In light of the recent NAR lawsuit settlement, the real estate landscape has changed, especially for those looking to buy a home. Now, prior to touring any properties, the Texas Real Estate Commission requires buyers to have a signed representation agreement with a buyer’s agent. This can be a "Single Property Agreement" for a specific home or a "Long Form Agreement" that typically lasts around six months.
When you sign a buyer’s agreement with Jennifer Anderson, you can feel confident knowing that you have the flexibility to terminate the agreement at any time, without any penalties or fees. This means you’re always in control of your home-buying journey!
Benefits of Signing a Buyer’s Agreement:
- Dedicated Representation: With a signed agreement, you have a dedicated agent committed to working on your behalf, ensuring your interests are prioritized throughout the buying process.
- Clear Expectations: The agreement clearly outlines the services you’ll receive and how compensation will be handled, providing clarity and eliminating surprises.
- Tailored Options: Choose between different types of agreements, such as a "Single Property Agreement" for a specific home or a "Long Form Agreement" for broader searches.
- Transparency in Compensation: The buyer’s agreement brings transparency to the commission process, helping you understand upfront whether the seller is covering the agent's fee or if it’s something you need to budget for.
By signing an agreement, you ensure that you have someone in your corner, fully dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of today’s real estate market. As a buyer, you deserve to feel empowered, informed, and represented— and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you work with Jennifer Anderson.
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