If we represent you, it's our job to look after your best interest.
The laws and standards concerning real estate transactions are ever changing. Most people will buy two or three houses in their lifetime. We do it every day. When you work with a Tuehl Seybold Realty agent, you will receive impeccable service including local expertise, prompt communication, market knowledge, easy paperwork guidance, and a clear understanding of the whole process. We firmly believe that our job is to present your options (along with their pros/cons) throughout every stage, while allowing you to make the decisions that are best for you.
Financial Preparation
We encourage all buyers to have a proof of funds letter or a mortgage pre-approval before our buyers' consultation. In order for our team to work efficiently and offer stellar service, we cannot show buyers homes without one of these financials in hand. However, we are happy to walk you through that process. We have a list of phenomenal local lenders who not only provide affordable products, but also provide excellent service.
The process
When you book a buyers' consultation, Savannah will walk you through a general overview of the home-buying experience. You will discuss your wants & needs in a home, your schedule & availability to look at homes, etc. While each agent operates a little differently, we all have the same goal: preparing you & holding your hand for the (inevitably) stressful process to come. Savannah takes the guess work out of your decision making, by providing clear pros, cons, and potential repercussions of each decision.
The Homebuyer’s Guide
Because every buyer & seller is unique, every transaction is, too. This guide does NOT substitute professional counsel.
1. Buyer Broker Agency
Our local and national trade organizations require us to have a contract with any buyers before showing a home (unless we are the listing broker). During your buyers' consultation, we will review this contract and discuss which options are best for you. I.e. Exclusive agency, exclusive right to buy, duration, what to expect regarding compensation, etc.
2. Pre-Approval
If you have not already been pre-approved for a loan at the time of our consultation, be prepared to get started afterwards. It is simply respectful of all parties' time (including yourself) to make sure you qualify to purchase a home within the budget you plan to shop. The pre-approval process is easily completed online. Most lenders should be able to issue you an approval or denial within 1-2 business days after they have received all of your documents.
If you do not qualify yet, do not fret! We have relationships with various lenders that can help you establish a plan to get you ready for homeownership in due time.
3. Home Search
Woohoo, now we get to go shopping! This is everyone's favorite part. You and your agent should have established your, "home shopper style," in your original consultation. When touring homes, please be mindful of sellers who may still be living in the home. Always assume you are being recorded on a home security device, and never discuss your offer strategy while in or at a home. Please do not visit homes without an appointment. If you are planning to shop new construction, make sure you have discussed this with your agent as they may need to, "register," you with the builder's sales office.
4. Offer Process
Preferably, we will meet with you in-office to discuss & review your offer. Occasionally, we may not have time to organize this meeting. In that scenario, your agent will make sure you are well educated on the home & offer you are writing.
5. Escrow, Inspections, & Due Diligence
After your offer has been accepted, your agent will open escrow at the law office of your choosing. You will deposit your earnest money, and your agent will schedule the home inspection (again, the vendor is your choice). If you plan to attend the home inspection, please be mindful that you may need to request time off of work, as these take place during business hours. You will also receive a detailed inspection report. After inspections & during the due diligence period, you may have the opportunity to request repairs.
6. Appraisal & Final Loan Approval
If you or your lender have ordered an appraisal, you can typically expect to see the report within 2-3 weeks of contract ratification. As a buyer, we are hoping to see the appraisal come back at or above contract price.
Your lender will review your file again prior to closing to ensure nothing has changed (I.e. credit scores, debt to income ration, employment, etc).
7. Walk throughs & closing day
A few days prior to closing, you will walk through the home with your realtor to ensure there is no new damage to the home.
If you need to **wire funds to the closing attorney before closing, we advise you to do this 24-48hrs in advance (if possible).
You will meet the seller, the sellers' agent, your agent, and attorney at the closing attorney's office to sign paperwork and receive keys. Then, you're home!
WIRE FRAUD IS REAL! Always call to confirm wiring instructions and double verify that the number you are calling is correct. Savannah will NEVER send you wiring instructions.