Home Buying Guide

The Hagerstown, Maryland, Chambersburg/South Central Pennsylvania and Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia Real Estate Market can move very quickly. It isn’t uncommon for a property to sell after being on the market for only a few days. So whether you’re a first time home-buyer or a seasoned real estate owner, it’s wise to know what to expect when you begin venturing into the real estate market. You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with me and RE/MAX Achievers, a regional leader in experience and service. Here are some tips to help you become purchase a home in today’s market.

  1. I can represent your best interests in a broad region: licensed in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

    The first step is to select a professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. I would like the professional you choose to be me. Although not necessary, contracting me as your buyer’s agent is worth consideration. A Buyers Agency Agreement makes me legally responsible for representing your interests, not the seller’s interest, in a real estate transaction. A buyer's agent owes fiduciary duties to the buyer, no matter who is paying compensation. The seller, not the buyer, typically pays the commission which is then split between the listing agent and me. Before making this decision, however, I will explain the pros and cons of using me as a buyer agent versus a sales or dual agent. As your RE/MAX professional, I can guide you through every step of purchasing your dream home.

  2. Shop for mortgage rates and terms

    A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600. But watch yourself. If you speak to a mortgage professional, ask them not to pull your credit until you specifically ask them to. If several mortgage companies start checking your credit, you risk the possibility of a lower credit rating. Your best bet is to start with your own bank. If you would like recommendations, please call me, I know several mortgage experts that will work with you.

  3. Get a loan Pre-Approved, not just pre-qualified

    Your third step should be to get pre-approved, which determines just how much you can afford. You’ve done your homework and you have an idea of which lender has the best mortgage for you, so now ask that lender to get you Pre-Approved. A Pre-Approval is more in-depth than a pre-qualification and it shows that you can really can afford to buy the property. I will also work directly with your lender so that when you find the house you want, you can quickly get a Good Faith Estimate on that particular property so that you can see a close estimate of what your closing costs will be as well as your monthly payment on that specific property. I will also request a Pre-Approval Letter from your lender that is tailored to the specific property. This Pre-Approval letter shows the seller that you're serious about purchasing the property and proves that you're financially able to do so.

  4. Define what you want

    Now you know what you can afford, and what price range you’re looking for. The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market.

  5. My Homes Prospector tool

    I can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

  6. Know the features that help or hurt resale

    An in ground pool often detracts from a property and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. As a RE/MAX professional, I can point out features that hurt, and those that help, resale value.

  7. Visit properties

    Now you're ready to visit houses. If you have time, I recommend you drive by a property without me first. This reveals a whole new perspective to the listing description. You can see the rest of the neighborhood and get a better look at the property. When you're satisfied with the exterior perspective, call me and I will arrange for a complete tour the property.

  8. Keep organized and rate the houses you visit

    After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. I will provide full print out of each house we visit and help you develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. I can help you keep organized.

  9. Make an offer

    Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. As a RE/MAX Achievers Real Estate Professional, I will provide you with a strong advantage since you and the seller have different goals. Our market is very competitive and there are often multiple offers on desirable properties in our region. It's important to know what options are open to you when putting an offer on a house, and how exercising these options will effect your offer. I will put together the strongest offer possible on your behalf and, when possible, will present your offer personally to the seller.

  10. Arrange for a home inspection

    After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find little problems that you can fix once you're in the property, but it's important to find major problems including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. I can help you find a reputable inspector. If you've chosen to make the purchase of the property contingent on the results of the Home Inspection, I will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, we will require documentation from the professional who did the work and thoroughly inspect the work before finalizing the sale. I can also show you a few home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

  11. Go to settlement and close

    If you like, I can help you find a Settlement Company that will oversee the title search as well as make all preparations for settlement on the property. I will monitor the progress of all inspections and contingencies included in the contract that effect you. Before your closing date, I will make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments. You will want to change the utilities to your name, effective the date of closing. I will be happy to direct you to the utility companies servicing the property.

  12. Prepare for life in your new home

    Now it's time to move in! Keep in mind that any renovations, including painting, are easier to do before you move into the house.