The Buying Process

Below you'll find a flowchart laying out the entire process of buying a home. Mouse over the numbers to reveal a summary of each step.

• 1
  Hiring a REALTOR® 
  Select a Realtor that is knowledgeable about the current market conditions & has experience with the unique demands of today’s property transactions. Specifically, be certain she has successfully closed short sales, bank owned properties as well as traditional, or “equity” sales, and can explain those processes and how they might affect you.
• 2
  Schedule a Buyer's Consultation 
  A home purchase will likely be the biggest investment of your lifetime and the process should not be rushed. The Light Team always takes the time to meet with their clients before searching for homes.
• 3
  Understanding Current Market Conditions 
  The Light Team will give you an overview of the market activity over the past few months for the neighborhoods you are most interested in.  
• 4
  Pre-Qualify with a Lender 
  Before viewing homes, get pre-qualified with a lender.  This is important for a number of reasons.  First, it is vitally important you have a realistic picture of your purchase budget.  Second, sellers will only consider the offer of a pre-qualified buyer. A fully approved buyer has even more bargaining power.
• 5
  Researching Homes Through the MLS 
  The Light Team will set you up on a Buyer’s Notebook. You will have web access to your notebook anytime where you can view all homes that match your criteria, save or delete properties and make notes that Jim and Carey can also view.
• 6
  View Homes & Select a Home for Offer 
  Once you’ve selected your top picks, take a drive-by of the neighborhoods before spending the time to view the interiors.  Once you’ve selected homes in acceptable neighborhoods, The Light Team will coordinate appointments with all the listing offices so you can view the interiors together.
• 7
  Negotiate Contract 
  Jim and Carey are expert negotiators. They will use experienced negotiation skills to get the best deal possible for their clients. They will conduct herself with professionalism and integrity so that the transaction will be as secure as possible once that contract is signed by all parties!
• 8
  Home Inspection, Appraisal, etc. 
  The Light Team has a team of transaction coordinators to ensure that every “I” is dotted and every “T” is crossed. Your contract and transaction details will be loaded onto a password protected site called, “The Settlement” room that you can check at any time to see the progress that is being made toward closing.
• 9
  Loan Approval 
  Although you have made loan application earlier in the process, the lender will wait until the appraisal and possibly the inspection reports come in to make full approval and what is called, “Clear to Close,”
• 10
  Closing 
  A DAY OF CELEBRATION!!!
• 11
  Getting Settled 
  The Light Team has resources for support you may need, contractors, handymen, etc.  Jim and Carey’s goal is to be your life-long resource for all your real estate needs, do not hesitate to call for help anytime!