For Buyers
Buying a home is an exciting time in one's life. Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that your new home and community meets your needs. My services and experience range from financial aid to helping you find the home that best suits you and your family. I pride myself on repeat business and hope you'll come to understand why.
As a dedicated real estate professional, I am someone who listens to your needs and responds to your requests. As a long time La Grange Park resident, I am familiar with this area and knowledgeable about the properties in your price range. I am willing to work with you until your needs are fulfilled and can provide strong references from previous buyers,
For your convenience, I also provide listings by email. When you select your property search criteria, you can choose to be updated as properties are added. We'll then automatically search the MLS database and e-mail you every listed property matching your criteria. You'll know about the hottest properties first.
How I Can Help
Before You Start Looking
Closing Costs
Because I am committed to preparing you to be an educated buyer, I will give you the most vital information on available homes and keep you aware of changes in the real estate market. As your agent, I will:
- Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
- Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing.
- Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:
- Check your credit rating. Straighten out any errors before its too late. Be ready to move quick when you find what you want.
- Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
- Find a loan program that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved). Compare mortgages - an artificially low interest rate could have enormous hidden costs.
- Choose a REALTOR® that you trust and who understands your needs. Be an educated buyer. Learn as much as you can about the market before you buy.
- Location, Location, Location - some things don't change. Determine what neighborhood best matches your needs.
- Identify important features you need your new home to have. Imagine the home vacant. do not be swayed by decorating - the furnishings will leave with the seller.
From Offer to Closing:
- Your offer is just that - an offer - until it has been accepted and agreed to by both you and the seller. At any time during the negotiating process another offer could come in. A wise buyer will try to come to an agreement with the seller in a reasonably short period of time.
- Many contracts have stipulations on when the buyer must make his mortgage application. Please be sure to check your contract and abide by its requirements.
- If your contract calls for a home inspection and attorney review, please choose both of these as quickly as possible. I can provide you with a list of qualified attorneys, home inspectors and other service providers.
- Be sure to comply with all requests of your lender after the mortgage application has been done. All lenders differ on what they need from their borrowers. Not producing the documents or information they need can jeopardize your getting your mortgage on time.
- The buyer accompanies the home inspector at the inspection. Don't skip this, whether it's because you think you can check out the house yourself or you want to save the money a professional inspector charges - it's money well spent in the long run.
Closing Costs to Expect:
- Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
- Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
- Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
- Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
