Buyer's Guide

Read Our Step-By-Step Buyer's Guide

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or someone who already owns multiple properties, buying a home is a major life decision and a substantial investment. With an ever changing range of listings to sort through and an intricate process to navigate, buying a home may seem intimidating. That is why many buyers choose to hire real estate agents to guide and represent them.

​​​​​​​The Team works with buyers to find their ideal home and get them the best deal possible. We understand that every buyer is unique both in terms of their preferences as well as their financial goals, and he uses every means at his disposal to make buyers feel comfortable and informed throughout the home buying process.

Pre-Search & Pre-Approval

1 - 2 Days

It’s important to know how much you can comfortably spend and be able to back that up with verification from a bank or lender. Getting pre-qualified is the first step in understanding affordability. Wayne will get you access to the best lenders in the industry.

You should also be aware that there are closing costs associated with every transaction in Ohio for both buyers and sellers. These costs depend on the contract price. Wayne, along with the title company, can help you understand the expense associated with tax, title fees, mortgage recording tax, etc.

The Search

Varies

Aside from knowing the specifics of the home you want (i.e. how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.), you should create a list of the top two or three neighborhoods that you want to live in. Think about your potential commute to work, where your friends live, and neighborhood amenities like restaurants, schools, transportation, and grocery stores.

Wayne will help advise you throughout the search and can set up a schedule to show you the homes that are the best fit for your criteria. Once you find a home you love, you are ready to make an offer!

Offer

1 - 10 Days

Offers are made in writing and Wayne will relay your offer to the seller/seller’s agent. In your offer, you should have your pre-approval letter (if you are financing), and proof of funds if it’s a cash purchase.

Once Wayne puts in an offer on your behalf, know that not everything will be negotiable. The seller may send you a counteroffer, which then begins a back-and-forth process until both parties come to an agreement.

Wayne will fight hard to get you the best deal possible.

Contract Review & Signing

1 - 2 Days

From this point on, it typically takes between four and five weeks to complete the purchase of your home. During a sales transaction, Wayne will write up the contract for the seller’s agent and seller’s to review. There may be negotiations during this time on things like price, possession, inspection period, etc. Once both parties have signed and executed the contract, escrow will be opened. The due diligence period will be for all home inspections. Home inspections can take anywhere from one-to-ten days to complete. Your lender will also order the home appraisal to verify thee homes value. After the home inspections and appraisal are completed, the file will be headed towards the finish line and the close of escrow.

Mortgage Approval

1 - 2 Weeks

If you are financing, you should already have your pre-approval letter from your mortgage banker. Mortgage applications cannot be processed without an executed contract.

​​​​​​​For your application, be prepared to provide financial statements, tax returns and bank statements.

Home Inspections

1 - 10 Days

As part of the contract, we will set a closing and possession date. Before closing and taking possession, we will have a final walk-through to verify the condition of the home before it officially closes and becomes yours.

Closing & Move-In

Find a Real Estate Agent

After closing, you’ve officially purchased your new home. Your search has finally come to an end and it’s time to celebrate!

Why Choose Us

It is important you have someone you can trust guiding you throughout the home buying process. Having the right team alongside you during your purchase can make what is typically a stressful experience much more exciting!

  1. Be your personal source of knowledge about the buying process, individual homes, condominiums, new development properties, neighborhood amenities, and market dynamics.
  2. Help you clarify your real estate goals in relation to the local market and set your expectations on price, home size, and more.
  3. Provide you with access to a network of agents, sellers, mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, and developers and keep you updated on off-market properties that have not been listed.
  4. Schedule showings that align with your schedule and keep you informed about open houses.
  5. Attend showings with you in order to facilitate a smooth showing process and give you a different perspective than that of the selling agent.
  6. Submit offers on your behalf and negotiate with the seller/seller’s agent to get you the best possible deal.
  7. Manage the contractual process and the back-and-forth negotiation between you and the seller that represent each side.
  8. Give support and guidance in filling out applications for financing.
  9. Coordinate your closing and final walk-through.
  10. Be a future resource to you should you ever want information about the market or ever consider selling your home.

Work With Us

Armed with a passion for helping others and a dedication to creating a thriving and sustainable community in the Columbus area, The Team's philosophy has always been to practice passion, integrity, authenticity, and commitment in his interaction with clients and the relationships that result from it.

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