Buyer's Guide, I am with you every step of the way!

So you have decided that it may be the time for you to purchase a new home? Maybe this is not your first home but you are thinking of something larger, change of scenery. You have come to the right place. My name is Laura and I would love to earn your trust in the next stage of your journey... Let's get started.

Choose a Real Estate Agent

Buying a property requires making many important financial decisions, understanding complex issues and completing a lot of paperwork. It helps to have an expert in your corner when undertaking such a large purchase. I can guide you through this process, and also provide you with access to property listings before they hit the general market.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing your real estate professional:

Look for a full-time agent – one who has experience completing transactions similar to yours.
Interview a few agents: Are they familiar with the area in which you are interested?
Ask how much time the agent will have for you, and if they are available at night and on weekends.
Ask about their credentials and education: A good agent will continually strive to improve and gain knowledge of the latest real estate trends and hold the highest designations in their respective fields of expertise.
Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to buy a property.
Ask for a list of properties they have sold or a list of references.
Choose an agent who listens attentively to your needs and concerns. Pick an agent, with whom you feel comfortable.

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. This can be true whether you’ve purchased several homes or you’re preparing to buy for the first time. With the right support system and the help of a trusted RE/MAX® professional, you can make the most informed decisions.

My guide breaks down the steps of buying a home so you can start the process feeling confident and prepared. From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, you’ll find helpful tips right here. Plus, I am here to help every step of the way.

Define Your Goals

Before you start looking, consider why you want to buy a home. Are you tired of renting? Do you want to buy an investment property? Figuring out why you want to purchase a home will help you make important decisions down the road. Considering what you want and need out of your home will help you narrow down your home search as well. What neighborhood do you want to live in? How many bedrooms do you need? Knowing your preferences can help with filtering out homes that don’t fit your criteria.

We got this... How exciting!

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you may ever make. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating or upgrading, you want a trusted professional by your side. Do you want a agent that works FOR YOU? A agent that will guide you through the home search process, purchase agreements, inspections, closing matters and more? Having an agent who has your best interests at heart can ease some of your stress and can help make it go as smoothly as possible. I am NOT a 9-5 REALTOR.

Determine Your Financial Standing

Knowing your budget up front helps you focus your search and can save you both time and stress. Talking to a mortgage professional can help you to determine your buying power. They can help you to find out how much you can afford, how much you should put towards a down payment, and can walk you through loan options and other costs or fees associated with purchasing a home. Consider asking your agent for a referral; they understand your needs and can help find a professional for your situation.

Make an Offer

Once you find a home you’re interested in, your agent can help negotiate a fair offer based on comparable homes in the area. If your offer is accepted, you’ll make a down payment and be officially under contract. During the due-diligence period between signing the purchase agreement and closing on your home, your agent can help you understand the conditions, provisions, and obligations of your contract. They can also help guide you through the appraisal and inspection processes.

Close on Your Home

This is the final step of your home buying journey. Closing is the official transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. At closing, you will sign your mortgage paperwork to solidify your purchase. From there, you officially become a homeowner and will be handed the keys to your new home so you can begin making memories.

The Tools to Help You Find Your Home

Before we get into ANYTHING regarding a home purchase, I want you to remember this very important information that I have here below:

While you are in the home searching process, I want you to remember these few things .. It does not matter if you have the best of the best credit as this concern could affect any buyer, especially now that we are recovering from the covid 19 crisis.

DO NOT OPEN ANY NEW CREDIT CARDS OR PAY ANY NEW DEBT OFF UNTIL A LENDER DIRECTS YOU TO DO SO.
DO NOT BORROW OR LEND MONEY TO ANYONE DURING A OAN PROCESS.
DO NOT SWITCH MONEY BETWEEN BANK ACCOUNTS ANT THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE IT IS YOUR FUNDS THAT YOU CAN DEPOSIT CASH.
SO BASICALLY, FOLLOW ONLY THE DIRECTION OF THE LENDER AND BETWEEN US BOTH WE WILL GET YOU TO THE FINISH LINE :)

Once you’ve defined your home search goals, discussed them with your RE/MAX agent, and have spoken with a mortgage professional to see what your buying power is — you’re ready to find your dream home! In addition to my local knowledge as a real estate agent, I offer online tools that can help make your initial search as easy as possible.

Find a Home Using My Interactive Map Search

I know that location plays an important role in the home buying process. Use the map search available on my website to view homes located in or near the area you love.

Get to Know the Neighborhood

Feel confident and informed about your neighborhood choice! On any listing page, you can learn more about the communities you are interested in, including a breakdown of the local population, school ratings and more. This is what I like to share with my clients... While looking for a home, keep in mind that you CAN NOT pick your neighbors, so if the neighbors looks all dumpy and the over all area is not compatable with the home you are looking at then I would highly suggest you move on.. You never want the best home in the neighborhood..

Create an Account on My Website

Sign up for an account on my website to save searches, favorite homes you love, receive real time property alerts, and more!

Download My RE/MAX Mobile App

Available for iOS and Android devices, my app brings the same experience found on my website to your smartphone or tablet. Save searches, favorite listings and schedule showings — all while on the go!

Meet Laura Ross, Broker with RE/MAX Lifestyles

our Mobile App

Finding your dream home just got easier. Our home search app allows you to continue your search for available listings from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet — anytime, anywhere. Save homes you love, request showings with our team, and receive push notifications within minutes of homes hitting the market.