Expert Advice on Buying Your Home . . .

Angelique Chambers authors columns on the intricate details of purchasing a home.

They say that knowledge is power, this is never more true than when you are about to make one of the largest financial decisions of your life. That being said, we must all concede that the process of buying a home is, for many of us, an emotional decision as well. My goal in writing this column is to give you the basic outline of the process that you will be going through as you move toward fulfilling your own “AMERICAN DREAM”.

STEP 1)                  SECURE YOUR LOAN
The first step that you will need to take is obtaining the financing that you will utilize to purchase your new home. There are as many different types of mortgage loans available as there are buyers that need them. The experts at Pacific Rim will be a huge asset for you in determining which programs will best suit your particular needs. Having this pre-aproval  will go a long way toward making your dream a REALITY!

STEP 2)                  HIRE YOUR AGENT
Your next step involves interviewing and hiring your Buyers’ Agent. It is common knowledge that the majority of the home sellers’ in our market have retained the services of a Realtor whom they feel will do the best job of protecting the sellers best interests and obtaining the best sales price for the sellers home. While it is true that you can buy your home directly from the sellers’ agent, the question here is, WHY WOULD YOU? Buyers Agents are specialists in looking after the best interest of the BUYER, also, in

The seller, NOT the buyer, pays the Buyers agents’ fee in  the majority of the transactions that incorporate both a Buyers Agent and a Sellers Agent. You can immediately recognize a professional Buyers Representative by looking for the initials ABR on an agent’s business card or other marketing pieces. These initials stand for Accredited Buyers Representative, proving continuing education and experience in this important facet of our market.

STEP 3)                  LET’S GO SHOPPING!
Now you are ready to begin previewing properties! Working closely with your Buyers Agent, you will become familiar with the current Real Estate market. We have clearly defined the location and basic style of home that best suits your individual needs. Your agent has then carefully reviewed ALL of the available homes that seem to best match your criteria. Typically, you will want to take some time to drive by the properties that your agent has identified. If the home and the neighborhood appeal to you, contact your agent immediately to arrange for an interior viewing.

It is very important to remember, in some areas of our city; homes will sell in 1 DAY! If you are looking for a home in a high demand area, be prepared to drop everything and GO PREVIEW THAT HOME when a match comes up for you. It is not uncommon for these well-priced, high demand homes to receive several offers within hours of being listed. Your Buyers Agent will be able to advise and educate you on the activity in your chosen area.

Best wishes and HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!

Angelique Chambers, ABR
OregonFirst Realty

Applying for a mortgage loan is easy!  Simply go to our Secure Online Application (SOLA) and submit your application.  Your file can often be ready to submit the next day!