Buyer Information

Contact a REALTOR

Buying a home is probably the largest investment you will make in your lifetime and having an experienced, knowledgeable MATHEWS Real Estate professional just makes good sense. Buying a home is not like buying a car, a mutual fund or other commodity. It can be a life-changing event. And, in today’s market you need someone to assist you through the what, when and how of home buying and to help you meet your goals in purchasing a home. A realtor knows the market area and can assist you in choosing the right home for you and your family’s particular needs.

At MATHEWS REAL ESTATE we will help you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the mortgage and right through closing – and beyond.

GET PRE-APPROVED for a Loan

Check your credit report and scores and, if necessary, do what you need to do to improve it.
Contact a lender of your choice, either locally or on-line, make application and get pre-approved.
Your MATHEWS Real Estate agent can help.
Being pre-approved lets you know exactly what price range home you can purchase and gives you the confidence to negotiate the price on that just right home you want to buy!

FEATURES & AMENITIES – Decide Which Ones You Must Have – and Which Ones Would be Nice but not Necessary

Carefully consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want?
Do you prefer a newer home or an older one in an established neighborhood and with landscaping?
Hardwood floors, or carpet?
Which features would you be willing to give up if you find the otherwise perfect home?

WITH YOUR MATHEWS AGENT, Begin Seriously Looking at Homes

Your agent can add to the list homes you’ve already identified – including new ones that have just come on the market.
Look at the homes with an objective eye – does the floor plan work for you, would it be right for your lifestyle?
Can you imagine yourself living there?

MAKE AN OFFER

When you’ve identified the home you want to buy, be prepared to help your Realtor prepare a written offer quickly.
Be prepared to negotiate through your agent with the sellers.

Once your offer is accepted:

You’ll need to submit an earnest money deposit which shows your good will and earnest desire to follow through on the purchase.
Contact your lender and let them know you have found a home and then follow-through quickly with all requests they may have in order to complete your loan processing.
Have the property professionally inspected if you desire.
Obtain homeowner’s insurance.
Contact utility companies (phone, water, power, etc.)
Just before closing, stage a walk-through with your Realtor.
Obtain a cashier’s check for the down payment and closing costs. Your Realtor will help you in determining the exact amount of the check.

At Closing:

ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!