First things first:
Take a deep breath, these are the things you need to do to buy your next home:

Get Your Finances In Order:
Check with a lender to determine the loan amount you can qualify for. If you are not presently working with a lender, I will put you in touch with one. A mortgage broker will typically ask you about the following:

• annual income
• cash available for down payment
• additional existing home loans
• credit card balances
• other debt service including car loans and school loans
• child support
• tax payments
  

Get Prequalified:
Before you begin looking at property, you will want to know how much you are able and willing to borrow. Many sellers require a prequalification letter with your offer to purchase. Your position as a buyer will be strengthened. You will have a basis to compare different loans.  Finding the best loan could result in tremendous savings.  You must keep in mind, however, that you are not at this point qualified for the loan.  Make sure that you have been absolutely thorough in providing information to your mortgage broker to avoid problems obtaining the loan later.

Find The Property You Want:
I work personally with each and every one of my clients to help them find the perfect property to meet their particular needs.  Assistants may type paperwork or send faxes, but your home search will be conducted directly with me each step of the way.

We will carefully evaluate each property you consider for purchase.  RDU flight paths, future road and highway construction, planned mass transit projects, neighborhood appreciation rates, assigned schools, HOA rules and regulations, are some of the items we will investigate.  I will determine the proper market value range for each home, or you may have the home appraised, before you make your offer to purchase.

Make The Offer To Purchase:
I will work with you to structure an offer with your best interest in mind - affording maximum protection to you as the buyer.  Generally you will submit an earnest money check with your offer representing 1% or more of the property purchase price.  The seller may (1) accept your offer, (2) reject your offer, or (3) make a counteroffer.  Negotiations are generally conducted verbally until an agreement is reached.  When the offer or counteroffer is accepted in writing, you have a binding contract for sale.  Your earnest money will be deposited in the listing broker's trust account and held until closing.

You may wonder if submitting a low offer is a good way to begin negotiations.  Every transaction is different.  While you certainly should not pay more than a property is worth to you, submitting a low offer can work against you.  You may lose the property to another buyer offering to pay more.  There have also been cases where the seller was insulted and would not consider more offers from a particular buyer.

Get The Home Professionally Inspected:
Once you have a contract for sale, get the property inspected by a professional.  The seller may have to make repairs, you may renegotiate your purchase price, or you may want to walk away from the deal entirely based on the inspection report.

Contact Your Lender And Obtain Loan Approval:
This will be handled by you and your mortgage broker.  I do not get involved with the details of your personal finances.  Your mortgage broker will provide you with a Good Faith Estimates Disclosure document containing estimates of closing service charges you will pay.

Have The Home Inspected For Wood Destroying Insects:
Most lenders will require an inspection for wood destroying inspects.

Schedule Closing With Closing Agent:
I will schedule the closing with your closing agent for you.  The closing agent, your mortgage broker, and I will all communicate during the time proceeding your closing to ensure that the process moves forward in a timely manner and that all requirements are fulfilled.

Arrange To Have Utilities Transferred To You Effective The Date Of Closing:
Please see the utility information page provided on this web site for contact information.    

Make Your Moving Arrangements:
If you need help finding a moving company, I will help you.

Walk Through The Home One More Time Before Closing:
If you requested repairs to be made by the seller, you will inspect those repairs.  You may also hire a professional inspector to reinspect the home if you desire.  During the walk through you confirm that no changes or damages have occurred at the home since you made your offer.

Close On The Property and Move In:
Your mortgage broker will prepare you to bring the appropriate closing costs with you, usually in the form of a certified check.  After closing, the attorney will register your deed at the courthouse.

Refer Your Friends And Colleagues To Me:
I am self employed and my business relies almost entirely on references from past clients.  

Stay In Touch:
I want to know how much you enjoy your new home.  I may have clients who could benefit from your inside information about the neighborhood, schools, etc....  I want to see you again!