The home buying process has many “moving” parts…… literally and figuratively. At Navigate Realty of the Quad Cities, we are here to help you Navigate that process.
Step 1: Picking the agent that is right for you
Picking an agent that is knowledgeable and dedicated to your process is key. You should also feel comfortable and well cared for. We at Navigate Realty pride ourselves on our knowledge, skill set and our commitment to education and training in our industry. In fact some of our agents are local, state and nationally recognized trainers in the real estate and technology industry. We are your local experts and are active in our community. We focus on YOU and ensuring your experience is extraordinary.
Step 2: Getting Pre-Approved
Knowing what you are qualified to buy is crucial and it is something we need to know well before we start the “home shopping” process. Working with a skilled lender to ensure you are in the right loan program and making sure you are prepared from the start puts us ahead of the competition when it’s time to make an offer. In this competitive market that is imperative. At Navigate Realty we can introduce you to several solid and diligent lenders that will take you to the next step.
Step 3: Determining your price range and budget anddiscovering your wants and needs for your new home
Now that we know what you are pre-approved for, we also want to look at what you are comfortable with. Just because you are pre-approved for a certain amount, it may not be in your best interest to buy at the very top of your budget. At Navigate Realty, your long-term financial well being is our TOP PRIORTY! We also want to explore your wish list and your must haves for your new home and start your search.
Step 4: Selecting and Viewing Properties
You will be provided with lists of homes that meet your criteria for you to analyze. These will often come to you daily or weekly via email. When you find homes that you are interested we will make appointments to view these homes. We can also help you with homes that are listed as “For Sale By Owner”. These sellers are often very open to working with buyers with agents, however it is important that you let your agent make the contact with the seller on your behalf.
Step 5: Making an Offer and Negotiating Terms and Accepting the Final Contract
We have found you “The One”!! Now your agent will be writing up the offer and all additional paperwork for you. This is an incredibly important step in the process and another reason to make sure you are being represented by an agent that has the knowledge and skills to ensure this is done effectively on your behalf. Much of the strategy is in the purchase agreement and additional documents as well as the subsequent negotiations. At Navigate Realty we hold our agents to the highest of standards in the contract process. We only hire the best in the industry. Many of our agents hold additional designations including the CNE, Certified Negotiation Expert.
Step 6: Inspections and Contingencies
Inspections are an incredibly important part of the home buying journey, as well as knowing how to negotiate inspections and repairs. Contracts often include strict deadlines that your Navigate agent will be monitoring closely on your behalf. We also have a well researched list of inspectors to refer you to for all of your needs.
Step 7: Final Mortgage Financing, Underwriting, Abstract/Title Work
This is where the money comes in. This is also why you want to make sure you are paired with a solid lender that can ensure you get to the closing table and can handle all of the behind the scenes details to make it all happen.
Step 8: Final Walk Through
We make our last visit to the home to ensure everything is ready to go.
Step 9: Closing
This is the stage that funding actually happens and all of the last mortgage and deed documents are signed. This is also where the keys are passed. This typically will happen at the lenders office or the attorneys’ office.
Step 10: Possession
Time to move in….. Congratulations on your new home!!!
Helpful Links:
Scott County Assessor: https://www.scottcountyiowa.com/parcels
Rock Island County Assessor: http://www.rockislandcounty.org/AssessmentSearch/
Henry County Assessor: http://henryil.devnetwedge.com
City Data: www.city-data.com
School Ratings: https://www.greatschools.org