Pre-Approved? What’s Next?

By Jennifer Schimmel: Associate Broker/Owner: Keller Williams

You been out searching and now have been approved by a reputable mortgage lender what comes next? You can now begin then search for your new home!

There are many ways to search for a home but connecting yourself with a real estate professional is crucial.  When you align yourself with an experienced agent you will have someone working for only your best interest to find you exactly what you have been searching for.  This gives you access to the most current and up to date real estate information as well as any new listings the second they become available for sale.

When working with a real estate agent you may see properties while you are driving around or even while you are searching online.   Remember to contact the agent that you have selected for additional information and to schedule a personal showing to avoid any confusion with the seller’s agent.  Some agents have personal apps that you can download onto your phone or iPad to help you locate properties and the information instantly.

Once you have had an opportunity to schedule a preview with your agent make sure while you are there to ask any questions and express any concerns during the showing.  You will be given a sellers disclosure if it is available.  This disclosure will reveal any issues or non-issues that the seller has had with the property while they have lived there.  While walking through the property your agent may point out positives and negatives and give you their opinion on the condition of the major systems in the home.  They may also give you information on other comparable sold properties in the area.

Could this be the home you have been searching for?  Great homes do not stay on the market long so if this is the house you want to call home make sure you ask any questions you have right away. Your agent can have an offer prepared within an hour and should be able to get any questions answered within a couple hours. Your agent will also advise you on what would be a fair and reasonable offer. Typical response time is about 24 hours once the offer is submitted!  Good luck and happy hunting!