The Typical Home Buying Process
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THE RIGHT BUYER'S AGENT MATTERS
Collaborating with a dedicated buyer's agent who specializes in your specific preferences provides you with a huge advantage throughout the entire purchasing journey. They offer invaluable expertise in understanding the current market's pricing trends and excel in negotiating effectively on your behalf.
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SETTING GOALS
There are lots of reasons you might be thinking about buying a new home—maybe you need more space, want to be closer to work, are considering investment properties, or you're ready to stop renting. You might be looking for a better location or a great school district. The sooner you figure out what's driving your move, the easier it is to focus your search and find the perfect fit.
It's also important to think about a few other details: Will you need to sell your current home first? Are you planning to renovate before moving in? Is there a timeline for getting your kids into a new school? How long do you see yourself living in your new place? And are you leaning towards a house, townhouse, or condo?
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GETTING PRE-QUALIFIED FOR A HOME LOAN
Knowing your budget is key when you're getting ready to buy a home. It’s important to be realistic about what you can comfortably afford. While everyone dreams of their perfect home, your budget might mean making some practical choices along the way. Understanding your limits upfront can help you avoid any future disappointments or financial stress.Your budget should reflect the maximum amount you can spend on a home while still being able to comfortably handle your monthly mortgage, insurance, property taxes, living expenses, and utilities.
I work with a team of reputable loan officers that will help qualify you for a home loan (should you need it) based on your unique financial situation. Be ready to inquire and maintain full transparency with the lenders regarding your financial situation.
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SETTING UP A PROPERTY SEARCH ONLINE
Once you've set your budget, figured out what you're looking for, and teamed up with a local real estate agent, you're ready to start your home search. And a great place to begin is right here on this website.
Our platform is one of the best resources for exploring the Greater Boston real estate. You’ll have access to the latest property listings, easy-to-use neighborhood search tools, and detailed market insights—all to help you find the perfect home from the comfort of your couch.
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HOUSE HUNTING
Your home search will be so much more enjoyable when it’s grounded in realistic expectations. Your decisions will be shaped by key factors like your budget, current inventory, home size, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and neighborhood safety or school ratings. Having a clear understanding of what you need early on will help us focus on finding the perfect house or condo for you.
Once you're ready, we'll dive into the fun part—house hunting! I'll personally take you to visit properties that match your needs, so we can find the one that truly feels like home.
6
MAKING AN OFFER
After finding that ideal home, we'll work together to craft an offer and present it to the seller. This initial agreement is non-binding but allows you to propose a defined sale price for the property. If your offer falls below other offers or under asking, it's likely that the seller will respond with a counteroffer. You have the options to accept the counteroffer, submit a revised offer, or decline it altogether. As your realtor, I'll make sure to help craft an offer that is in your best interest while still being competitive with the current Boston market conditions.
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INSPECTION PERIOD
After your offer is accepted, it's time to take a closer look at the property to ensure everything is in good condition. As your realtor, I'll help you schedule a professional inspection, where a licensed inspector will evaluate the home's structure, systems, and any potential issues—from the roof to the foundation.
The inspection is a critical part of protecting your investment, as it allows you to identify any necessary repairs or concerns before finalizing the purchase. Based on the inspection report, we can negotiate with the seller for repairs, credits, or even adjust the terms of the deal if needed. It’s all about making sure your future home is safe, sound, and a smart decision.
PURCHASE & SALE
After the inspection, the next key step in the Massachusetts home-buying process is signing the Purchase and Sale (P&S) Agreement. This is a more detailed contract that outlines the final terms of your home purchase, including the agreed-upon price, contingencies, and deadlines for financing and closing.
Typically, the P&S is signed about 7-10 days after your offer is accepted, and during this time, your attorney will review the document to ensure everything is in your best interest. I'll be working closely with you and your legal team to make sure all conditions are in place, such as finalizing your mortgage approval and ensuring any inspection-related repairs are addressed.
Once both parties sign the P&S, you'll typically make a larger deposit—usually 5% of the purchase price—and we'll be one step closer to closing day and getting you the keys to your new home!
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FINAL WALK-THROUGH
The last walk-through with your buyer's agent marks your final chance to inspect the property before you officially take possession. It's advisable to schedule this walk-through as near to the closing date as possible, typically within a 48-hour window. This inspection is designed to verify that the condition of the property remains consistent with your last visit, serving as the ultimate confirmation that any negotiated repairs have been carried out and there is no new damage caused by the sellers during their move-out process.
10
THE CLOSING
The closing process is the final and most exciting step in a real estate transaction. On this important day, the seller officially signs over the deed, transferring ownership to the buyer, and hands over the keys to the property.
The buyer, or their lender, will pay the remaining balance of the purchase price, along with closing costs. These costs typically include fees for the title search, title insurance, prorated property taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, and any applicable HOA or condo fees. It’s important to know that closing costs are the buyer’s responsibility and are due at the time of closing, with the total amount depending on the specifics of your purchase.
