Before you start shopping for your property, it is a good idea to make some preparations.

PREPARING TO BUY
A green file contains all your important financial documents. You will need it to secure financing for your property. The typical green file should contain:
-Financial statements
-Bank accounts
-Investments
-Credit cards
-Auto loans
-Recent pay stubs
-Tax returns for two years
-Copies of leases for investment properties
-401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information.

Check Your Credit Rating
Your credit score will have a huge impact on what type of property you can buy, and at what price. It is first recommended to check your credit rating with an experienced lending institution so that I can determine what you can afford. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. I will be happy to recommend experienced, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.

Be Careful With Your Finances

Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability.

Buying a property requires making many important financial decisions, understanding complex issues, and completing a lot of paperwork. It helps to have an expert in your corner when undertaking such a large purchase.I can guide you through this process and provide you with access to property listings before they hit the general market.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing your real estate professional.

Look for a full-time agent – one who has experience completing numerous transactions like yours.

Interview a few agents: Are they familiar with the area in which you are interested?

Ask how much time the agent will have for you and if they are available at night and on weekends.

Ask about their credentials and education: A good agent will continually strive to improve and gain knowledge of the latest real estate trends and hold the highest designations in their respective fields of expertise.

Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to buy a property.

Ask for a list of properties they have sold or a list of references.

Choose an agent who listens attentively to your needs and concerns. Pick an Agent, with whom you feel comfortable and trust.

• Keep written records: Document all agreements and changes in writing.
• Follow the schedule: Meeting deadlines avoids delays or breaches.
• Closing agent: Handles title research and escrow to ensure a clean transfer.
• Title options: Consult a pro on how best to hold property ownership.
• Inspections: Licensed inspectors review the property. Specialized options available.
• Appraisal & lending: Stay in close contact with your lender. Appraisals confirm value.
• Association approval: Submit all documents early to avoid delays.
• Insurance: Required by lenders. Compare quotes and ask about discounts.

If you have come this far, then this means that it is almost time for congratulations, but not yet. Do not forget to tie up these loose ends:

Final Walk-Through Inspection

More of a formality than anything else, the final inspection takes place a day before, or the day of the closing. You will visit the property to verify that all is in working order, everything is the same as when you last viewed the property, that there are no extra items left behind, and that everything included in your purchase is still at the property. Home Services and Utilities. I will provide a list of useful numbers for the activation of home services and utilities after the closing occurs.

Be Prepared
We are ready to assist you should an unforeseen glitch pop up, even at this last stage. Something at the property breaks down, or some other minor detail – no need to worry. I have encountered these problems before, so I know how to handle them efficiently and in a stress-free manner.

Closing
The closing agent will furnish all parties involved with a settlement statement, which summarizes and details the financial transactions enacted in the process. You and the seller(s) will sign this statement, as well as the closing agent, certifying its accuracy. If you are obtaining financing, you will have to sign all pertinent documentation required by the lending institution. If you are unable to attend the scheduled closing, arrangements can be made depending on the circumstances and the notice that I receive. If you are bringing funds to the transaction, you can elect to either have the funds wired electronically into the closing agent’s escrow account or bring a certified bank check to the closing in the amount specified on the settlement statement. The seller should arrange to have all property keys and any other important information for you at the closing so that you may receive these items at this time.