The Buying Process

Buying a home can be an exciting and emotional experience. As a local expert, you can rely on me to guide you through the process so you can feel comfortable and confident each step of the way.

01—

The Homework: Schedule a Buyer's Consultation with Craig

Identify your non-negotiables, communication preferences, and critical time constraints (if any)

The best thing you can do for yourself before looking for your new home is to check-in with your financial health. Sometimes you think you know where you stand. But, digging in can give you greater peace of mind and enable you to address any less-than-stellar aspects of your financial track record

Concerned you might not be able to move quickly on an offer because you need to sell your current home first? Compass Bridge Loans is the simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want.

Schedule a Consultation

02—

The Search

Visit properties with your agent. Rinse and repeat until you find the one that makes you swoon.

03—

The Offer

Work with your agent to determine your offer and come to terms with the seller. Negotiate an option period for the home inspection (usually around a week and requires a non-refundable fee). Your offer will also include a refundable earnest fee, typically 1-3% of the sales price and is refundable if you terminate the contract during the week-long option period.

04—

The Option Period

Enlist a trusted professional to do a thorough home inspection (we have a list of amazing inspectors). They will give you a report of any issues with the house. Your agent will gather estimates from contractors for repairs and negotiate with the seller to determine who will pay for which repairs

05—

The Appraisal

The lender will appraise the house to determine its value. If the home does not meet the agreed-upon price, your agent will negotiate this with the seller. Your agent will explain what an appraisal waiver is, which allows for your offer to be competitive in a multiple offer situation.

06—

The Clear to Close

Your agent will work with your lender to provide any necessary paperwork and request to finalize your loan.

07—

The Final Walkthrough & Close

We will walk through the property with you on closing day, after which you will sign the final paperwork at the title company. The loan funds are exchanged, and the keys to your new home are yours!

08—

The Housewarming Party

Pop the champagne and plan an epic celebration of this significant moment in your life. Make sure to invite your agent!

Moving Checklist

Two months before your move

Start A File: Create a “moving” file to keep track of vendor quotes, receipts and other records associated with your move.
Create A Budget: Moving can be expensive! Evaluate your resources and establish a realistic budget for making your move.
Request Estimates: Contact reputable moving companies to provide an in-home estimate. If you’re planning a DIY move, compare quotes from truck rental companies in your area.

A month before the move

Get Some Help: Select a moving company and reserve your moving date. Some moving companies will even help you pack!
Gear Up: Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, labels and permanent markers.
Sort & Purge: It's a great time to get organized! Start sorting your closets, the garage and the attic.
Out With The Old: Host a garage sale or donate your unwanted things to charity.
Update School Records: If you have kids that are in school, arrange to transfer school records.
Change Your Address: Pick up a change of address form from your local post office, or change your address online.
Put Out The Word: Notify charge accounts, insurance companies, health-care providers and other organizations of your pending change of address.

Two weeks before your move

Box It Up: Begin boxing up your belongings, starting with items you won't need to use for a few weeks.
Label Your Life: Make unpacking easier by labeling boxes with the room they belong in.
Disconnect: Schedule disconnects for utilities such as gas, electric, water, and telephone service. Arrange any refunds that are due and schedule connections for your new residence.
Discontinue: Cancel newspapers, Internet, cable TV, security, pest control, cleaning help, lawn maintenance and any other services you subscribe to.
Take A Day: Notify your team that you'll be out of the office.

The week of your move

Take Out The Laundry: Empty dresser drawers, cabinets, and other storage spaces and ensure that all furniture is empty.
The Survival Kit: Pack a suitcase with items you can't live without until you get moved in and unpacked.
Final Scrub: Clean out the refrigerator, wipe down the sink and perform a final cleaning of your home.
Book A Sitter: Arrange any moving-day needs for the kids and pets.
Double-check The Details: Reconfirm the moving company's arrival time and other details.

The day before your move

Emergency Cash: Stash some cash, which may come in handy for a post-move pizza at the end of a long day!
Rest Up: Be sure to get a good night's sleep!
Say Bye: Don't forget to say goodbye to your neighbors!

Moving Day!

Final Walk Through: Do a final walk of your home, turn off the lights and thermostat and lock all the windows and outside doors.
Take Inventory: Before the movers leave, be sure to take an inventory of all your belongings to ensure nothing is missing.

Buyer Intake

What you need to think about now that you're ready to buy a house.