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Once we have your search criteria, we search the Multiple Listing Service
constantly to find properties that
match that criteria. Once a match is found, we send the data sheet for the property to you either by email or fax.
This allows you to look at properties at your convenience and review all the details for each listing. Please call
or email us if you have any questions, or if there is a property you would like to see.
Step 1: Your Consultation
We will explain the basics of buying a home. Next, we'll ask you important questions to get a clear picture
of what your needs, wants, and desire are regarding your new home.
Step 2: Get Qualified by a Lender
Being pre-approved by a lender before you make an offer on a home can help us negotiate the best price on your
purchase. Sellers treat pre-approved buyers much like 'cash' buyers - they are more likely to negotiate a lower sales price and tend
to select a pre-approved buyer over another buyer with uncertain financing. We can recommend top lenders for you to contact before the
home search begins in earnest.
Step 3: Choose Your System
Once we have established your options on price ranges as indicated by your lender, you'll be asked to decide which
system for finding a home you prefer.
The first system is called "Window Shopping". With this system, we provide you with all the photos, addresses and
directions of those homes which match your criteria. This way you can drive by the homes at your convenience before you tour them.
Many people like this system because they get a feel for the home's location and condition without having us present. When a home of
interest is found, contact us and we will show it to you.
The second system is called "Agent Previewing". This is a more traditional system for house hunting. We review all
the homes that are available for you and will narrow the selection down to no more than seven "cream of the crop" properties. Then we
will go out together and find the home you'll buy from the ones selected.
Step 4: Find Your New Home
Once we know all your criteria, we use "state of the art" technology to search the Multiple Listing Service, as well
as other resources, for properties that meet your needs. When we go out to see the selected homes, bring your cheque book! Don't be
surprised when you fall in love with a home your very first day... most people do!
- Excellent buys are often made on homes that require a little paint and soap. Two comparable homes can be
priced very differently even when one needs only a minimal amount of work.
- If you see an ad or sign on a home which interests you - call me. No matter who that home is listed with, I can show it to you.
In most cases, the reason it isn't showing up on our list is there is some criteria that doesn't match the ones you selected in your consultation.
- If you do not like the neighbourhood, do not even consider the house. If you DO like the neighbourhood, then consider the house
even if there is something that is not quite right for you. In many cases, it can be corrected. A neighbourhood that you do not like
obviously cannot.
- In some cases, it may be better to avoid setting a minimum square footage requirement. A well
designed floor plan can make a
smaller home "feel" larger. A minimum requirement on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, however, is important.
- When viewing a home that is "perfect" for you, try not to relay your excitement to the Seller. Sellers who perceive the Buyer
has "fallen in love" with their home will be less likely to negotiate on pricing. The best approach is to quietly compliment the Seller
on their home and thank them for their time. You may share with me all of your feelings of excitement once we are alone!
- Try to look for potential negatives that could affect the home's salability at resale time. Some examples of this would be
power lines, busy roads, or declining neighbourhoods.
- The "perfect home" does not exist. Sometimes it is helpful to determine if a particular feature is a "must" or "would like to have".
It is important to know the difference so that when you see a home that is a good buy, that has all of your "musts", you can act
on it. On any of the houses that you see for sale, no matter who has it listed for sale, please call me. I will be happy to show it
to you and I can then act as YOUR agent.
CALL ME. I CAN HELP!
KEN X. WESTFALL @ 751-1223
email: homes@kenxwestfall.com
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