Buyers

Get Preapproved for a Loan
Obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICO score and, if necessary, do what you need to do to improve it. The higher your FICO score, the better interest rate you can command. You can get this information online; your RE/MAX Executive at the Lake agent can also help you. Contact several lenders and determine which one will give you the best deal.

Is it a Short Sale?
In a Short Sale, a lender agrees to let a homeowner facing financial hardship sell a home for less than the mortgage owed. Look for an agent designated as a Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE), having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. There are more real estate agents from RE/MAX with the CDPE designation than from any other real estate company and RE/MAX Executive at the Lake has a higher percentage of CDPE designated agents than any other Lake Norman real estate firm.

Determine Your Price Range and Area(s) in Which You’re Interested
By now you should have a good idea of how much home you can afford. This helps you narrow down your home search. You should also begin researching the neighborhoods in which you might want to live. Your RE/MAX Executive at the Lake agent can help and you can search the MLS for Lake Norman area homes.

Decide Which Amenities and Features You Must Have – and Which Ones Would Be Nice, but Not Necessary
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Would you prefer a newer home or an older one with established landscaping? Are hardwood floors a must? Is an updated kitchen important to you? Walk-in closets? Which features would you be willing to give up if you find the otherwise-perfect home? Be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities. You can always revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.

Begin Testing the Market
Right here on Homesatthelake.com, you can find listings that meet your criteria as well as neighborhood data. Identify properties that seem to be a good fit for you and see what’s available in your price. >> Search all MLS listings in the Lake Norman area

With Your RE/MAX Executive at the Lake Agent, Begin Seriously Looking at Homes
Your agent can add to the list of homes you’ve already identified – including ones that have just come on the market. Look at homes with a critical eye – does the floor plan work for you, is the property in good condition, would it be right for your lifestyle? In short, can you imagine yourself and your family living there?
Take notes at each home you visit. What do you like and not like? Narrow down your choices; re-visit homes in which you’re interested. See them at different times of the day.

 Make an Offer
When you’ve identified the home you want to buy, your RE/MAX Executive at the Lake agent will prepare a written offer quickly. Your agent will be familiar with market values and will help you arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted.
At this stage, try not to become emotionally attached to a home. Your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Have backup homes in mind. Be prepared to negotiate through your agent with the sellers.

Once Your Offer Is Accepted:

• You’ll be asked to submit an earnest money deposit.
• Have the property professionally inspected.
• If necessary, request repairs.
• Obtain homeowner’s insurance.
• Contact utilities (phone, water, power, etc.).
• A few days before closing, stage a walk-through.
• Obtain a cashier’s check for the down payment and closing costs.

At Closing:

• Make sure the terms and conditions of the loan statement are correct.
• Carefully read everything before you sign.