House Hunting Guide
Published | Posted by Lance Chayet, MRE, CRS, CLHMS ++
House Hunting Guide
1. Home Study: Do Your Homework! Study the listings that I give you. Drive by. Check out
neighborhoods. Talk to neighbors; then call us to make arrangements to show you any homes that you would
like to see inside.
2. Call Us For Appointments: Never call the owner of a listed property directly. We must work through the
listing Realtor. Never look at a house with another Realtor without talking to us first, with the exception of open
houses. Remember, it’s customary to give the seller at least 24 hours notice for a showing because they need
time to prepare the home and be “out of the way”.
3. Ads in Press, Internet, or Magazines: If you see an advertisement for a home that looks interesting, call me with
the information so I can give you detailed information about the home. If the home is in your price range, I will
set up a showing.
4. For Sale Signs: If you see a For Sale sign by another company on a home and want to know the price,
call and I’ll give you detailed information about the home. If the home is in your price range, and meets your
other requirements, I’ll set a showing.
5. For Sale By Owners: If you like what you see (you’ve driven by the home), call me with the phone
number off the sign, and the address. I can find out public information about the property, contact the owners,
and request additional information they have available on the home. If the home meets your requirements I’ll
set up a showing.
6. Open House: On weekends feel free to visit open houses held by other Realtors. When you walk in the
door, give them one of my cards. Tell them you are working with Hanover Realty. Remember, they are
representing the seller, and exposing the property to the public in order for the home to sell. If you are
interested in the home, try not to show great interest. Call me as soon as possible (yes, it is ok to call me at
home 303-689-9000 or by cell 303-589-9000)!
7. What to Say: Should you call or talk with another agent, always tell him/her that you’re working with
Hanover Realty. You will then be given the information without having to answer lots of questions and they
won’t pester you.
Events and Timing for A Typical Residential Purchase
1.Initial Counseling session: 1-2 hours
2.Pre-qualify with a lender: phone call
3.Inspecting potential properties: time indefinite
4.Writing the offer: 1-2 hours
5.Negotiating the offer to the fully executed contract status: 1-5 days
6.Bringing the contract to closing by meeting all conditions: usually 1-6 weeks
During this time, the following events usually take place:
*Loan application, qualification, verification and commitment
*Title analyzed and title insurance commitment obtained
*Professional inspection completed and, if necessary, repairs made
*Improvement Location Certificate completed by Surveyor
*Property appraised
*Hazard Insurance arranged for by buyer
7.Closing: Buyer exchanges cash (usually down payment via certified or cashier’s check plus loan proceeds) for
Seller’s warranty deed: about 1 hour
8.Move In!!
My job as your REALTOR is to see to it that the above are completed as efficiently and effectively as possible.
During this time as your Buyer’s Agent, I will act as your advocate & advisor. If you have any questions about
anything, don’t hesitate to contact me.¬ Lance Chayet
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