I provide a highly personalized and comprehensive service to clients who are purchasing one of their most valuable assets. My goal is to help you find the right home at the right price within your timeframe.
Step One – Setting Goals and a Timeline for Buying a Home
We discuss what your next home looks like, your financial target in the purchase, and the timeframe you are working in. This is the most important part of our preparation. We get a clear picture of what you really want and what you may consider compromising on.
For my international clients, and clients relocating into the area, I assist you in evaluating your options for communities, school districts, entertainment, recreation, transportation and commuting. We also review both the process and the financial aspects of purchasing real estate in the area.
Step Two – Arranging for Financing Before Buying a Home
If you are financing the purchase, I will work with your lender on what your financial goal is for the purchase. If you do not have a preferred lender, I can introduce you to lenders with a proven ability to provide competitive financing programs for any amount with a commitment to get you to the closing on time. A lender will provide a letter expressing your pre-approval status in the mortgage process.
If you are purchasing real estate using cash, your financial institution will provide you with a letter expressing your financial ability to fund the real estate purchase from existing accounts.
If your earnest money, down payment, or the purchase amount are originating from an institution outside of the U.S., this is a good time to begin transferring those funds to a U.S. financial institution. Funds used in the purchase will be verified in U.S. dollars from a U.S. institution prior to the acceptance of a purchase offer.
Step Three – Researching and Touring Homes
I use the very best resources to optimize the search for your next home. From the Multiple Listing Service and various public real estate sites, we can see what is currently available in your preferred communities and within your price range. My extensive network of clients and brokers in the area give us a unique insight to homes not yet offered on the market. Together, we visit the homes of most interest and refine our list of needs and wants if needed.
If you are searching for homes from another country or another state, and not able to personally tour the properties of interest, I can preview selected properties for you and answer specific questions that you may have.
Step Four – Making an Offer on a Home
When you find the right home, I analyze recent sales and current listings of similar properties and prepare your offer. I exclusively represent you in negotiating the purchase including price, dates and contingencies. There are various strategies to achieving your goals depending on the market conditions and competition.
Step Five – What Happens Between Contract Acceptance and the Closing
i work closely with you from contract to close on the home inspection, lender appraisal, and preparing for the closing. You have access to our proven network of attorneys, accountants, home inspectors, and contractors. I coordinate with all parties in the transaction to keep the milestones on track, and I keep you informed every step of the way.
In our area, it is common to engage a real estate attorney and title company in the purchase of real estate. I can also assist you in acquiring property insurance and setting up the utilities prior to the closing.
Rich Gerber – RE/MAX Suburban – Specializing in Chicagoland Real Estate and including Palatine, Inverness, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and the surrounding areas.