The Home Buying Process

Sometimes the prospect of purchasing a home can seem almost overwhelming. Addressing financial concerns, negotiating the deal, keeping abreast of current market trends or simply knowing what options are available in today’s real estate market is enough to start any head spinning. 

Cambree Realty Advisors, led by Ken Morrison has been listening and responding to concerns like these for over 25 years. We understand the anxiety that comes with the decision to buy real estate. We also know that the RIGHT Realtor can make all the difference. 

Buying a home is likely one of the most significant investments you will ever make. Not only from a financial perspective but on a personal level as well. Sure, your home will be your dwelling place, but it will also be the place where families are nurtured and memories are made. It truly is a big deal and the more prepared you are at the outset, the less overwhelming and chaotic the buying process will be. 

The goal of “Why Cambree – For Buyers is to provide you with detailed information to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision. 

The 5 links below represent the 5 steps to home ownership. Click on each one so that you are informed about the process. Remember, if you have any questions, we're only a phone call or email away!

1. Pre-Approval – The Top Four Reason to get Pre-Approved

First, you will know exactly what price range you qualify for so that your time is spent looking at those homes instead of homes outside the range you qualify for. There's nothing worse than searching for and falling in love with a home you don't qualify to purchase.

Second, if there are errors on your credit report (unfortunately this is quite common) you will have time to clear them BEFORE getting under contract and possibly risking your earnest money deposit.

Third, every seller in today’s market is making sure that the buyer interested in their home has a strong pre-approval. Some refuse to even look at an offer that does not come with credible approval. This lets them know that you are able to get the money needed to purchase their home. Not only that, sellers are more likely to be flexible on their price when they have a buyer who is pre-approved.

Forth, if there are multiple offers on the property, being pre-approved will give you an advantage over other buyers who are not pre-approved.

2. Get Educated

Research the areas you would like to live in. Possible criteria might be the following:

SCHOOLS: If you have school age children, you may want to know what schools are aligned with certain areas. You may want to know how their performance compares with other areas, their ratings, etc. See our SCHOOL GUIDE for this information and much more.

NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES: Check how close by is shopping, health facilities, recreation, freeways, and services.

HOUSING TRENDS: Check our Neighborhood Market Analysis Report to learn value trends and neighborhood statistics on home sales and all available homes for sale. 

3. Get Representation

There is so much more to hiring a buyer's agent than simply getting access to homes for sale. Sure it is possible to purchase a home without an agent, but why would you? The commission paid to the agent representing you as the buyer is typically paid by the seller; so you get the benefit of a professional at no charge to you. Here are our top 3 reasons for getting the right representation below:

Exclusivity: For homes listed for sale by an agent, that seller has retained the Listing Agent for professional representation. If you negotiate directly with the seller’s agent, you are putting yourself at a severe disadvantage since that agent is bound to use the information you share to get the best deal for their client. Sure the agent can legally be a Dual Agent representing both sides, and would be somewhat limited on what can be shared, but can your best interest truly be served by an agent who is divided between two opposing sides when you can have your own agent representing you exclusively with 100% focus on your best interests? You wouldn't go into a courtroom with the same lawyer representing both you and the opposing side, so why risk the biggest purchase in your life of buying a home without having an experienced Cambree agent working exclusively on your behalf?

Data Analysis: The only way to determine the correct price of a home is to analyze the prices at which similar homes recently sold in the same neighborhood. Our website, MyHomeFinderPlace.com, provides home sale prices to our customers and clients. While many consumers look to Zillow for this information, Zillow does not always provide accurate estimates because it is simply a program that cannot discern certain nuances in certain neighborhoods. Not understanding or taking into consideration these neighborhood nuances can be quite costly. So, while these programs are helpful, ultimately you will need a skilled professional to step in when the numbers really matter. You've got that in Cambree Realty Advisors. 

Experience: With an experienced Cambree Agent working for you, our primary job is to find the home of your dreams while protecting you from making a mistake. The knowledge we have gained from working with so many clients throughout our 25-year career is invaluable when it comes to helping you pick the right Home on the right street, in the right neighborhood. This experience also comes into play when we are negotiating on your behalf as we often have intimate knowledge of the pros and cons of similar homes that recently sold. Once you are under contract to purchase a home, we will assist you in finding a great inspector; negotiate repairs with the seller; get estimates from trustworthy contractors; ensure completion of all the necessary paperwork and governmental transfer requirements, and oversee your escrow throughout the process.

4. Research Homes for Sale

Our powerful home search tool allows you to search all available homes the way you want to search: by City, Neighborhood, Zip Code, Etc. After you register, you will be able to:

• View detailed property information
• Print detailed property flyers
• Save your searches & favorite homes
• Inquire about a private showing
• Map individual property locations, & share your favorite homes with friends. 

5. Go Shopping

Once you have narrowed down your home search, it’s time to get in the car and go look at homes. For most people, this is the fun part, and it should be. Buying a home is the most important purchase most people make in their lifetime. Having an experienced Cambree Realty Advisors professional in your corner will save you time and more importantly give you peace of mind.