Buyers
When you begin to search for property for sale in St. Louis, you'll find no better partner than a Janet McAfee Inc. real estate agent. Each real estate agent is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams as quickly and efficiently as possible, whether you're buying a new home in a different neighborhood or relocating your family to St. Louis.
To make the home buying process even easier, Janet McAfee has provided a variety of home buying tips created by REALTOR® Magazine Online. Each one covers important information regarding choosing the right real estate agent, finding the best property for your family and protecting your finances along the way.
To read any of these topics, please click a link below.
Our step-by-step approach to service
Your Janet McAfee agent will guide you through every step of the home buying process, from identifying properties which meet your criteria to negotiating the sale, navigating the contract contingencies and ultimately closing on your new home! Here is our step-by-step process:
Listening
Our first step in assisting you is to listen. Our agents want to hear from you the characteristics of a home and neighborhood that you desire. The price range and the desired proximity to home, schools, places of worship are important factors. Special needs or community support should be considered early.
Qualification
Your Janet McAfee agent can assist you with recommending reputable mortgage bankers and lenders. We are strictly independent; we do not have a business interest or ownership stake in any mortgage brokerage or any related service providers. A pre-approval letter will make your home buying process smoother and your contract more appealing to the seller.
Buyer Agency
Your agent will disclose the ways in which you are entitled to work with your Realtor. Janet McAfee offers buyer agency for the highest level of fiduciary care.
Home Finding Visit
Your agent will meet you at a predetermined location to escort you to properties which meet your desired criteria. As you visit properties, make notes about your likes and dislikes. Communicate those to your agent, as well as any changes or adjustments you make.
Early Bird Information
If you do not find a home on your first visit, your buyer's agent can register you to receive MLS properties directly to your email immediately after they are entered as a listing. Additionally, your Janet McAfee agent will inform you about any "coming attractions" that have not been made public. We meet every Tuesday morning to discuss our listings as well as report upcoming listings, so that our clients are the first to be informed.
The Purchase Process, CMA
When you find your dream home, your buyer's agent will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to reveal the sale prices of comparable homes. This will form the basis of your offer and help your agent negotiate for the lowest price possible.
Contract
Your Janet McAfee agent is licensed to complete a Residential Sale Contract, prepared by the St. Louis Association of Realtors and Missouri Bar Association. Price, earnest money, finance and appraisal terms, inspection contingencies, title investigation and closing date are all important considerations. Your buyer's agent will negotiate on your behalf to arrive at the most favorable terms for you.
Inspections
Your agent will assist in scheduling inspectors of your choice. Environmental, termite, building/structural inspections are recommended. Your agent will accompany you on the inspection and negotiate items that you want repaired or need replacement prior to closing.
Loan Commitment, Insurance, Title and Survey
You will complete your mortgage application process and contact your home owner's insurance provider. Your lender should accompany you and your agent to closing. Janet McAfee closing manager will order a title examination and survey of your choice.
Closing
A few days prior to closing, your agent will schedule a "walk through" for you to observe the property condition for a final time. Your agent will arrange for the utilities to be transferred to your name and for keys to be delivered to you. Janet McAfee closing manager will contact you a few days prior to closing with your final closing instructions.
Moving
Uncork your champagne and welcome to your St. Louis home!
Take the Trauma Out of Home Buying
- 7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home - purchasing your own home is a great investment. Discover the other benefits of buying real estate.
- 10 Things to Take the Trauma out of Home Buying - learn the 10 best tips to make buying a house in St. Louis easy on your finances and nerves.
- Your Property Wish List - by prioritizing what is most important to your family, you can make deciding between houses a simpler process.
- 10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership - find out exactly what you need to know before buying real estate in St. Louis.
- 5 Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes - avoid the problems that plague many first-time homebuyers during the home buying process.
- 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers - if you're purchasing your first condo, villa, urban loft or single family home, learn some helpful home buying tips to find the perfect house.
Questions to Ask Your Realtor
- 5 Reasons You Need a REALTOR® - discover how a real estate agent from Janet McAfee Inc. can make your home buying adventure easier.
- Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Practitioner - before choosing a St. Louis real estate agent, make sure you ask the right questions.
Financing Your New Home
- 10 Questions to Ask Your Lender - get the best rates and loans from your lender to protect your finances and your new home.
- 10 Things a Lender Needs From You - by following the information in this document, you can be sure you have all the necessary paperwork to meet with your lender and secure your financing.
