Your home will likely be the greatest financial investment you’ll ever make. With our help, it can also be your wisest. Equip your buyer toolbox with the best tools to ensure you have the opportunity to come out on top.
Many real estate transactions include an extensive negotiating process. Our trained specialists will represent you and get you the best deal possible. As we help you navigate the market, finding you the property of your dreams, we will provide you with important information about the home, its neighborhood, zoning issues, utilities, and nearby plans for development.
Working with one of our many dedicated agents on your real estate purchase will save you time and add professional assurance every step of the way. With the guarantee of a solid investment, the decision could also make you more wealthy when it’s time to sell.
MYTH: Using a REALTOR® to help me buy my home is going to cost me money.
FACT: The biggest myth the public has about buying real estate, whether it’s an investment opportunity or a forever-home for your family or simply a weekend getaway, is the financial cost of working with an agent. The truth is, buyer representation is free. Yes, free.
It works like this: Seller wants to sell their home. They pay a set amount of commission to a Listing Agent to cover the cost of doing so. Included in that commission is the percentage that gets paid to the Buyer’s Agent. This means that YOU, the buyer, never pays a dime for your representation.
Q: Why do I need to be pre-approved?
A: Being pre-approved (or even pre-qualified) for a mortgage will help you understand your financial boundaries. During the pre-approval process, it will give you the opportunity to get your paperwork ready for the big day. Different lenders have different requirements and rates so it’s always a good idea to shop around. We can provide you assistance in finding the right lender and work with you to ensure we find a future property you can afford. We’re always here to answer your questions and help your lender any way we can.
Q: What is escrow?
A: Escrow occurs when an agreement has been made between the buyer and the seller and the transaction funds are being managed by a third party, title companies. Title companies provide many services aside from providing title insurance on a property. Which title company to use is the choice of the seller as they are typically responsible for paying for the basic title insurance on the property you’re buying.
Q: Are there any closing costs that buyers should be aware of?
A: It’s a good estimate to calculate approximately 2-5% of the purchase price for closing costs. Typically closing costs include mortgage origination fees. Before closing on your home purchase, you will be able to review these costs and discuss them with your agent and lender.
Q: What is the process of purchasing a home?
A: There are many steps in purchasing a home. These steps can be a bit cumbersome for someone without a good agent to help guide them along the way. We’ve outlined the basic process in a nutshell here for you.
- Get pre-approved
- Find home
- Write offer
- Get home inspection
- Do your due diligence
- Review closing docs
- Close
Home warranties can be very beneficial for a home buyer, depending on the property. They give peace of mind when it comes to making a first-time home purchase and free up cash to spend on other things like improvements, furniture…even vacations, instead of spending it on repairing a washer/dryer or dishwasher that no one expected to stop working suddenly. Talk to your agent to find out if a Home Warranty is something to consider.
Are you relocating to this area? Looking for more information to help you find the right city and neighborhood for your family?
Most of our agents at Treasure State Homes are natives to Southwest Montana and love it. We’re ecstatic you’re considering joining us and would love nothing more than to help you relocate. Contact us for a relocation packet.
In order for the purchase to be the happy and satisfying experience it was meant to be, you need to ensure that you are financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities that accompany being a home owner. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you navigate the process and make sure you’re getting the best deal out there and are fully educated on what’s in store for you as a new homeowner. It’s an exciting time for you and we’re excited to be a part of your journey.
Q: Are you ready to buy?
A: Owning your own home is about more than just being able to decorate any way you like; it’s about being prepared to maintain your home over the years, realizing that part of your income and time will go towards repairs and maintenance. It’s about being willing to take the risks of home ownership with a realistic expectation of the rewards.
Q: How much can you afford?
A: This is where getting in touch with a lender is a good idea. We can help. You may be able to afford more or sometimes less than you originally thought. A lender will help you determine which price point you should be looking and whether buying now is better than later. With the local rental market as high as it is, this is a fantastic time to invest in a home. Most of the time, the cost of a mortgage is far below the cost of renting but you need to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with home ownership.