Why do I need Trevor Stuart to help me buy a property?

So you’re thinking of buying a property. 

If you’re trying to decide whether to hire a professional Realtor or try to do it on your own, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have the time and energy to focus on searching for and viewing numerous properties on top of your job and family responsibilities?
• Do you have the sources of information, and contacts to do the job yourself?
• Do you know enough about the real estate market to determine a fair price?
• Do you have the contract and negotiation skills to ensure you get the best deal possible? 

As a licensed REALTOR®, Trevor Stuart can assist you with all aspects of the buying process so you can focus on what’s important:  your life!

The Buying Process

Step 1:  Determine Your Buying Power
The process of buying a property generally starts with determining your buying power.  Your maximum purchase price is the sum of your financial reserves (your down payment) plus your borrowing capacity (the maximum mortgage amount you can or want to carry).  If you give a real estate agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, she/he can refer you to the lenders best qualified to help you.

Trevor works with a number of experienced mortgage lenders who offer terrific service and some great mortgage options.

Step 2:  Search for a Property
Once you know how much you can and want to pay for a property, the next step is to find the properties that most nearly fit your needs. This is the time to choose a Real Estate Associate. When picking a real estate associate, look for one who is also a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a real estate trade association, and all members agree to abide by a 17 article Code of Ethics. A REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in that search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your associate to find all available properties.

Trevor Stuart will discuss your needs in detail, pre-screen the available properties against your requirements and make sure that you spend your time looking only at properties that meet your needs.

Step 3:  Select the Right Property
Your job is to make the final selection of the right property for you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real estate associate can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Associates who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

Trevor Stuart will provide you with the information and resources you need to make a sound decision:  the benefit of his real estate market experience to ensure you’re paying a fair price and his knowledge of the value of the property you’ve chosen versus comparable properties on the market.

Step 4:  Negotiate a Fair Deal
There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should also provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your REALTOR® can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Trevor Stuart is an expert negotiator, as evidenced by his many satisfied clients.  Make sure you’re interests are represented with power and passion – let Trevor act on your behalf!

Step 5:  Conduct Your Due Diligence
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

Once your offer has been accepted, Trevor Stuart will help you make sure the property is a sound investment.  Trevor will walk you through the process and provide referrals to qualified property inspectors, real estate appraisers and lawyers who can help you review the property’s structure, value and title.

Step 6:  Arrange Your Financing
Once you’ve decided that the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. Your REALTOR® can help you understand the different financing options available.

Trevor Stuart works with a number of experienced mortgage lenders who offer terrific service and some great mortgage options.  He’ll refer you to a mortgage professional who’s right for you and guide you through the approval process.

Step 7:  Close the Transaction
Finally, there is the closing, or settlement, as it is known in different parts of the country. Every area has its own unique customs. In some areas, the title or escrow company will handle this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all. Again, your REALTOR® can guide you through this process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

Trevor Stuart will help you get from “sold” to “moved in” seamlessly by working closely with your mortgage lender, your lawyer and you to ensure deadlines are met, requirements are fulfilled and you get your keys on time.

Let Trevor Stuart’s experience work for you!  Trevor will lead you through the purchasing process from start to finish.  Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, Trevor’s exceptional service will make your next purchase a breeze!