Get in Touch
JAMES SLONE
M: (614) 562-9979
O: (614) 944-5950
[email protected]
1 EASTON OVAL STE 100
COLUMBUS OH 43219
Understanding your goals is the foundation of your home-buying journey. I’ll work with you to clarify your priorities, such as location, home features, and overall goals. I’ll also explain the buying process and what to expect, making sure you’re informed from the very beginning. Open and honest communication will keep us aligned throughout the process.
When purchasing a home, there are various costs to consider beyond the price. These include down payment and closing costs, which can be influenced by factors like the loan type and the market. I’ll help you estimate these costs and plan accordingly.
Securing financing is a crucial step in the home-buying journey. Pre-qualification gives you a general idea of your budget, but a pre-approval is a more detailed process that shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready to purchase.
I’ll connect you with trusted lenders who can help you through the process. If you need assistance with down payment programs, I can provide resources to explore those options as well.
Estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI. Add your location for more accurate estimates.
Before I can show you homes, I’m legally required to have a signed representation agreement. This agreement outlines the time frame of which my fiduciary responsibilities to act in your best interest throughout the process. Compensation is always negotiable, and I’ll walk you through the details, answering any questions you may have.
With an active Buyer Representation Agreement, I’ll begin by defining the key elements of your ideal home. This includes your price range, location, school district preferences, home style, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, basement options, parking, and any other specific features important to you.
I’ll organize and schedule property tours to help you explore potential homes. Some homes are classified as “Go and Show,” meaning appointments are readily available for vacant homes. Others are marked “Appointment Required,” where the seller or occupants need time to prepare. These appointments often involve families gathering kids or pets and leaving the home, so it’s important to honor scheduled times out of respect for their efforts.
I’ll provide valuable insights into target neighborhoods, including information about schools, amenities and commute times. This ensures you are well-informed about the areas you’re considering.
We could also explore new construction homes, which often come with attractive incentives. These can include funds for upgrades, rate buy-downs, contributions toward closing costs, and other benefits. New construction homes offer modern amenities and customizable features, making them a great option for many buyers.
When you’ve found a home you love, we’ll analyze the market to ensure your offer is competitive and aligned with current trends. Using a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), we’ll recommend strategies for terms, contingencies, and pricing to strengthen your position.
While the listing agent isn’t required to disclose any offer details unless authorized by the seller, I’ll help you interpret the information available to craft a compelling and competitive offer.
Once we’ve finalized the terms and pricing, we’ll draft and submit a professional offer to the seller. After receiving your offer, the seller has three options: they can accept, reject, or counter the offer. We’ll guide you through all possible scenarios to ensure you’re prepared for the next steps.
Once your offer is accepted, contingency periods begin. I’ll guide you through inspections, appraisals, and any necessary negotiations. I’ll also coordinate with affiliates, including your lender, home insurance providers, warranty companies, and the title company, to ensure everything stays on track.
As closing day approaches, I’ll assist with the final walkthrough, review the Closing Disclosure, help set up utilities, and address any last-minute questions to ensure everything is ready.
On closing day, we’ll be by your side as you finalize the paperwork and officially become a homeowner. It’s important to note that closing and possession are not always the same day, as possession depends on the terms outlined in your contract. We’ll ensure you understand the details and help you plan for a seamless transition.
My commitment to you doesn’t end at closing. I’ll remain a resource for all your real estate needs, from homeownership tips to connecting you with trusted service providers. Whether you’re planning future updates, considering refinancing, or simply have questions about the market, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. We value the relationship we’ve built and look forward to staying connected for years to come.
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