Buyers
Sherine knows that the process of buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially with today’s busy schedules. Using a step-by-step process, Sherine makes understanding the many stages of purchasing a home easy.
Consistent communication, with both the client and the Realtor on the other side of each transaction, helps move the buying process towards a happy conclusion.
“Sherine is, hands down, the most professional, responsive, and caring agent I have ever worked with. She had my best interest at heart from start to finish. I would never work with anyone else again.”
— ANNE D.
The Buying Process
1. FIND AN AGENT
An agent makes all the difference in your home buying experience. A trustworthy, experienced agent has knowledge based on guiding hundreds of real estate transactions. An agent can also recommend additional team members, such as a lawyer or loan officer.
2. GET PRE-QUALIFIED
A loan officer helps you accurately determine your budget and issues a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter for your use. Either letter establishes your credibility as a buyer, and it is necessary before making an offer on a home.
3. SEARCH FOR YOUR HOME
Your agent interviews you to assess your needs and preferences and uses the information to create effective home search criteria. Home size, location, design and more are considered as you begin your search. Finding a home relies on the availability of offerings in the marketplace; it can take a few days or a few months.
4. OFFER, NEGOTIATIONS AND CONTRACT
When you find the home you want, your agent helps you determine the best offer and explains additional factors such as closing dates and contingencies that affect the purchase. The home sales contract will detail all these elements.
5. INSPECTION AND ATTORNEY REVIEW
The sale is contingent on completing a home inspection and attorney review. A licensed home inspector examines the home’s structural integrity and presents a detailed report. In addition to addressing the inspection results, the attorney reviews the contract and any documents relevant to the sale of the property. Your lawyer and the seller's lawyer help resolve any issues before the contract is final.
6. APPRAISAL AND MORTGAGE COMMITMENT
The loan officer processes the loan application in tandem with the home inspection and attorney review. Among the steps necessary to reach a mortgage commitment is getting an appraisal. The appraisal confirms the home’s market value to the lender and the buyer.
7. CLOSING
A target date for closing is 45 days from the date of the purchase contract when a loan is involved; a cash purchase takes less time. Before closing, you and your agent attend a final walk-through to ensure that the home is in the expected condition. At the closing, your lawyer explains the paperwork that requires a signature. The keys are presented after the signed documents are approved, and the home is yours.
The Baird & Warner Advantage
Sherine is a Top Producer at Baird & Warner, Illinois’ largest family-owned independent real estate services company. Baird & Warner supports its agents with a network of passionate colleagues, cutting-edge technology and systems that move deals quickly and smoothly. Sherine’s clients can take advantage of Baird & Warner’s “one-stop shopping” experience. The agency offers B&W Title Services, Key Mortgage Services and 30 convenient, full-service locations throughout Chicagoland for meetings or closings. With more than 150 years of experience, Baird & Warner is dedicated to making real estate easier.