Purchasers Guides

Purchasers Guide

Closing and Moving In

Closing the Deal: What To Expect

Once you put an offer on the home you want and the seller accepts it, talk quickly turns to the much-anticipated, ceremonial end to your home-buying experience: the closing. While this is an important business meeting, it's also exciting because it means you'll soon be walking away with the keys to your new home!

Your Century 21 JRS Realty agent will work to arrange a closing time that's amenable to all parties. You and your agent will arrive at a designated time and place and the closing (which is sometimes called a settlement), will be led by a closing agent – usually an attorney or title company representative. The closing agent's job is to complete the transaction by taking the money from you the buyer and giving it to the seller.

You won't see any cash exchange hands; rather, you'll be busy signing a number of important closing documents. There are literally dozens of forms to go through, and a good title agent will explain each one to you as you go along.

Prior to sealing the deal, you and your Century 21 JRS Realty agent will look at your sales agreement, making sure the seller has met his/her obligations. Promises such as painting a room or replacing appliances must be completed before closing.

More specifically, at your closing:

  • Title and mortgage liens are properly recorded.
  • Title insurance is provided.
  • Old and new lender instructions are obtained.
  • Any problems noted at the walk-through are resolved.
  • Deeds of trust or mortgage and accompanying note are reviewed.
  • Lender forms and settlement sheets are explained.

Once you've signed all the necessary documents, you'll provide a certified or cashier's check to pay the balance of the down payment as well as any closing costs, including tax and title search fees.

Depending on the city in which your new home is located, your closing may or may not include the presence of the seller. In some areas, all parties come together in what is called a round-table closing. In other areas, buyers and sellers complete the process through individual appointments. Your Century 21 JRS Realty agent can tell you which experience to expect at your closing.

Learn more about the seller's experience at a home closing.

Compensation

How Is My Agent Paid?

Believe it or not, as the home buyer, you're in the enviable position of getting to benefit from the expertise and experience of a professional real estate agent – at virtually no cost to you.

Sound too good to be true? It's not. Real estate agents who serve buyers typically receive a commission from the sale of the home-which they share with the listing (or selling) agent. And sometimes agents are paid a pre-negotiated flat fee for services, irrespective of the sale price of the home.

Not too many years ago, real estate agencies were "seller-only," meaning that the real estate agent represented the seller, not the buyer. Under the seller-only arrangement, real estate agents (and brokers) only represented the interests of the seller, not the buyer. In fact the buyer was largely unrepresented in the transaction and usually not even aware of it!

All that changed in the 1990s when conventional wisdom caught up with this reality–without a buyer, a home won't sell.

While the real estate commission is still derived from the proceeds of the sale of the home, the advent of the buyer-agency, changed the relationship between agent and buyer.

As a buyer, you can now choose to be fully represented by a real estate agency in the purchase of your property. One of the advantages of buyer representation is that you'll have a trained professional looking out for your interests in the home buying process-interests that vary greatly from the seller's.

You may want to consider speaking with a Century 21 JRS Realty agent who can talk with you more specifically about buyer-agent representation, commissions and more.

In the meantime, here are a few additional questions and answers regarding broker/agent commissions:

Q. How is the amount of a real estate commission determined?

A. The broker determines the standard fee and that fee is stated in the company's listing agreement. Typically, the commission is a percentage of the eventual sale price of the home. Each broker's standard fee may vary depending on operating and other costs.

Real estate brokers independently determine their costs for doing business, using both fixed and variable expenses in their calculations. In addition to maintaining their office environment, brokers incur additional costs in marketing and promoting their listed properties. Brokers may market all their company's listings through such avenues as classified ads, home books and media such as television home shows, Internet Web sites and telephone hotlines. Or they may allow their individual agents to market the properties listed with that agent.

Total operating and marketing costs can have an impact on the way the commission is determined. Regardless of how the amount is derived, be sure you know what the commission will be up front and get it in writing.

Q. Is the commission negotiable?

A. Yes. In every state and on every transaction, commission is, by law, negotiable at the time it is established. In most cases, this means that the commission is established between the seller and the agent who lists the home.

Buyers and sellers should refrain from attempting to negotiate commission at the closing table. That's because a specific fee has been established for real estate services-services that resulted in the sale of the home. Payment should proceed as it was contracted. Think of it this way: Would you ask a doctor to lower her fee after your appendix was successfully removed?

Q. Is there a time when I, as the buyer, might pay a commission?

A. Perhaps. In most states, however, it's rare to pay your agent/broker directly for help in finding and purchasing your new home. However, if you, your broker and your agent sign an Exclusive Agency Agreement you may be subject to an out-of-pocket fee (as outlined in the agreement) once you find your home and the contract for its purchase is written and accepted.

Another scenario where you might pay a commission would be if you ask your broker/agent to find a very specific house within an extremely tight window of opportunity. For example, if you needed a house overlooking a lake and featuring boat dockage and an in-law suite, and you needed the house in less than two weeks, you may agree to pay a cash incentive to the broker/agent for the extra time and effort involved in securing such a property.

Condo vs. Home

Come Home to Condo Living

Looking for a place to call your own but without some of the traditional hassles of home ownership -- like yard work? Then you may want to consider purchasing a condominium.

Condos are popular for a number of reasons including size, location, amenities and, of course, limited lawn care and maintenance responsibilities.

Only you can decide -- based on your lifestyle, your budget and your personal preferences -- if condo living is right for you.

To help, we've devised this condo readiness quiz:

  • Do you want or need to minimize the time you spend on yard work and household maintenance chores?
  • Do you favor "extras" such as a swimming pool, fitness center, party house or storage facility?
  • Do you need to reduce your monthly mortgage expenses?
  • Are you comfortable paying a condo fee (averaging $100-$400 monthly) in exchange for upkeep of common areas, including snow plowing, leaf removal, parking lot maintenance and lawn mowing?
  • Are you willing to submit to the rules and regulations for your community set forth by a condo board?

If you answered yes to one or more questions, condo living may be in your future, so consider the following next steps:

1.        Look at both single-family homes and condos before narrowing your selection.

2.        Talk with current condo owners to get a feel for the pros and cons of condo living.

3.        Ask for specifics about condo fees, rules and regulations. (Some condo boards assess additional charges for maintenance work outside of routine maintenance.)

4.        Talk with your Century 21 JRS Realty buyer's agent to learn more about other things you should know before buying a condo.

5.        Relax and enjoy looking at your options. There's no substitute for diligent research and self-reflection.

Credit and Buying

Give Yourself Some Credit

Credit is an important component in helping you find the best loan product to meet your home buying needs.

The way you handle credit obligations can greatly affect your loan choices and the interest rates you can get. In short, the better credit you have, the more loan options you will have to choose what is best for you and your financial goals.

If you're in the market to buy a home, and you want to make sure you're doing everything you can to maintain good credit, here are a few tips:

  • DO pay what you owe – regularly and on time.
  • DON'T skip payments.
  • DO have a checking and a savings account.
  • DON'T hold more than four credit cards.
  • DO keep your total debt-to-income ratio under 36 percent.
  • DON'T exceed or continually increase your line of credit.
  • DO keep track of your spending and stay within your budget.

Your lender will view your credit report, when determining which loan products are best for you. Using your credit history, the credit bureau will develop a credit score. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for a loan with the best interest rates.

Not sure where you stand? It’s wise to obtain a copy of your credit report in order to find your FICO score at least once a year, and especially before making a large purchase, like a house or a car, in order to review for accuracy and find out how you can work on improving it, if necessary. You'll see the consumer credit given to you over the past seven years and be able to check your highest balance and current balance on outstanding debt, as well as see details about on-time and late payments. Your home mortgage consultant should be able to help you better understand what your score means.

You can get your credit report from many sources, but should you find something in yoru report that may not be accurate, only the credit agencies can actually correct the data on your report. Contact the three major credit agencies directly:

Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com

As for less-than-perfect credit, you should know that lenders typically are more concerned with how you’ve handled your recent credit than with what happened years ago. But even if you have a blemish on your credit history, don't let that stop you from buying a home. Buying a home – and paying your mortgage on time each month—is a great way to build your credit. If you’ve got credit questions, your first step should be to contact a trusted home mortgage consultant who can help you find the right loan product to help you attain the home of your dreams.

Existing or New Home

Existing vs. New Home

New home or previously owned? That is, perhaps, one of the first questions you may ask yourself in your home search process. Perhaps you've fantasized about purchasing a fixer-upper and giving it an extreme makeover. Or maybe you've always dreamed of building a home from the ground up and making all new color and appliance choices.

Whatever your desire, talk to your Century 21 JRS Realty agent about which choice is best for you. S/he can help you consider your personality, lifestyle, budget and personal preferences, as well as show you both new and existing homes that may be of interest to you. And s/he'll share with you information on numerous builders and developments in the communities that interest you most.

You may already know why you should work with a Realtor® to help you find an existing home, but make sure you also learn more about why you need an agent for a new home purchase, too.

In the meantime, here's a quick look at the main benefits of each type of home.

New homes offer:

  • Convenience and new amenities. Standard options for new homes usually include amenities such as whirlpool tubs, central air/heat and large mirrors.
  • Peace of mind. Safety devices such as smoke detectors, circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters come standard in newer homes. Also, new homes are subject to improved safety requirements, which means no-lead paint and asbestos-free insulation are used in its construction.
  • Comfort. High-tech solutions in heating and cooling and state-of-the-art materials (such as windows) sometimes ensure a more comfortable, energy-efficient surrounding.

Existing homes offer:

  • Stability. The hallmark of an existing home is a well-developed neighborhood with established zoning laws and school districts.
  • Resale value. The return-on-investment for an existing home is often greater; especially in historic neighborhoods where the entire area is undergoing renovation and experiencing an upswing in property values.
  • Savings. Typically, there's more room for negotiation – especially when it comes to incorporating items such as a repair allowance. In addition, expect to save money on "hidden" costs such as landscaping, unforeseen repairs or dues for a homeowner's association.

Keep in mind that both choices have associated costs. New homes are subject to elevated construction and lumber costs, while existing homes often require some type of repair or remodel.

Get an idea of common remodeling costs for existing homes.

Regardless of whether you choose a new or existing home, one thing's certain: home ownership remains a strong investment and home improvement a good re-investment of your financial resources.

With numerous benefits for both building new and buying an existing home, you may find it helpful to consult with a Century 21 JRS Realty real estate professional to help you choose a primary path. S/he can listen to your thoughts on both options and help you determine which path meets your current needs.

Read more about home improvements from the seller's point-of-view.

FHA and VA Loans

Loans from Your Uncle Sam

There's more than one way to finance your home purchase – in fact, there are thousands! Understanding who has loan products and how they can help you will make your home buying process so much easier. Learn about the advantages of government-backed VA and FHA loans. Many first-time buyers choose them because they require little or no down payment for qualified buyers.

Veteran's Administration (VA) Loans
Qualified veterans (including Reserves and National Guard) can take out loans with up to 100% financing for more than $200,000 – with no down payment – and still get flexible underwriting guidelines. Closing costs are regulated and may be tagged as a gift. Plus, VA-guaranteed loans can be combined with second mortgages and taken on by qualified future buyers. But the best part might just be that payments are fixed for the entire loan term so you won't have to worry about interest rate increases.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans
While the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) doesn't technically make loans, it makes getting them easier. The FHA insures loans, which can encourage lenders to offer more favorable terms. That's because the insurance protects lenders against potential losses by paying the lender if a homeowner defaults. And with an FHA loan, down payments can be as low as 3%.

The only requirement is showing sufficient monthly income to pay the mortgage. But remember: the FHA charges an up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium similar to Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). However, this premium can be financed and paid monthly as part of the mortgage, (so you don't have to pay it upfront), or paid at closing. You can also pay a one-time charge (discount points) at closing to help get a lower loan percentage rate.

With so many loan options, you want to make sure you find the one that best meets your needs. And working with your Century 21 JRS Realty agent and a mortgage consultant will help you understand the different options and make the best choice. Get in touch with Century 21 JRS Realty to get started and find your loan.

Century 21 JRS Realty is affiliated with Century 21 Mortgage, LLC

Follow-Up Checklist

Buyer's Checklist

It takes a lot of planning, effort and, of course, paperwork to go from finding your new home to getting the keys in the front door.

Knowing the who, what, where and when of the process will help you keep your sanity amidst one of life's most important – and exciting – financial decisions.

The first thing you can do to simplify the process is to work with a Century 21 JRS Realty agent who'll be with you every step of the way. Curious about all that is involved in the buying process? Check out our quick Buyer's Checklist. These are the steps you and your agent will walk through, as you move from dreaming of your new home to living in it.

Buyer Follow-up Checklist

 

 

Agency Disclosure

__ Seller's Agent
__ Buyer's Agent
__ Dual Agent
__ Non-Agent
__ Facilitator

__ Yes __ No

If yes, Signature Date
_______________________________

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Fair Housing Explained

__ Yes __ No

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Earnest Money

Promissory Note Redeemed
Date ___________ N/A ____

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Inspections

Private Home Inspection
Date _________________________
Contingency Removed __________

Pest
Date _________________________
Contingency Removed __________

Municipal
Date _________________________
Contingency Removed __________

FHA/VA
Date _________________________
Contingency Removed __________

Other ________________________
Date _________________________
Contingency Removed __________

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Complete Loan Application

(Check with your lender for additional needs if you are divorced, paying child support, or self-employed; or if you own income properties.)

Loan Officer ___________________
Phone # ______________________
Date _________________________

Bring:
___ Past 2 years' W-2 tax forms
___ Paycheck stubs for last 30 days
___ Last 3 months' statements from all deposit and/or investment accounts (checking, savings, 401K, mutual funds, etc.)
___ Cancelled rent/mortgage checks (12 months)
___ Name/address of any landlord (12 months)
____________________________________
____________________________________
Date _________________________
___ Application fee (check or money order)

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Deposit Funds

Escrow Officer _________________
Phone # ______________________
Date _________________________

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Contact Movers

Name _______________________
Phone # ______________________
Moving Date ___________________

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Obtain Homeowners Insurance

Agent ________________________
Phone # ______________________
Date _________________________

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Arrange Utility Transfer

__ Gas Phone # ________________
__ Electric Phone # _____________
__ Telephone Phone # __________
__ Cable Phone # ______________
__ Other ______________________

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Final Walk-Through

Date _________________________
Contingency Removed ___________

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Sign Final Papers

Date _________________________
Location ______________________

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Obtain Keys

From ________________________
Date ________________________
Time ________________________

For Sale By Owner

Letting Your Agent Lead

Just when you thought you had the whole home-buying process under control, you fall in love with what everyone's calling a "FSBO", - a house that is For Sale By Owner. Does that change anything? Do the same rules and guidelines apply? And most importantly, can you still purchase the home with the representation of your buyer's agent?

Absolutely. Sellers will agree to work with an agent who brings a qualified buyer to the table. And when you're embarking on an experience as large and important as purchasing a home, it's important that you have a qualified professional representing your best interests - whether the seller does or not.

Just as you would for any other listed property, let your agent be the point of contact with the seller of a FSBO. This is important because not only is your buyer's agent well-qualified and dedicated to serving your needs, in some cases your agent may have to have the first conversation with the seller in order to be able to represent you in the purchase.

Save Time and Get Pre-Approved

Understand Your Purchasing Power

Few things are more frustrating in a new home search than falling in love with a house that simply doesn't fit your budget. So before you begin looking for a new home, work with a mortgage company to learn more about how to get pre-qualified and pre-approved. (And be sure you understand the differences between these seemingly similar terms.)

Pre-qualification – Starting with this step is easy and it provides you with an estimate of how much financing you *might be* eligible for. Then you can talk with your agent so s/he can select homes that fit both your preferences and your price range.

If you've never been pre-approved before, you might be surprised at how big the estimate for your loan is. While pre-qualification is a good guideline, it's just that – a guideline. You'll also need to look closely at your monthly income and expenses. Consider whether your future mortgage payment will fit comfortably into your budget; and don't feel it's necessary to spend the full amount for which you've been pre-qualified. A good rule of thumb is that your mortgage payment should be no more than 25 to 33 percent of your monthly gross income.

Learn how to figure your housing budget.

Once you've determined your price range, you can also apply for a pre-approved loan. Often a seamless step, being pre-approved can be the advantage you need if you're bidding against another buyer who isn't. Pre-approval also speeds the actual loan process once you're in contract with a particular property.

Here's some additional information to explain the differences between pre-qualification and pre-approval of your loan:

Pre-Qualification

  • Is based on preliminary information regarding your income, debts and assets.
  • Information is usually provided verbally to the lender by you.
  • An in-file credit report may or may not be reviewed.
  • Once a purchase agreement is executed, you must complete a loan application.
  • There's no fee.

Pre-Approval

  • You provide documentation of income, debts and assets.
  • Your loan application is completed.
  • The information you provide is verified and an underwriter approves the loan.
  • There's no need to complete an application once the purchase agreement is executed because it's already done.
  • You may be required to make a deposit on closing costs.
  • Your mortgage loan is approved, pending an appraisal of the home.

Learning what you can afford is easy and effective, thanks to Century 21 Mortgage. We'll help you understand your credit, debt and income and determine the loan amount available to you.

Contact a helpful Century 21 Mortgage loan officer to get pre-qualified – or, if you're serious about buying a home, how to get pre-approved.

Home Inspection

A Complete Home Physical

Even if you've looked in every nook and cranny of the home you want to buy, we at Century 21 JRS Realty believe it's crucial for you to protect yourself by having a home inspection conducted prior to closing. A professional assessment by a reputable home inspector will uncover any problems (large or small), alerting you to any needed repairs and updates. With your Century 21 JRS Realty agent's help, you may even be able to negotiate for repair or replacement of items before the purchase is complete.

You'll have the opportunity to bring in a home inspector of your choosing once you go into contract. The inspector will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the home and property, doing everything from testing outlets and faucets; to identifying signs of dampness, termites or carbon monoxide; to making sure walls are strong and windows are secure.

Hire an inspector you can count on

If you don't already have a particular inspector in mind, ask someone you trust for a reference. The inspection will cost several hundred dollars (actual cost depends on the size of the property and complexity of the report), so it's important that you feel confident about the person conducting it and the quality of his/her work. In fact, your Century 21 JRS Realty agent is a good resource for home inspection references, as he/she has undoubtedly worked with a number of quality inspectors.

Be sure to choose an inspector who can provide proof of membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Even though home inspection is fairly unregulated in many states, ASHI-certified inspectors meet stringent requirements and abide by a strong Code of Ethics.

It’s best to schedule your home inspection during daylight hours if possible. You should also make every attempt to attend the home inspection, which will last 2-4 hours depending on the size of the home. Your participation will provide information on general maintenance tips, and alert you of any concerns with the condition of the property. Upon completion of the inspection, you and your agent should receive a copy of the report for review. Any non-cosmetic items that are of concern would then be addressed by your agent in the preparation of a "Buyer's Request to Remedy" which is provided to the Seller's agent. Feel free to ask questions during the inspection - the more you know about your new home, the better.

Take care of repairs

The inspector should deliver a written report within one or two days. It's perfectly normal to have a handful of small issues that need attention or repair. Work with your Century 21 JRS Realty agent to decide which of these to ask the seller to handle or pay for, and which you'll handle yourself.

Here are a few sample repairs and their associated costs:

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Problems

Examples

Costs

Large-scale

heating, cooling, roofing, plumbing

$2,000-$5,000

Medium

insulation, paint

$500-$2,000

Minor

electrical outlets, kitchen sink

$100-$500

Even if your home inspector finds no serious problems, the inspection can pay off indirectly. In addition to identifying immediate-need repairs, you'll be alerted to future maintenance issues as well. It's always good to know up-front what to expect, and how much such repairs could cost.

And if the inspection unearths catastrophic problems that can't be resolved to your satisfaction, the Century 21 JRS Realty purchase agreement protects your interests. Ask your Century 21 JRS Realty sales associate to explain each possibility.

Learn more about home inspections from the seller's point of view.

Home Maintenance Issues

Home Maintenance

Home ownership offers an exciting opportunity to create a personal living space that's uniquely yours. As such, your home will no doubt tell a lot about you and your family.

In fact, if you think of your home as both a picture (something to look at and enjoy) and a mirror (a reflection of you), it's easy to see why regular home maintenance is so important.

And you don't have to be a seasoned do-it-yourselfer. If you're like most people, you'll easily be able to tackle normal maintenance jobs.

Remember that paying attention to basic home maintenance responsibilities will help protect your investment. Keep in mind that maintenance needs vary from home to home and community to community so you may want to add (or subtract) a few things from these lists, depending on where you live.

Finally, when your to-do list includes finding your next home contact us for a free home market analysis.

January
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  • Keep plenty of salt handy in your garage or basement for icy sidewalks and walkways.
  • Examine and clean kitchen appliances.
  • Vacuum the condenser coil located in the back or bottom of the refrigerator and clean the drain pan.
  • Wash kitchen exhaust hood and air filters.
  • Clean dishwasher food filters and check that openings in spray arms are clear.
  • Store a fire extinguisher within reach of your stove.
  • Check your attic for adequate insulation.

February
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  • Check the snow load on your roof. If it seems excessive, call a roofing contractor to remove the snow, which could otherwise cause the roof to leak or collapse.
  • Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
  • Remove and replace any worn or crumbling caulk or grout in and around bathtubs, sinks and toilets.
  • Vacuum bathroom vent fan covers.
  • Make sure the light bulbs in all home fixtures are of the correct wattage.
  • Replace all extension cords, lamp cords and plugs that are brittle, worn or damaged.

March
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  • Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks or bulges, and patch and paint as necessary.
  • Hire a professional to check your water heater.
  • Check basement and crawl space for moisture or leakage after wet weather.
  • Examine exterior fascia and trim for deterioration.
  • Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and sidewalks.
  • Inspect your stairs and railings for any loose sections.

April
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  • Hire a professional air conditioning contractor to inspect and maintain your system.
  • Inspect your roof for any missing, loose or damaged shingles.
  • Check the fireplace flue to make sure it is closed for the warmer weather.
  • Remove your storm windows.
  • Repair or replace screens with holes large enough for insects to enter your home.
  • Scrape and paint any wood surfaces that have peeled or weathered.
  • Clean and inspect your lawn mower.

May
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  • Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Fertilize and aerate your lawn.
  • Extend downspouts away from house onto splash blocks.
  • Inspect your deck or patio, and paint if necessary.
  • Clear window wells.
  • Replace or repair old and damaged water hoses.

June
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  • Prepare flower beds and plant your garden.
  • Clean and organize your garage.
  • Repair any damage to fences.
  • To conserve energy, set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting.
  • Re-grade soil around foundation walls as needed.
  • Examine and trim trees and shrubs away from the home.

July
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  • Examine your basement, attic and other small spaces for summer pest infestation.
  • Inspect all window and door locks to assure safety.
  • Check your home for any water leaks or water damage.
  • Inspect and maintain your air conditioning unit and replace filters.
  • Keep your lawn green by watering efficiently.
  • Hold a garage sale to clear away any unwanted items.

August
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  • Clean dryer vent duct.
  • Test your sump pump.
  • Replace any broken light bulbs and make necessary repairs to outdoor lighting.
  • Inspect and maintain your air conditioning unit and replace filters.
  • Use grass clippings as fertilizer.
  • Be sure all family members know the location of water and gas shut-off valves.
  • Prepare your garden and lawn for cooler temperatures.

September
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  • Trim tree limbs and vegetation away from roof and siding.
  • Schedule an appointment with a heating professional to check and clean furnace.
  • Fertilize lawn and garden.
  • Purchase the necessary equipment to winterize your pool.
  • Inspect roof openings and flashes; weatherproof as needed.

October
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  • Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the valve to outside faucets.
  • Caulk or place weather-stripping around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
  • Replace or clean furnace filter.
  • Remove screens from windows and install storm windows.
  • Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
  • Plant spring bulbs.
  • Test and change the batteries in all smoke detectors.

November
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  • Make sure shovels and snow blowers are in working order.
  • Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
  • Clean downspouts and gutters to remove leaves and debris.
  • Check supply of electrical fuses, breakers, candles and flashlights.
  • Remove birds' nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
  • Inspect exterior lighting at walkways and entrances for safety.

December
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  • Monitor ice build-up in gutters and downspouts.
  • Inspect all interior plugs and switches for safety.
  • Check and maintain fire extinguisher.
  • Examine wood burning flues for blockage and clean if necessary.
  • Grind ice cubes in garbage disposal to sharpen blades.
  • Check attic for leaks and condensation.
  • Store firewood at least 30 feet away from the house.

House Tour Checklist

Make a list. Check it twice.

Touring homes is exciting, exhausting and – after enough of them – often confusing. By the end of the day, your memory may become fuzzy so you won't be able to remember if the house with the fabulous kitchen had three bedrooms or four, or which house had the spot for the garden you've always dreamed of.

That's why we've developed the Century 21 JRS Realty Home Tour Checklist. Print extras so you can complete one for each home you tour and use it to track important details such as square footage, condition and age of the roof, and noise level of the neighborhood.

And while you're looking at the features you want in a new home, be sure to step back and consider the bigger picture – the permanent attributes – of the house. Remember that while you can change superficial elements like wallpaper, paint color and window treatments, you shouldn't discount them completely. Keep in mind that even minor remodeling can cost both time and money. Conversely, don't let outward appearances alone keep you from a house that would otherwise be a perfect fit.

If you've taken good notes, your Century 21 JRS Realty Home Tour Checklists will be a great tool moving forward in the home-buying process. Keep them handy, refer to them often and be sure to share them with your Century 21 JRS Realty agent so s/he can continually refine the types of homes s/he's researching for you.

The Home

Square footage

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Number of bedrooms

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Number of baths

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Practicality of floor plan

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Condition of interior walls

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Closet/storage space

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Basement

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Fireplace

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Cable TV

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Basement: dampness/odors

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Exterior appearance/condition

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Lawn/yard space

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Fence

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Patio/deck

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Garage

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Energy efficiency

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Screens/storm windows

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Roof: age, condition

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Gutters/downspouts

____Good

____Average

____Poor

 

The Neighborhood

Nearby homes/businesses

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Traffic

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Noise level

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Safety/security

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Age mix of inhabitants

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Number of children

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Pet restrictions

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Parking

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Zoning regulations

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Neighborhood restrictions/covenants

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Fire protection

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Police

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Snow removal

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Garbage service

____Good

____Average

____Poor

 

Schools

Age/condition

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Reputation

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Quality of teachers

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Achievement test scores

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Play areas

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Curriculum

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Class size

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Busing distance

____Good

____Average

____Poor

 

Convenience to...

Supermarket

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Schools

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Work

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Shopping

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Child care

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Hospitals

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Doctor/dentist

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Recreation/parks

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Church/synagogue

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Airport

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Highways

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Public Transportation

____Good

____Average

____Poor

 

Other attributes important to me...

____________________

____Good

____Average

____Poor

____________________

____Good

____Average

____Poor

____________________

____Good

____Average

____Poor

____________________

____Good

____Average

____Poor

____________________

____Good

____Average

____Poor

____________________

____Good

____Average

____Poor

Loan Process

The Loan Application

If you're like most people, you'll probably need to secure a mortgage loan for your new house. Application for a home loan can take as little as one week and up to a month, depending on the type of mortgage.

Your lender or mortgage broker will be able to give you a better idea of the actual time it will take from application to approval. However, in general, conventional loans are processed more quickly than FHA or VA home loans.

Read more about types of mortgage loans.

The following is a step-by-step outline of what to expect during the loan application process:

1.        Application
Bring all required documentation. (Also, see the Application Checklist.)
Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs
Truth-in-Lending statement

2.        Processing
Verification of employment
Verification of deposits
Credit report

3.        Underwriting
Clear conditions

4.        Purchase Homeowner's Insurance

5.        Escrow
Determine funds needed for closing
Schedule appointment for closing
Prepare deed and mortgage note
Closing and Title Transfer

Application Checklist

To speed up the application process, bring the applicable following items to your loan application appointment.

  • Signed copy of Purchase Agreement plus all Addendums.
  • Tax and Legal description on subject property.