FINDING YOUR DREAM HOME

BUYERS

PRE-QUALIFICATION

Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home.

PRE-APPROVAL

Understanding how much you can afford is just the first step, but sellers are more likely to take interest in buyers who have been pre-approved. Pre-approval not only helps you avoid the disappointment of pursuing homes outside your budget, but it also demonstrates to sellers that you're a serious buyer. During pre-approval, you apply for a mortgage and receive a written commitment from a lender. This assures the seller that, as long as the home is priced within your pre-approved range, you’re financially ready to proceed. The costs for pre-approval are usually minimal and can typically be paid at closing.

LIST OF NEEDS & WANTS

Create two lists. In the first, note the must-haves—such as the number of bedrooms needed for your family size, or a one-story layout if accessibility is important. The second list should cover your wish items—like a pool, a den, or other features that are nice to have but not essential. As a first-time buyer, you likely won’t get everything on your wish list, but these lists will help you stay focused on what matters most.

PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION

Consider hiring a real estate agent who represents you, the buyer, rather than the seller.

OUR SCALE IS YOUR STRENGTH

With over $80 million in sales in 2024 alone, The JBRE Team has surpassed all others in luxury residential real estate transactions across Northern Arizona. They are among the industry’s most connected, skilled, and experienced agents. Their extensive network, in-depth market knowledge, and relentless drive set them apart. Backed by the national powerhouse brokerage Coldwell Banker, their resources are unmatched, allowing them to provide exceptional service to every client.

BUYING YOUR HOME

Finally, Your Dreams Can Have An Address

STEP 1: OUTLINING YOUR OBJECTIVE

Outlining Your Objectives

What is your motivation to buy?
What price range are you considering?
What is your timeline to move?
What are your ideal features and "non-negotiables"?
What are you looking for in a neighborhood?

Planning and Preparation

Discuss objectives and process with your Realtor®
Obtain a loan approval letter
Sign an exclusive buyer-broker agreement with your Realtor®
Research neighborhoods of interest with your Realtor®

Understanding the Market

Analysis of active, pending, and sold transactions
Review contracts and timelines
personal timing and seasonal considerations
Market forces: supply vs. demand, macro vs. micro
Create Profile-Based Buyer Attraction Strategy

STEP 2: FINDING YOUR HOME

The Search

Browse and review online listings with your Realtor®
Browse and review online listings with your Realtor®
Notification of new and off-market properties
Virtually tour listings from the comfort of your home
Select your ideal location and home

Offers and Negotiation Strategies

Learn about the Purchase Contract from your Realtor®
Discuss multiple offer strategies (as needed)
Offer presentation and highlighting buyer strategies
Negotiate to optimize price and terms
Acceptance of offer or counter offers

STEP 3: GOING INTO ESCROW

The Escrow Process

Notify escrow of acceptance and send full executed contract
Wire initial deposit to escrow per terms of agreement notify lender to begin loan process and order appraisal
Sign and return opening package of escrow instructions
Contact insurance agent for homeowner coverage
Provide escrow with vesting (title) information

Inspections & Disclosures

Schedule all desired home inspections, (i.e. termite report)Schedule all desired home inspections, (i.e. termite report)
Approve/negotiate repairs based on inspection reports
Review/approve all seller and state required disclosures
Review/approve preliminary title report
Meet deadlines and remove contractual contingenciesSchedule final walk-through prior to close of escrow

STEP 4: CLOSING

Welcome Home

Review closing statement from escrow
Virtually meet with escrow to sign loan documents
Arrange to wire down payment and closing costs
Transfer utilities to new location
Closing, key delivery, and celebrationMove into the property
Move-in checklist

Working Together Again

Staying in touch and keeping you informed
Second homes and investment properties
Providing resources and introductions
Referrals, testimonials, and reviews

FOCUS AND ORGANIZATION

Keep essential items in a convenient location to streamline your home search. These might include:

A folder with listings your agent has shown you, along with any ads you've saved from newspapers.

A digital or video camera to capture details of each property, especially helpful if you're viewing multiple homes in a short time.

Bring paper and pen to take notes as you explore each property.

Location: Evaluate a potential property from a future seller's perspective. Would it appeal to buyers considering factors like the school district, crime rate, and proximity to both positive features (shopping, parks, freeway access) and negative ones (abandoned properties, noise sources, or industrial sites)?