Find a buyer's agent to represent you.  Calling on a real estate sign in front of a property puts you in touch with the seller's agent. This can work against you in a negotiation.  A buyer's agent has an obligation to the buyer to work in their interest and in most cases their fee is paid by the seller.   

Get a mortgage "pre-qual" or "pre-approval" letter.  In order to determine the correct price range you need to know what monthly payments you can handle and how much cash you need to bring to closing.  Your credit score, income and debt are factors that go into getting "pre-qualified".  This is a necessary step because you need to present your pre-qualification with a purchase offer.  Your buyer's agent can help you find a responsible lender. 

Having a buyer's agent and a mortgage pre-qualification, you are ready to go shopping for your next home.  There are different ways to approach this part of the process.  Some buyers are very active "on-line" and like to do much of their own research.  Other buyers prefer to have their agent set up property searches and send listings.  Or, we can sit down together in the office and go over listings on the MLS together.  After we have a list of the homes you would like to see I will set up appointments for viewing that work with you schedule.

When you have selected the home that you want, we will sit down and discuss your buying strategy.   

You have the option of making your offer contingent on a home inspection.  I can provide you with a list of NYS licensed home inspectors.  You will need an attorney to represent you as purchaser.  If you like, I can provide you with a list of real estate attorneys. Shortly after your offer has been accepted, you will make your formal mortgage application.  Your lender will give you a "good faith estimate" at this time, so you know what to expect to bring to the closing table. The mortgage commitment date is an important part of the contract so I stay in close communication with the lender while this is being generated.

The sellers generally provide an updated abstract of title and survey.  After these have been reviewed by your attorney and your lender gives the "clear to close", the closing date can be scheduled.  Just prior to closing we will do a "walk-through" to be sure the property is as represented.

As your buyer's agent, I will be with you through out the process and available on my cell phone or email to answer your questions.  

I look forward to working with you.