Home Buying Tips

This page surveys best practices in the purchase of a home.

Get pre-approved for a loan and meet with your Realtor®

Meet with a loan officer. By sharing income and other financial information, you will know the price range for which you are qualified.

Begin viewing homes with your Realtor®

When possible, all decision-makers should visit each of the prospective homes.
Always be candid with your Realtor® - it will help them understand your needs and desires and help them select compatible homes.

Prepare the offer

Your Realtor® will provide you with a comparative market analysis on the property or properties of your choice to help you make an informed decision.
Your Realtor® will go through the contract with you and complete your offer.
Negotiations will proceed until both buyer and seller agree on all terms and sign.
All documents will be sent to the title company where a file will be opened, and title commitment and property tax information ordered.

Make your loan application

Inspect the property

Select an inspector and arrange for both a general inspection and wood destroying insect inspection.
Your Realtor® also can provide information about other environmental assessments.

Appraisal and survey of property

The lender and title company will make arrangements for the property appraisal and survey.
Buyer will be provided a copy of the Title Commitment Letter.
Buyer will make arrangements for homeowner's (hazard) insurance, and arrange for the insurance agent to talk with the closing officer at the title company.

Preparation for closing

Buyer receives a copy of the closing statement for review prior to closing.
Buyer does a final walk-through inspection of the property.
The Realtor® arranges a closing date and time with the buyer and title company. Seller's closing is also arranged.
Buyer brings a cashier’s check for all closing costs and the balance of the down payment.

After the closing

Documents are sent to the buyer's loan company for approval and funds are disbursed.
The title company receives and funds all money from the loan company. Payment of any accrued expenses in connection with the closing are due including taxes, attorney's fees, professional real estate fees and title company fees.
Legal documents will be recorded in the county clerk’s office and mailed to the buyer.
Title company prepares and issues the title policy, and sends it to the loan company and new homeowner.

Cambridge Realty can save you time by:

Organizing and accompanying you to view homes that meet your criteria.
Having information on various neighborhoods to help you determine the right area for work, place of worship and family activities.
Providing sales information on the neighborhood of your choice, so you can make an informed decision.
Showing you MLS properties, so you don't have to call multiple offices for information or appointments.
Working with all builders throughout the area.
Negotiating your offer to your best advantage.

What you can expect from Cambridge Companies:

Learn and define your needs, desires and goals as a buyer, and help determine your most important considerations in selecting a home.
Give you information about agency choices and services available to you.
Organize the home-buying process, guide you through it and save you time.
Search for the right home, always accompany you to property showings and represent your interests.
Explore all financing possibilities with you and provide you with a list of lenders.
Provide you with a comparative market analysis to make an informed purchase decision.
Disclose all known information about properties and areas that interest you.
Assist in preparing offers, strategize your offer to the seller, and negotiate on your behalf.
Ensure confidentiality of your personal client information.
Monitor the closing process step-by-step, and make sure you're always informed.
Provide lists of inspectors to review the condition of the property.
Act as your advocate in the most professional manner possible.
Treat all parties fairly and honestly.