By Buyers We Have Represented
Question: How can I be sure I am qualified for a mortgage?
Answer:
In a very brief phone conversation, a good lender can tell you the
maximum monthly payment and/or purchase price you will qualify for.
There is no cost for this service, and we’re happy to recommend a few
good lenders for your consideration. To get pre-qualified, click here.
Question: Can I know before making an offer to purchase how much my closing costs and monthly payments will be?
Answer:
Yes and yes! We can estimate monthly payments based on a mortgage
amount, interest rate and term (length) of the loan. Your lender will
give you a “good faith estimate” of all your closing costs, most of
which pertain to your financing.
Question: When I find the house I like, how will I know how much to offer the seller, or if I’m getting a good buy?
Answer:
Your CENTURY 21 Kreuser and Seiler agent will provide you a Comparative
Market Analysis (CMA) of the home you are considering. It will include
sales prices of “comparable” homes that have sold in the same town and
neighborhood plus a wealth of market data. You’ll have all the
information an appraiser would have, so you can feel comfortable making
an informed decision.
Question: When I make an offer on a home, will I know if the seller has other offers?
Answer:
Most likely, not. It’s strictly the seller’s prerogative whether to
tell you and your agent of the existence of other offers (just as you
can decide if you want the seller to know if you have made offers on
other homes). For this reason, it’s risky to “test the waters” with a
very low offer if you really want a specific home.
Question: How much earnest money is needed to make an offer on a home?
Answer:
Earnest money, like other terms of an offer, is negotiable between
buyer and seller, and the amount will often be a function of the
purchase price and other considerations. Typically, a check for $1000
to $5000 accompanies the initial offer. Earnest money is often increased
to 2 to 10% of purchase price after contingencies have been met.
Question: Once I have a signed contract with a seller, how long will it take to close on a purchase and move in?
Answer:
The closing and possession dates are negotiated between the buyer and
seller at the time a contracted has been accepted. Typical closing dates
are 30 to 60 days after the date of contract, and the seller typically
gives possession at or near the time of closing.
Question: Do I need an attorney to purchase a home?
Answer: Yes.
Real estate agents in Illinois are prohibited from providing legal
advice and/or interpreting the contract. Unless you are familiar with
real estate law, you’ll want legal representation when making such a
substantial purchase. (We’re happy to provide you impartial
recommendations.)
Question: Will I need a home inspection? Should it be done before or after making an offer?
Answer:
Yes, with few exceptions, we strongly recommend a professional home
inspection to ascertain the true condition of a home. A satisfactory
inspection report is normally made a condition of the offer, and the
inspection is done after the offer has been accepted.
Question: Is it better to buy a home and then sell mine, or sell my home first and then buy?
Answer:
This is a complicated question, and the answer is predicated on many
factors such as: the salability of your home, how specific your needs
in your next home, your tolerance for owning two homes (or no homes!),
and the availability and cost of interim financing. Your CENTURY 21
Kreuser and Seiler agent will be happy to advise you based on your
specific circumstances.
Question: Who is my real estate agent actually working for (me, the seller, or both)?
Answer:
If you are working with a CENTURY 21 Kreuser and Seiler agent, your
agent is working for you and you alone! Some other offices in Illinois
practice dual agency (sort of working for the seller and the buyer).
This is strongly discouraged since it’s an obvious conflict of interest.
Question: How does my real estate agent get paid?
Answer:
Brokerage fees earned by your agent and the agent representing the
seller are built into the list prices of homes offered for sale. As a
buyer, you are not required to pay any brokerage fees when purchasing
any home listed for sale by a real estate agent.
Question: What are the benefits of using a CENTURY 21 Kreuser and Seiler agent to help me purchase a home?
Answer:
Great question! Thanks for asking! There are thousands of reasons, but
here are just a few. All CENTURY 21 Kreuser and Seiler agents…
Are full-time and well trained (make their livings helping people buy and sell homes).
Live within our market area and know the market well.
Represent only one “side” (you!) in any transaction (no dual agency).
Personally handle every transaction from start to closing.
Are backed by full-time, local owner/managers and excellent support staff.
Work as a team with the entire office to promote your interests.
Provide all the expert advice you need, and then let you make the decisions.
Are courteous and easy to do business with.
Now a question for you: May we go to work for you and help you find and purchase a home? Please contact any agent you know in our office or click here for an agent recommendation.