1. Meet your agent! We’ll meet, either in person or via Zoom/FaceTime, so we can establish your buying game plan. This includes getting your pre-approval, talking about your goals, timelines, home search criteria, deal breakers, must haves, all the things. 

2. Time to start looking at home! We’ll set you up on a digital home search based on the criteria discussed at your initial consultation. From there, we’ll coordinate in person or virtual showings based on listings you’re interested in that match your criteria. Something to take note of, there is a 24 hour notice required for showings, as we have to get the requested time approved by the sellers.

3. We found the one, now it’s time to write an offer! First, we need to talk strategy. Are there other offers on the table, how long has the home been on the market, how does the list price compare to other homes in the area, what can we do to accommodate the sellers, what is the assessed value, etc. We’ll also assess how these compare to the goals we discussed in our initial consultation and what contingencies we may need to include.

4. Negotiation time (maybe). Be prepared to negotiate with the sellers. They may counter our offer on price, closing date, inclusions, etc. From here we’ll determine our next steps and proceed accordingly. It’s important not to let your emotions get involved here. We need to look at this logically so you can make smart real estate decisions.

5. Your offer was accepted! Now what? All offer documentation will be forwarded to your lender. You will submit your earnest money to the sellers, finalize your loan application and schedule your home inspection. When working with Top Key, you’ll receive an email with a timeline of contract dates and deadlines, along with weekly updates to keep you on track and in the loop.

6. Let’s get your home inspected! We will share my list of Home Inspector recommendations but feel free to choose anyone who is licensed in the state of Missouri. They will coordinate a date and time to do your in person home inspection and share a digital report following the inspection. I encourage you to attend the inspection and learn as much as you can about the house. 

7. We’re almost to the finish line, what’s next? Loan completion and appraisal. You will ensure the loan application process is completed with your lender and submit all required documentation. They will then order an Appraisal to be done by an independent 3rd party Appraiser to verify the market value of the home.

8. Resolve any remaining contingencies. Between now and closing is when we’ll need to make sure all contingencies in the offer have been satisfied. If there were repairs required from the home inspection, a home sale contingency on your end, other inspections being done, etc. Once these are completed we’re almost there!

9. Loan commitment and final walk through! Once your contingencies have been satisfied and your financing has been approved, you’ll receive your final loan commitment and clear to close from the lender. Our final step prior to closing is to schedule a final walk through of the property. We’ll want to go through and make sure everything is as agreed upon with the sellers. The final walk through is typically done 48-72 hours before closing. 

10. Closing day! Woohoo!  We made it to the big day! Time to sign all the official paperwork and get the keys to your new home! Plan to arrive at our scheduled place of closing on time and with a check in the amount determined with your lender. Bring Photo IDs and plan to be here for about an hour. Once everything has cleared and funding has been processed, you’ll receive your keys and are off to celebrate! 

Cheers,

Kat