Serve as Your Experienced Negotiator.

Research and review comparable sales to determine the approximate fair market value from recent sales in your area. Prepare the written sales offer that is to be presented to the seller’s agent, giving special consideration to your specific needs, and explain the contract to you in detail. Represent your best interests in all negotiations and facilitate the negotiations of any seller’s counter offer to you and yours to them.

Act as Your Transaction Coordinator.

• Help you finalize the arrangements for the financing option you have chosen that is specifically tailored to your needs. 
• Oversee the entire closing process and handle complications that may occur throughout the process, eliminating any stress on you.
• Provide you with updates as to the status of your closing. 
• Examine all closing documents for accuracy. 
• Review and explain all documents with you to help you better understand the closing process. 
• Help you and the seller arrange the closing and assist in synchronizing the transaction. 
• Schedule and conduct a final walk-through inspection on your soon-to-be property.

The first step is to select a professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer’s interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a Realtor explain the pros and cons of using a buyer agent versus a sales or dual agent. Your RE/MAX Associate, Dan McCarthy, can guide you through every step to buying a home. Shop for mortgage rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan.

Your third step should be to get pre-qualified, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and really can afford to buy the property.

The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you’d like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can’t live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

Now you’re ready to visit houses. Ask your RE/MAX Associate, Dan McCarthy, to arrange showings, and keep track of the properties you’ve seen.

In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home’s value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. Your RE/MAX professional, Dan McCarthy, can point out features that hurt, and those that help, resale value.

After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn’t like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard.

Once you’ve pinpointed your dream house, it’s time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Your RE/MAX Associate, Dan McCarthy, will be a strong advantage since you and the seller have different goals.

After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It’s common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector’s report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork. Ask your RE/MAX Associate, Dan McCarthy, about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

Before your closing date, make sure you’ve made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or provincial governments.

Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.

In short, my job is to determine your needs, assist you in your search, and manage the transaction for you. Working full-time, all the time, to find the home of your expectations. I’m here to help you find your way home with the least amount of stress possible.