Buyer's Guide

Is it possible to shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes—but why go it alone when The Whalen Team takes much of the stress off a buyer's shoulders at no cost? Not only does the team help identify properties of interest, arrange showings, and handle the offer process, but its agents also bring a knowledge of the market that most buyers don't possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, and this is where The Whalen Team's expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. The team is ready to give tours of homes that match dream-home criteria so buyers can find the one that's right for them.

Note that the goal is to decide on a budget—not to determine how much the mortgage company will lend. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve a buyer for more than they're comfortable spending, which is why it's important to determine the monthly payment that feels manageable before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once the move to a new home happens. Buyers who have lived in an apartment or with roommates may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow the budget.

Once the perfect home has been selected, The Whalen Team works with buyers to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer's or seller's market, the offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. The team is able to help negotiate if a counteroffer is received and guide the process until an agreement is reached. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.