Buying or selling a home?

	When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or send e-mail to johnmark@johnmark.com. I'm glad to answer any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
There are plenty of things you should contemplate before beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll want to assemble an index of items you want, get a feeling for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
That's where I come in. I'd be happy to set up a time to get together with you and communicate with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Winston-Salem area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you begin the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Winston-Salem , and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They can help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
After we meet for the first time, I'll start searching for homes on the market that best suit you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the houses and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

As we view houses, I'll show you the good features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to change their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some things become far more important than others. If that happens, I'll go back through the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the market
Your agent's awareness of the Winston-Salem housing market is a fundamental element in your home search. And I assure you I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll alert you to which districts are "hot" and call for prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for cautiousness.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know when the asking price has room for bargaining and also when I believe the house is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent will convince you they truly understand the home market, but be mindful, and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions. If it seems like they don't know everything, just call me at 3366822552 or e-mail me at johnmark@johnmark.com, and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
I'm confident we'll find the home of your dreams in the Winston-Salem area. When that happens, I'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs, including several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we present your purchase offer, most likely you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Unfortunately most deals don't close on the initial offer, and it's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market circumstances. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll assemble a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Upon signing the contract, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. This won't take much time at all if you've been pre-approved, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll handle all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to include all closing costs and be within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely happen at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and relaxed occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, just call me at 3366822552 or send me an e-mail.