Effective 4/20/22 This broker does not require:
1) Prospective buyer clients to show identification*
2) Exclusive buyer broker agreements
3) Pre-approval for a mortgage loan/proof of funds*
*Although broker may not require such information, a seller of real estate may require this information prior to showing the property and/or as part of any purchase offer.
Buying a Home or Property
Leading Edge Real Estate Services has a reputation for alleviating much of the stress of the home buying process. Leading Edge Real Estate Services affords clients a competitive advantage in securing the home of their dreams for the best price possible. With access to both on and off-market properties, bidding wars can easily be avoided, thus saving valuable time, money and aggravation.
Buyer Services
Lenders/Pre-Approval
A solid pre-approval letter must be obtained prior to launching the home search. Leading Edge Real Estate Services realtors pride themselves on delivering superior services for buyers and are well connected to a large network of reputable lenders. You can expect your Leading Edge Real Estate Services realtor to connect you to a lender who will assist in your mortgage pre-approval process.
Search & Negotiate
Although home buyers have access to search for homes themselves, our realtors take it one step further. They are updated, to the minute, with new inventory as it hits the market, resulting in the knowledge of a new listings much quicker. A wide network of realtors will also benefit by hearing about homes that are coming on the market before they actually do. Our Realtors will also save the buyer a considerable amount of search time, filtering the results by selecting those that are the best fit. Once a home is found our realtor will be the point of contact for all negotiations to ensure a smooth transition into contract and all the way to closing.
Home Inspection
Your agent will also assist in locating a home inspector if you do not already have one and will advise you on issues such as mold, radon, lead paint, etc. You can also expect your agent to be present during the inspection of the home, taking notes in order to determine best negotiation tactics.
Communication
Your Leading Edge Real Estate Services realtor will actively coordinate consistent communication with the seller’s agent throughout the duration of your buying process ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Your experienced realtor will monitor the progress of your loan underwriting process, communicating effectively with your mortgage broker all the way through closing. Leading Edge Real Estate Services realtors are pros at tying up all the loose ends neatly for closing. All you have to do is show up.
Search For Properties
Browse New Listings
Browse listings at your fingertips. Register today to access the MLS database free of charge. This feature allows buyers to search the latest home listings via an interactive map or to perform a more detailed, advanced home search. Updated daily, registration affords buyers the opportunity to conveniently narrow the home search process in the fastest way possible. Don’t forget to contact your Leading Edge Real Estate Services agent in order to inquire about off-market options.
Buyer's Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a home can be a daunting, confusing process. Below are a few commonly asked questions by buyers.
Loan preapproval is always the first step for buyers who are not paying cash. Loan preapproval narrows the search process right from the onset as you will learn what you can afford, thus saving time by weeding out the homes which are priced out of your range.
Prequalification: a financier of your choosing provides you with an estimation, not a guarantee, of what you might be able to borrow.
Pre-approval: lender has thoroughly evaluated your financial status and has formally agreed to work with you.
Leading Edge realtors handle every aspect of the real estate transaction process from start to finish. Paperwork, negotiations, inspections; our agents work diligently to ensure that your purchase is seamless from start to finish.
The answer used to be 20%, however not all loan options are created equal. In fact, the average down payment is now 3-5%. VA and USDA loans do not require a down payment.
Leading Edge realtors are experts at this! Consult one of our team members today in order to learn the process for selling your home while searching for a new one.
While the answer to this question largely depends on you, many buyers will see an average of ten homes in person before settling on “the one”, however you should go in person to see as many as you need to ensure you find the perfect home. Register for free access to our MLS database in order to begin your search online.
Leading Edge agents are competitive negotiators and skilled at writing offers. Consult one of our experts who can assist in submitting an offer with which you are comfortable.
Most closings occur within 40-60 days of formal acceptance of your offer.
If you have a steady job and have been employed consistently for the last two to three years, then it’s time to ask yourself:
- Is my current income reliable for the foreseeable future?
- Do I have a positive bill-paying history?
- Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?
- Have I saved for a down payment?
- Can I afford to pay a mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance?
Your credit score numerically summarizes your credit history affording lenders a brief overview of your financial standing. Lenders then use the score to determine your loan eligibility and interest rate. If you have a high credit score, you have a higher chance of securing a mortgage at low interest rates. If you have a low credit score, you can still get approved for a mortgage, but not right away. Typical lenders will require you to improve your credit score over time in order to secure a loan in the future. It is best to check your credit history with Equifax, TransUnion and Experian prior to loan application. Be sure to request a report from all three companies and carefully evaluate each report for errors.
Mortgage interest and real estate taxes are typically considered deductions. In addition, origination fees can be deducted in most cases along with loan discount points. There are also capital gains benefits.
