Buyers Resources

Buyers FAQ

Q. What do I need to do before I think about purchasing a home?
A: We recommend organizing your finances.
Often when people are considering buying a home -- whether it is their first home, an investment or anything in between -- they believe they can just purchase one like buying a new car. Because a home is typically the largest purchase you will make, we've provided some tips on helping you organize your finances before looking for a new home.
Check with a lender to determine what you qualify for and be sure you are comfortable with the monthly payment amount.
To ensure a smooth process, you should know facts such as:
- Annual income
- Amount of cash you have for a down payment
- Other home loans
- Credit card balances
- Other loan balances (vehicles, home equity, etc.)
- Other factors affecting your income (e.g. tax payments, dividends, etc.)

Q: Do I need to be prequalified?
A: It is generally a good idea to get prequalified.
Having a prequalification letter form your lender strengthens your offer. Consider this: the seller will be more willing to work with you because it means less time and hassle for them than working with a buyer who has not been prequalified.

Q: What is prequalification?
A: Prequalification is when you have spoken to a lender about a possible home loan.
This is when you have spoken to a lender, usually over the phone. Once they have asked you a series of questions, they will give you an estimate of what they believe you would qualify for provided that the information you have given them is accurate.
Remember, this does not mean you are qualified. People often think because they are prequalified they can get the loan when they find the home of their dreams. That may not be true. At this point in the loan process they have not run a credit check or verified any of the information you have provided. There may be things on your credit report that are inaccurate or that you have forgotten about that may inhibit the loan process or affect the loan amount.

Q: If I find a home that is not listed by you can you still show it to me?
A: Absolutely. You'll want a Buyer's Agent on your side looking out for your best interests.
We can show you any home, regardless of the agent or company that has the listing.

Q: If I look at a new home and I am interested in making an offer, can The Safford Group represent me?
A: Yes, it is in your best interest to work with us.
As your Buyer's Agent, we work exclusively on your behalf, at no charge to you. Always remember, a builder or a builder's agent represents the builder and is attempting to obtain the highest price for the builder. It is in your best interest to have us represent you because you could save thousands of dollars utilizing our expert negotiating skills, and it costs you nothing because we are paid by the seller.

Q: When we find a house we like, how do we buy it?
A: We'll take care of the details for you as part of our Gold Circle Service program. Here are the steps necessary to a successful home buying experience:
When your Offer to Purchase is presented to the seller, he has three options:
1. He can accept your offer
2. He can reject your offer
3. He can make a counteroffer
When we present the Offer to Purchase, all you will need is the check for the earnest money.
We negotiate on your behalf. When the seller accepts your offer, or you accept his counteroffer in writing, you have a binding contract. Your earnest money will be deposited in the Broker's escrow account until closing.

Q: Would it be in my best interest to work with several Realtors and not just one?
A: It is always in your best interest to work exclusively with one Realtor, The Safford Group.
Because we represent you as your Buyer's Agent, we have your best interests in mind. Best of all, we are paid by the seller when we find the right home for you! As a member of our Gold Circle Service program, you will be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving the maximum service from our team of experts. You'll get all of our professional advice, experience and assistance at no cost to you.