Buyers Vantage — Buying Tips

Five key points to successful home purchase:

Get Pre-Approved

Determine your Wants vs. Your Needs

Select a Realtor

Placing an Offer

Home Inspection and Other Contingencies

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Get Pre-Approved

Pre-qualifying is step #1 for the home buyer. It is important to know what you can afford. Buyers Vantage provides this service free of charge, without any obligation on your part. We recognize this is personal information; we will not share this information with anyone, other than our preferred mortgage broker and agent.
Get Pre-Approved Now

Determine your Wants vs. Your Needs

Take a few minutes to really think of "what your needs and wants are". The best way to do this is to grab a piece of paper and divide it into three sections. If you have a spouse or co-owner have them do this too, but don't share ideas just yet.

Section 1> Must Have Features

• If the house must be located in a specific neighborhood or school district
• If the house must have 3 bedrooms, a 2 car garage, a large kitchen, a view
• If there must be not restrictions against a home-based business
• List everything you think is a MUST!

Section 2> Features You Would Like

• A basement or a deck
• Whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets
• A certain type of architecture
• List everything you would LIKE!

Section 3>Features that are out of the Question

• Certain types of architecture
• Homes that need a great deal of work
• List all features you absolutely CANNOT accept

Select Your Realtor

There are many times when buyers avoid using the service of a REALTOR under the mistaken belief that it costs them money-or that they will be able to negotiate better with the seller or seller's agent. This can be an expensive mistake!

When buying a home, if you are negotiating directly with the seller or seller's agent, you may not be taking advantage of the best deal available in the marketplace today! You can have your own REALTOR or licensed real estate professional who is committed to using the experience gained through hundred of successful negotiations for your benefit- at no charge to you! Your agent can be paid from the same commission that the seller's agent is paid from- by the seller.

From the moment you choose Buyers Vantage, your agent will immediately begin the home selection process. Selecting homes that meet your criteria and scheduling private home tours to help you find that perfect home. Once that home is found, your Buyers Vantage agent will negotiate for you the best possible price.

Buyers Vantage has full access to ALL homes available in the Metro-Milwaukee and surrounding areas. Buyers Vantage is even aware of "For Sale By Owner" properties and other listings not on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

Placing An Offer

After you have found that perfect house, it is time to put in your offer. It is important to understand completely the terms of the Offer to Purchase. Wrong assumptions, poorly written or missing clauses, and not understanding how the clauses affect the purchase, can lead to increased costs or a void contract. An experienced Buyers Vantage REALTOR can thoroughly explain the agreement to you and help you fulfill your contractual obligations or contingencies.

Home Inspections and Other Contingencies

Home Inspection
Buying a home is a major purchase. Most buyers typically spend just a half an hour looking at the home during the showing. A home inspector takes the time to really investigate the property looking in specific areas ensuring everything is safe. Isn't it worth ensuring you will not be surprised later with deficiencies costing thousands? Your REALTOR can recommend several reputable companies for you to choose from, and will ensure the appropriate clause is inserted in the offer.

Other Contingencies
When making a home purchase, it is important that your intentions are clearly and properly noted on your offer contract to protect your interest. Your Buyers Vantage agent will ensure you have an understanding of the contract, your obligations and make sure there is appropriate language within the offer to ensure your intentions are clearly and properly represented.