Buyer's Guide

Our exclusive marketing and technology gives you up-to-the minute data and housing trends. Far beyond what many homebuyers can access.*

• Provide overview of current housing trends
• Use Raveis Local Market insights data for current market conditions
• Share sales activity from local MLS and public records databases
• Research and recommend homes meeting Buyer's specific criteria
• Set up Buyer's automated Raveis email notifications for listing updates
• Research coming soon and off-market, non MLS properties
• Create plan to tour Buyer's favorite properties
• Coordinate home showings with Buyer and Seller's agent
• Explain best practices when touring homes
• While touring, identify possible repair issues, material defects and potential dealbreakers
• Review properties, take notes using Raveis Buyer Tour, and rank properties according to feedback from Buyer

*As applicable and may vary by state and local jurisdictions.

Property Integrity

• In-depth review of Seller's property disclosures
• Confirm disclosed conditions of major systems (A/C, heating, security, sprinkler)
• Provide property's public record information for lot size and dimensions
• Verify property's land use coding, deed restrictions, and zoning
• Estimate expected monthly utility usage costs
• Verify water source and status (public, well, septic, sewer line)
• Explain Co-Op properties, restrictions, and additional Buyer Offer requirements
• Explain Condominium common areas, condo documents, HOA dues and financial disclosures
• Explain tax abatement for qualified residents
• Obtain copy of subdivision plot/complex layout
• Verify legal names of owner(s) in county's public property records
• Note all property liens, agreements, and easements

*As applicable and may vary by state and local jurisdictions.

Handling the details can sometimes be make or break. Which is why we are here to help guide you; delivering a stress-free process through closing day with exceptional customer service.*

Managing Final Tasks

• Schedule home inspection
• Review inspection report and negotiate objections
• Get all agreed upon repair items or concession amount in writing
• Review septic system inspections
• Review well flow test report
• Review termite inspections
• Review mold inspections
• Explain under-contract showing restrictions
• Negotiate final offer with Listing Agent
• Introduce Buyer to William Raveis Insurance Director to recommend proper insurance coverage for home and possessions
• Explain wire fraud risks and remind Buyer to verify all wiring instructions before transferring funds
• Once under contract, William Raveis Agent will refer you to legal representation
• Your legal representation will review all necessary disclosures
• Check in with William Raveis Mortgage/Lender to stay updated on loan status and key contract dates
• Coordinate closing process with Seller's agent/legal representation
• Coordinate closing location, day and time with Seller's agent/legal representation
• Receive and review closing documents with legal representation
• Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy
• Coordinate closing with Buyer's current home and resolve any timing conflicts
• Receive and review title insurance commitment with legal representation

*As applicable and may vary by state and local jurisdictions.

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.