Are you a buyer looking to make a smart purchase?   Your home is probably your most expensive purchase and investment. When choosing real estate you will want to make a careful and a correct decision. My name is Margaret Whelan and as an experienced, award winning realtor and a relocation specialist I can help you. Purchasing a home in Massachusetts (I specialize in real estate in Medfield MA and towns southwest of Boston) is a sound investment. Appreciation for homeowners has been phenomenal. You are losing money if you don’t invest in a home, land or a condominium, in other words some kind of real estate. Interest rates are at an historical low which translates into your being able to purchase more real estate for your dollar. So contact Margaret Whelan, a relocation specialist with Coldwell Banker, and start the process.   Considerations: ·        Buyer’s agency, seller’s agency, or dual agency?  You are now able to decide if you want a realtor to work for you or with you in purchasing real estate. Massachusetts allows you to make that choice. If you decide to have an agent work for you (Buyer’s Agency), you will need to sign a Buyer’s Agency contract guaranteeing the realtor loyalty (you will not work with another real estate company, nor will you buy a property without the broker being paid) and compensation (you will pay the real estate company the determined amount should the seller refuse to compensate a buyers agent. - this can usually be negotiated). In return you will have the realtor working on your behalf. The realtors’ fiduciary obligation is to you. Dual Agency refers to having your buyer’s agent help you purchase a home that is listed by that buyers agents company. If this should happen both the buyer and seller will sign a dual agency disclosure form to make the property owner aware of the agency and both realtors will work for their respective client to facilitate the transaction. Seller’s agency is the agency in which the realtor who is working to introduce you to the real estate is actually working for the seller. That realtor has a fiduciary obligation to the seller.   ·        How much can you afford?  Speak with a mortgage broker and determine a purchase price comfortable to you. Get a pre-approval letter from that mortgage specialist to enable you to act quickly when you find your dream home. (Avoid on-line pre-approval companies and limit your application to 1 or 2. Every credit reference impacts your credit rating). I can direct you to a Coldwell Banker mortgage representative who is very knowledgeable and helpful.   ·        What real estate do you want? If you are considering a new home or a condo you will need to decide several things- style, age, size, location, and lot size. This is where I can help you out by directing you to communities that will fit your real estate needs. If you desire a town other then Medfield or towns southwest of Boston I can direct you to an experienced and well qualified realtor – not the new realtor who started last week.      ·        Where should you live?  Determine if you would like a city atmosphere or suburban town. Would you prefer rural? Most important, seek out locations that have homes that meet your mortgage criteria. As a relocation specialist, I can help you with this process.   ·        What is your time frame?  When choosing real estate it is wise to search for homes on the internet as well as to work with a realtor. Sign up now for my email update system provided by MLS will keep you informed of all homes, condos or land immediately as they come on the market.   ·        How do you find a realtor?  Search out a realtor with experience, knowledge of the area and integrity. Choose a large company such as Coldwell Banker which can offer you many services. Coldwell Banker has a Mortgage Company, Relocation Company, An Insurance Company, A Moving Company and a Real Estate company. Also choose a realtor who has been selling real estate for many years. It is to your advantage if the realtor has also received some of the realtor designations. These indicate that the realtor has successfully pursued some additional education. Check out my profile and email me today. ·        Real Estate Terms, what do they mean? This is your opportunity to find the meaning of real estate terms that you might not understand. Glossary of real estate terms.   The Process of Buying Real Estate   ·        Obtain a pre-approval letter ·        Find a property that you wish to purchase ·        Get a Comparative Market Analysis of properties in the same area and same price range to determine a fair purchase price ·        Write an offer with a $1000. deposit of earnest money and a P&S date in 10 days ·        Negotiate the offer ·        Include applicable inspection contingencies -home, pest, lead paint, well water, title V, radon and a mortgage contingency (Inspection contingencies usually allow 10 days and a mortgage contingency usually allows 30 days ·        A real estate attorney should review the draft P&S (Purchase and Sale Agreement) and negotiate a finalized P&S with the sellers attorney ·        Sign the finalized P&S agreement and provide an additional deposit (usually 5-10% of negotiated selling price) These monies  will be deposited into an escrow account and deducted from the monies needed at closing ·        Proceed with your mortgage application. Make certain that you have a mortgage commitment by the date specified on the P&S ·        Open accounts with the appropriate utility companies ·        Schedule a final walk thru and a closing ·        Obtain a bank check for any monies you are bringing to the closing table. You will also need to bring a photo ID ·        Enjoy your new property     Why Consumers Need Agents?   To guide you in interpreting the details, the fine print, the disclosures, and the area historical sales. (You will also need an attorney to guide you through the legalese of the contract.) To remind you of the subtle risks you may overlook such as lead paint regulations, underground oil tank regulations, exclusions and known future neighborhood developments. To structure a well thoughtout purchase contract that protects earnest money deposits. You will have smoother negotiations when you have two neutral, experienced and unemotional representatives negotiating for the sellers and the buyers. You will save time and stress by having a knowledgeable and experienced realtor working for you.  Reports In the following reports, you'll find the information you need to make a wise buying decision.  We'll take you through the planning process step-by-step , to help you determine which home is right for you.  You'll find a host of informative articles on mortgages, viewing homes, the offer, closing details and moving. Please contact me if you have any questions about buying a home in Medfield or elsewhere in Massachusetts. Don't forget to add this page to your favorites! Any personal information you share with me is kept private and not given out or sold.