Buyer's Guide

There are some important steps to finding and buying a home. Working with The Real Estate One Family of Companies, I can make your experience easier. Use our tools to make your search easier and follow these steps toward homeownership.

Jerry’s Tips for Home Buyers

for the week of September 8th

Hidden Home Defects to Watch For

No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:

  1. Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.
  2. Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home’s foundation.
  3. Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home of in the yard.
  4. Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.
  5. Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.
  6. Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.
  7. Plumbing problems. Very low water pressure, banging in pipes.

Step One: Loan pre-approval.
The biggest advantage buyers have when negotiating a home purchase is loan pre-approval. To learn about the benefits of pre-approval before you make an offer, please contact me.

Jerry always listened to my suggestions and what I wanted...I had the final word....

Step Two: Know what is available.
Real Estate One’s HomeMatch service lets you choose the home features that are important to you. As your agent, I watch the market and contact you when homes become available. This is one of the most efficient ways to keep ahead of the market. To get started, please click here.

Step Three: Use all the tools.
Browse available listings, properties with Virtual Tours, and open houses. With the Real Estate One Family of Companies and my website, you have access to more virtual tours than any broker in Michigan. Another option is to phone Infoline at 888-736-LIST to hear detailed information on properties by providing an infoline property code found on yard signs and in various newspaper ads.

Step Four: Secure your mortgage.
Once you have found your home, your pre-approval will speed the process of completing your financing and quickly getting you into your new home. To learn more, please contact me.

Step Five: Take it easy!
Take the easy route to moving by letting me help plan your move. In addition to moving services, I can help with all the resources you need to make your home purchasing and ownership experience a great one. For more information, please contact me.