Buyers Guide 

So You've Decided "Now's the Time to Buy!"  Here are a few traditional steps that outline the home buying process...

Examine your lifestyle.                                                                                                                                                                                   First, examine your lifestyle.  Do you long for relaxing country living?  Feel energized by urban cityscapes?  Look forward to a family-friendly suburban lifestyle?   It's important to think of the limitations each locale places on your lifestyle and the perks each has to offer before making the commitment to buy.

As the area experts, The Gardner Team will introduce you to the perfect real estate for "your" Oregon lifestyle.

Hire a real estate professional.
Your real estate transaction will most likely be the largest financial decision of your life.  Using the right Realtor is a decision of paramount importance.  Working with a Realtor such as The Gardner Team who specializes in home buyer representation will give you a leading advantage - saving you time, money and undo stress.  Our services, knowledge, reputation and skill make "The Gardner Team" your best real estate choice.  Let guide you through every step of the home buying experience.  CLICK HERE for Quick-Tips Home Buyer Brochure.

Prequalify for a loan.
A very important first step in your quest to find your dream home is to determine how much you can afford.  We can put you in contact with our industry leading mortgage professionals that can educate you on special programs, rates and terms.  Did you know a difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan?  For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600!  Getting pre-qualified for a loan right away will allow you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property.

Outline what you want.
This is a good time to take notes and create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy.  Make a list that outlines what features are most important to you.  List features you can't live without vs features you'd enjoy.  

Start house hunting.
Online and in person, The Gardner Team will show you all the homes that fit your criteria.  We'll arrange all the showings and take you on a personal tour.  Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen.  CLICK HERE and use this helpful "Tour Guide" to refine the your search as you house-hunt.  Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to compare which homes best meet your standards and narrow down to your "TOP 3 Choices"

Know the market and features that help or hurt resale.
The Gardner Team are market experts.  We will help you understand the market conditions and trends - narrowed down to the area, neighborhood, street and home your considering a purchase.  We will also help you determine which homes have a potentially better resale value.  In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value as well.  The Gardner Team will provide you extensive experience and real market data to guide you throughout house hunting process so you can make your most informed real estate decisions.

Make an offer.
Once you've identified your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Let The Gardner Team guide you through this sensitive home buying process. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on The Gardner Team's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.

Arrange for a home inspection.
Once acceptance of an offer has been reached, it is time to set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems.  The Gardner Team can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final.  If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, it is a good idea to ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork.  The Gardner Team can discuss with you protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

It's closing time.
Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed all paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying.  The Gardner Team will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags.  We believe the important things in life start at home, and the home buying process should be every-bit as enjoyable as the happy memories you will create there.

Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.  To help you stay organized during your big move, we're created some helpful moving check lists... Or better yet survival guide.  CLICK HERE to download them now.

    Here's some interesting stats provided by The National Association of Realtors, 2008

        FREE Services!

• Contact Us For a FREE Home Buyers Guide!
• Request a NO-Obligation Home Buyer Consultation!
• Hire Us and Get FREE Home Buyer Representation!
• Ask About Our NO-Worry Relocation Program!
• Let Us Help You Get a Loan, Find a Home & Start Living!