GET THE EDGE: INSIDER TIPS FOR REAL ESTATE SUCCESS

STEPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHOPPING FOR YOUR DREAM PROPERTY:

DEFINE YOUR NEEDS VS. WANTS

• Narrow your property search by creating a list of "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves." This will help you find the perfect place that ticks all the boxes!
• Due to current supply and demand, it is essential to note that market trends in Missoula and surrounding areas may necessitate accommodations in your list.

RESEARCH NEIGHBORHOODS

• Explore different areas to discover the location that fits your unique lifestyle and needs. The right neighborhood can make all the difference!

ATTEND OPEN HOUSES AND SHOWINGS

• Visit potential properties to get a feel for the space and visualize yourself living there. 

CONSIDER LONG-TERM GROWTH 

• Think about the property potential and neighborhood for future value.

KEY STEPS ONCE YOU ARE READY TO MAKE AN OFFER:

DETERMINE YOUR OFFER PRICE:

• We are here to help you with an appropriate offer based on market value, recent comparable sales, and property condition.

WE WRITE YOUR OFFER LETTER TO INCLUDE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Purchase price
• Contingencies (financing, home inspection, and appraisal)
• Earnest money deposit (this amount is usually held in escrow and applied to your down payment or closing costs)
• Propose a closing date 

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER

NEGOTIATE TERMS:

• Be prepared for a counteroffer. We are here to negotiate so that you can reach final terms acceptable to both parties. We want the best possible outcome for YOU.

REVIEW AND SIGN THE CONTRACT

ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSACTION: HOME INSPECTIONS, APPRAISAL, AND WRAPPING UP LOOSE ENDS

HOME INSPECTIONS: 

Inspections can be scary and confusing, but a third-party professional inspector will ensure everything is safe and working well. We'll negotiate with the sellers to have any issues fixed so you can rest easy knowing your new home is move-in ready.

• Purpose: Inspections identify potential property issues, like structural problems and plumbing concerns.
• Timing: Usually, it is after the seller accepts your offer before finalizing the purchase.
• Result: The Inspector provides a detailed report. We can utilize this report for negotiations with the seller.

APPRAISALS:

Appraisals are completed by a professional third party and are required for financing. Suppose the appraisal comes in lower than our offer price, and we have an appraisal contingency. We can negotiate a new sales price with the sellers—a win for you!

• Purpose: Ensures the home's value aligns with your offered price, this is especially important when you are obtaining a mortgage through a lender.
• Timing: Once the mortgage lender orders, the appraisal generally takes place within 1 to 3 weeks. 
• Result: The appraisal report goes to the lender. We can either renegotiate the price or pay the difference if the value is lower.

WRAP UP LOOSE ENDS:

• The final steps in purchasing a home involve wrapping up all remaining tasks to ensure a smooth closing.

TITLE SEARCH & INSURANCE: 

• Ensure the property is free of liens and secure title insurance to protect against future claims.

FINAL WALKTHROUGH:

• We will walk the home one last time to ensure it is in the agreed-upon condition.

CLOSING COSTS: 

• Be prepared to pay closing costs, which can include fees for the inspection, appraisal, title search, and other administrative expenses.

WELCOME HOME!

It's time to finalize all the paperwork, grab your new keys, and officially become the proud owner of your new place!

Huge congratulations on this fantastic milestone! But wait—our support continues beyond there. We’re here for you every step of the way, even after the deal closes, to answer any questions you may have about property ownership. From knowing where to find your water shut-off valve to connecting you with a local contractor. We can even suggest amazing ideas to boost your property's value!

At GFG, we're just a phone call away, always here to lend a helping hand.