If you have never purchased a home or it has been years since you bought one; here are some easy to remember tips for you.

1. Get a copy of the Buyer’s Agency Agreement with the agent to review before you sign it, take it home, and read it.  Never sign up for a long term Buyer’s Agency with anyone, do it for 30 days at a time.  (That way, if they turn out not to be helpful, you can wait out the time period and find someone else).  Make sure there is no carry over period.
2. Get a copy of the blank sales contracts your agent uses. Read it, and have questions for your agent.  You should always make your offers contingent upon inspections, appraisal, financing and clear termite letters.  Also, it is important to note the timetables you have to complete your inspections, lender approval letters, replies to seller, home warranty paid by seller and closing dates.  It is very helpful to write down the drop dead dates to respond by so that you don’t lose your home or run the risk of losing your earnest money or worst.
3. Make sure the Agent you are using is knowledgeable about the area and type of home you want to purchase.  Knowledge is power, it is never good if you know more about the area than your agent.
4. How does the Agent Communicate with you?  Usually Millennial age agents love to text and email for feedback and follow up.  If you are older and uncomfortable with that, make sure you let the agent know how you prefer to be communicated with. Communicating efficiently is important so that your home purchase goes smoothly. (Another reason for short term Buyer’s Agency, if you can’t communicate with your agent, need I say more?)
5. If you go to open houses make sure you have your agents card with you.  It is a curtesy to the listing agent to know who is working with you so if you like the home and your agent calls them back to show again, they know it is you who came to their open house.
6. Always identity to listing agents who your buyer’s agent is if you are calling to ask questions about a home.  It really is better if you leave this up to your agent, but if you absolutely must ask the listing agent a question before you put in an offer, make sure you identify who your agent is.  Everyone will appreciate it.
7. If you don’t know any closing agents, normally your agent will recommend one to you.  If you want to be proactive on this, ask your lender who they prefer and ask your  agent who they like.  If you can find a closing attorney they both like, then your closing can be smoother.  You might also have your agent check who the seller’s agent  is using to close. If that is someone your agent likes and your lender likes, that is even better. Most agents have four or five attorneys or closing companies they really like.  (If you really want to be safe, check out their BBB rating too.)
8. The new closing regulations require that you review the closing breakdown statement up to and all forms to be ready three days before closing.  Any funds you bring to closing is in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer to the attorneys account.

Last Minute things to remember.  Don’t borrow any money while you are getting a mortgage loan. This could cause you to be turned down at the last minute.  Make sure you get the utility company names for your new home and call in your transfers early so you don’t have to pay a reconnect fee.  Ask questions before you close; once you close it is harder to get questions answered and issues resolved.   If you get a Home Warranty make sure your agent gives you a link to the warranty company.  (Read what it covers.)Most Sellers will pay for a home warranty if you ask them to. My advice is make sure you warranty has a codes clause in it that simply says if the repair item wasn’t installed to codes they will fix it anyway. This is usally an additional cost but well worth it.