House Buyer Guide
Updated: Sep 11
I wanted to share a list of articles I've created pertinent to the home-buying process in typical sequential order.
Prior to Your Decision to Purchase
Decide on an Agent
Choosing an Agent:
What to Look for in a Buyer's Agent for Your Home or Other Real Estate
Seemingly Harmless Questions With Major Consequences if Answered Directly
Buyer Brokerage Agreements:
Do You Need to Sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement in VA?
Virginia Association of Realtors Non-Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreements
Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement: Garrett Realty Partners
If outside of Adam's coverage area, ask Adam for a referral.
Adam:
If in Adam's coverage area, consider Adam to be Your Agent:
What Adam Offers Buyers Buyer Feedback
Decide on a Lender & Consider Programs to Reduce Home Cost
Specific Types of Purchases
Area Considerations
Initial Buyer Consultation & Creating a Search
Initial Buyer Consultation w/ Adam Garrett: 3rd Generation Realtor®
Tips for Search Creation with Your Agent
Why In-Person or Virtual Face-to-Face & Screen Share Search Set-Up Meetings Are Best
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Details
Detailed Search Examples via MLS Templates
Zillow Searches & Other Public Website Searches Vs MLS Searches
Search Activation & Keeping Active
Master Spreadsheet of Home Purchase Considerations
House Issues by Year for Purchasers
Starting Showings
2. You've Signed a Buyer Brokerage Agreement! Now What?
3. Home Elements to View Online Prior to a Showing Request
4. Master Spreadsheet for Prospective Home Purchase Considerations
5. Tips for Video Showings of Real Estate (i.e. a House)
7. Backup Offers: Seeing Property & Making Offers After Already Under Contract
8. Should a Buyer See a Property That Already Has Offers?
9. Phantom Property Availability: For Sale, Under Contract, but Hard to Tell
10. Agents Filling in for Buyers' Agents
1. House Issues by Year for Purchasers
Making an Offer
2. Competing Offer Spreadsheet
4. Below & Above Asking Price Offers
5. Hampton Roads Offers: The REIN Standard Purchase Agreement
6. Virginia Realtors® Residential Contract of Purchase (Outside & Sometimes Within Hampton Roads)
7. Backup Offers: Seeing Property & Making Offers After Already Under Contract
Under Contract
Buyer Ratified Contract! Now What?
What Buyers Should Do After Home Inspection Contingency Is Removed
Responsibilities & Inspector Options Including Deadlines Template for REIN & VAR Offers
Basic Elements of Service Provider Determinations
Detailed Questions for Home Inspectors
Detailed Questions for Termite (WDI) & Moisture Inspectors
Utilities List for SE VA (Primarily Hampton Roads) (if the seller doesn't have utilities on & you are permitted to turn them on)
Closing
Post Closing
Next Steps for Buyers After Closing
Finances
Help for HomeOwners by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Renting
Advice for Renting Out Your Home
Repairs:
Basic Elements of Service Provider Determinations
Credit Card Strategies for Home Expenses
Where to Find Equipment To Borrow/Lease/Purchase for Your Property Repairs/Reno/Cleaning
Non-Profit & Government Assistance with Home Repairs
Life:
Things to Do in & Around SE VA
Traffic Comparison in Hampton Roads
Sellers: 1. How Remaining in a Home You've Purchased Can Help Your Net Worth More than Bouncing to Another Home (typically)
3. What to Look for in a Listing Agent for Your Home or Other Real Estate
4. We Buy Houses Offers: "Patterns of Parasitic Purchasing Per Drexel.Edu Report"
5. Heavily Discounted Commission Listing Agents: How to Find Them & Why To Skip Them
Utilities
Should You Get Solar Panels for Your Home?
Weather Related:
Related: