BUYING A
HOME WITH CHASEN
The biggest mistake both buyers and sellers make when it’s time to buy or sell a home is not interviewing several top agents to ensure they hire the best agent in the area. Why does this happen? Because buyers don’t know the 7 most important questions to ask agents.
Like most Americans, you probably know several people that have real estate licenses, and you think… “Aren’t all agents the same?” That’s a dangerous assumption. If you had heart issues, would you hire the first heart surgeon you came across? Heart surgery is a life-or-death procedure, so you’d probably do some deep research to discover the #1 surgeon in your city! Or, if you were in a $1,000,000 lawsuit, would you hire the attorney you met in the Starbucks line or would you again, interview 2-4 top lawyers that have been practicing law for decades? The same applies when you’re seeking a top agent in your neighborhood to represent your largest financial decision: purchasing a home.
What To Expect as a Home Buyer?
If you’re a first-time buyer (or even a 2nd or 3rd), I’m sure you’d like to know “What To Expect” during the real estate journey.
01
Choose your real estate agent wisely; they can make or break your experience. Your top priority is finding an experienced, full-time realtor® with at least 10 years experience—ideally 20-30 years. A great agent is essential for navigating the complexities of real estate, sparing you from potential legal and emotional challenges.
02
After choosing your top agent, the next step is connecting with a top mortgage lender. Your agent will share their top 2-3 lenders, giving you the freedom to select the one that suits you best. It’s a valuable service offered by exceptional agents.
Choose a lender with a decade or more of experience. I recommend talking to 2-3 lenders to secure the best rates and lowest costs. During our meeting, I’ll guide you with intelligent questions, a part of my C3 Service (Chasen Chess Concierge) for your seamless experience.
03
You’ve decided on your agent (Chasen Chess) and you’re “Pre-Approved through underwriting” so your loan is almost as good as cash. This will help tremendously when I’m negotiating your offer, especially if there are multiple offers on the home you desire.
04
Home searching is challenging, especially in today’s strong seller’s market (2024). I foresee the real estate market staying tight for 1-2 years. With mortgage rates decreasing by 1-2 points in 2024 and 2025, expect increased buyer competition. My prediction indicates a return to a more balanced market around 2025/2026, contingent on stable financial markets. This shift will bring joy to both buyers and sellers.
05
Many buyers use platforms like Redfin, Zillow, and Realtor.com to do their online home searches. Unfortunately, their information can be inaccurate and outdated. These tools lack some data from outside the MLS systems and sometimes their listings are already under contract or already closed. I use some exclusive online tools that most agents don’t know about, so I’m able to find homes for sale for my clients that most other agents aren’t aware of. These are exclusive pocket listings with Sotheby’s, investor flips or wholesales that aren’t on the MLS, FSBO homes, pre-foreclosures, divorce listings and probate homes. My buyers receive ongoing updates on these homes, many of which very few agents and buyers know about. They’re part of my exclusive C3 Buyer Concierge program (Chasen Chess Concierge service).
06
Once you’ve identified the dream home you want to make an offer on, unlike 99% of other agents, I make an appointment to re-visit the home again. During that visit, I take detailed notes and compare everything in the house to what’s on the MLS listing. This includes the make and models of each appliance, including those in the garage or backyard i.e., built-in BBQ features, backyard playsets, specialty lighting, “Ring-type” video doorbell system, any security system, built in audio and video (TV) equipment that the MLS says stays with the home, storage structures in the yard or garage, built in planter boxes and their contents, sprinkler systems, automated blinds and their remotes, property gates and remotes, room air conditioners, out-buildings, horse barns, equipment, garage car charging stations, wine cellar cooling system and anything else that the buyer expects to be included. Yes, the “devils in the details” and I am meticulous in making sure my buyer clients receive everything they expect. Everything must be in the purchase contract, or the buyers could miss out and be very disappointed.
07
The purchase contract is THE most important aspect of any home purchase. Unfortunately, most agents don’t know it backward and forward, let alone all the subtle nuances that can benefit the buyers. That’s what over 3 decades in the business adds to the buying experience! When we write the contract, I go over every paragraph to make sure my clients know the pros, cons, and ramifications of each section. This is where patience is a virtue!. We’ll be discussing various scenarios that include price, earnest deposit money, closing date, inspections, AS IS condition, rent-back needs, and other contract items that can make or break a good offer.
08
Once we’re “in escrow” (an accepted contract), which usually lasts from 2 weeks to 2 months (typically 30 days), I’ll guide you through your buyer responsibilities. I’ll connect you with my trusted vendors and inspectors to ensure a transparent and stress-free closing experience. My TC (transaction coordinator) will email you a “Calendar of Events” that we’ll use to ensure every contingency is met. We’ll watch over all the inspections, their results, and any contingency negotiations.
09
Once we’re through the inspection process and repairs have been negotiated, there is a lull in the process as we wait for the final loan approval. Since you were smart and took my suggestion to get “pre-approved through underwriting”, it’s highly unlikely that Murphy’s Law visits.
10
After loan approval, we set a closing time at the escrow office. On closing day, I guide you through the pile of paperwork, ensuring everything is clear. Once your loan is funded, you can celebrate! Your new home is officially yours!
11
After the joyous closing, our journey doesn’t end. Through my C3 Concierge Service, I’m your ongoing ally. From maintenance needs to local advice, day or night, I’m just a quick call or text away, and committed to delivering WOW!! service. I strive to enhance your experience years into the future.
I have closed over 350 transactions over my decades as a career realtor® so I’m not new to this rodeo. Let my over 30 years of real estate expertise help you find and close a house that you can call home for years to come.
Connect with Chasen now. 619-344-1926 or chasenchess@whisselrealty.com
San Diego MLS access
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