Buy a home with

Jennifer Sesma

 What to expect when buying a home

  • The Questionnaire and Consultation

    The buyer questionnaire is designed to identify your search criteria and help me get to know you. I will then contact you to schedule a call or meeting where we’ll refine your search criteria together, talk about potential areas, discuss the current market trends, how I will help you navigate this complex market and answer any and all questions about the home buying process. If you do not yet have a pre-qualification or approval letter, I can provide you with lender referrals. It’s important to have your financing organized before the search starts as the process can move very quickly and you will need your financial documents in order to write an offer.

  • The Search

    I will set you up with a client portal so you will receive new listings real time. Not all may appear to be perfect matches, but keep an open mind. If you find something online, send it over and I’ll confirm its status, pull additional info, and schedule a showing. Keep in mind, in the current market, we may only be able to see one home on an outing. It’s important to be flexible with your schedule. Booking showings in a competitive market is not always easy or convenient. If we waited until we had enough properties to build a tour, we would likely miss out. As we move thru showings, I’ll ask you to rank the homes so we are on the same page or if we need to adjust the search criteria. While this current market is not moving as fast as six months to year ago, homes in excellent condition and great locations are still selling quickly so decisions may need to be made quickly.

  • Accepted Offer

    It’s a complex market, and depending on the price range can still be competitive, so I have several strategies to help your offer shine. I will discuss the offer process when we first meet so you are prepared when the time comes. Having your Pre-qualification letter or Proof of Funds ready in advance is critical to writing an offer. While it’s less likely to be in a multiple offer situation these days, it is still a seller’s market. But Buyers are seeing more negotiating power either on price or with contingencies. With your offer, you are also putting down an earnest money deposit and we will discuss how to use that as part of your competitive offer. When your offer is accepted, this deposit is held in escrow by the listing agent or the seller’s attorney.

  • Inspections and Contracts

    For the past 2 years it was common for buyers to waive Inspection contingencies, but as the market has shifted this is no longer necessary. Buyers should always do inspections, it is the one opportunity to discover major defects rather than be surprised after you close. Attorneys are required for Real Estate transactions in NY. I’ll give you a number of recommendations for carefully vetted inspectors and attorneys or you are welcome to find your own. Inspections need to take place quickly after your offer is accepted and this deadline is outlined in your offer. Attorney review is needed immediately (3-4 days) on all offers and in many cases we can go straight to contract which is more secure for you than a binder agreement. Attorneys will draft the contract and yours will also order the title search. They will coordinate the closing once the title and bank are ready. If you want a survey done, this is something that should be ordered and completed before the closing so it can be filed with your deed.

  • Closing

    I’ll stay close throughout this process following up with your lender, attorney, listing agent to make sure the deal stays on track. The waiting game is tough. Start planning your renovations or pinning your inspiration… but if you are using a mortgage, don’t make any major purchases or open new lines of credit before you close! Once you are cleared to close I will set up the final walkthrough for you and we will verify any negotiated repairs were completed by the seller. Prior to this date, I will provide you with utility info so you can set up your accounts in advance. The final walk thru takes place right before the closing. Get ready to sign a ton of documents before finally receiving the keys to your new home.

For a step-by-step guide to purchasing a home, download my free Home Buyer’s Guide here.

If you are ready to connect and start your search, please complete the Buyer Questionnaire below.

Buyer Questionnaire

Answer this questionnaire as honestly and with as much detail as possible to refine and narrow down your search criteria. Once received, I will reach out within the next 48hours to schedule a phone or zoom consultation.