From our initial conversation all the way to the closing table, we are here for you every step of the way. Here are the key milestones in the home buying process:
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Determine Your Budget and Get Pre-Approved: Assess your financial situation, including your income, savings, and credit score. Determine how much you can afford and obtain a pre-approval from a lender, which will give you an idea of your borrowing capacity and help you narrow down your search.
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Work with Us!: We will set up an initial meeting to get an understanding of your needs and preferences. We will guide you through the process, help you find suitable properties, and negotiate on your behalf.
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Start House Hunting: Based on your criteria and budget, we will present you with potential properties. Attend open houses, schedule viewings, and thoroughly assess each property to determine if it meets your requirements.
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Make an Offer: Once you find the right home, we will craft a purchase offer. This includes specifying the price, contingencies (such as inspections or financing), and proposed terms. The offer is then presented to the seller, who can accept, reject, or negotiate the terms.
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Conduct Inspections and Due Diligence: If the offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection to identify any potential issues or repairs needed. Review property disclosures, title documents, and any relevant reports. You may also need to secure homeowners insurance during this stage.
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Finalize Financing: If you haven't already done so, complete your mortgage application and provide the necessary documentation to your lender. Conduct an appraisal to confirm the property's value aligns with the loan amount. Once your loan is approved, review the terms and conditions.
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Negotiate Repairs and Request Adjustments: Based on the inspection findings, you can negotiate with the seller to address any necessary repairs or request adjustments in the purchase price or terms of the agreement.
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Coordinate the Closing Process: Work with us, your lender, and attorney to prepare for the closing. This involves reviewing and signing the necessary legal documents, coordinating the transfer of funds, and ensuring all contingencies are met.
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Conduct the Final Walk-Through: Prior to closing, conduct a final walk-through of the property to ensure it's in the agreed-upon condition and any negotiated repairs have been completed.
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Closing: At the closing, you'll sign all the necessary documents, pay the closing costs (including the down payment), and receive the keys to your new home. The title is transferred to your name, and you become the official owner of the property.
Mike was integral to buying our first home. We met him over a lunch & learn he hosted for first time purchasers. For the next 3 years, he kept open communication with us. Despite us not being ready to put an offer on a property, he was willing to accompany us on open houses and private showings to better understand what we like/didn't like. As a result, we closed with Mike by our side. Not only did he prove committed to our process, he offered counsel on each property and asked the probing questions we might overlook. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking in the Chicago or North Shore areas.
- John, Lakeview
We just moved into our new Vernon Hills home. Suffice to say it is everything we ever wanted and none of it would have been possible without Mike Kelly. The housing market for buyers the last 12 months has been absolutely brutal. Low supply, high demand and we were focused on only one specific area of Vernon Hills for our family due to school preference. Needless to say it was an emotional experience for the ages and what made this dream attainable was Mike's steady calming consultation, wisdom, and can-do attitude throughout the process. We faced multiple bid situations many times and sellers who pulled their houses off the market after they had officially listed. Mike was with us every step of the way and in the end- his expertise and knowledge pulled us through and landed us the home we've always wanted in the location we always wanted. Mike Kelly and his team get our highest recommendation as far as realtors go. He made the magic happen in the most difficult buyers market of my lifetime. You will not go wrong having Mike Kelly captain your next big real estate move.
- Dan, Vernon Hills
Our experience with Mike was excellent - the whole process was easy and stress-free. We started our search casually and although he knew we weren't planning on buying a house immediately, Mike still gave us his full time and attention. And it paid off - a few weeks later, we put in an offer on our dream house! Every step of the way from house hunting to closing was seamless thanks to Mike. Although we don't plan on moving any time soon, we will 100% use Mike for our next search and will recommend him to all of our friends and family!
- Corey, Highland Park