Sponsored by RiverWILD REALTOR® Stephanie Leonard & Fairway Mortgage Lender Christy Latham
The Johnston County real estate market is humming right along, and for many first-time home buyers, navigating the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why RiverWILD REALTOR® Stephanie Leonard and Fairway Mortgage Lender Christy Latham teamed up to host a Home Buyer Workshop on August 20th. The event was a resounding success, equipping future Johnston County homeowners with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently embark on their home buying journey.
Preparing Johnston County Home Buyers for Success
Our workshop focused on the essential steps in the home buying process, ensuring that each participant walked away with a clear understanding of what to expect. For the purposes of this article, it is understood our buyers have vetted Stephanie Leonard and selected her as their agent thereby moving past the initial task of selecting their Johnston County REALTOR®.
Here’s a recap of the major milestones we covered:
- Getting Pre-Approved to Buy
Before you even start house hunting, it’s crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This step not only gives you an understanding how to structure your home search, it also help provide a clear budget. Don’t forget sellers need to know you’re a serious buyer in the competitive Johnston County real estate market.
- How to Search and Find Your New Johnston County Home
Finding the perfect home is an exciting yet challenging process. We discussed how to effectively search for homes that meet your needs and budget, using both online tools and the expertise of your Johnston County real estate agent.
- What Happens During a Home Buyer Consultation
We explained what to expect during this meeting and how it sets the foundation for a successful home-buying experience. A key component to this initial discussion is a thorough review and signature of the Working with Real Estate Agents Brochure (WWREA). Once this brochure has been reviewed and signed, it is the buyer’s opportunity to discuss your goals, preferences, and budget with your real estate agent.
- Understanding Agency Relationships and Buyer Broker Agreements
Creating an agency relationship with your agent is a critical step in the process. We covered what it means to enter into a buyer broker agreement, buyer broker compensation and how this relationship benefits you as a home buyer.
- The Offer and Negotiation Process
Making an offer on a home is just the beginning. We walked participants through the negotiation process, how to leverage new home builder incentives, explaining how to craft a competitive offer and what to expect during negotiations with the seller.
- Real vs. Personal Property
Understanding the difference between real and personal property is key when buying a home. We clarified what items are typically included in the sale and what may need to be negotiated separately.
- Types of Inspections
Inspections are a crucial part of the home buying process. We discussed the different types of inspections available and how they protect you as a buyer. Below is the list:
Home Inspection
Radon
Septic/Water
Roof
HVAC
Foundation
Professional Services Disclosure
- Final Steps to Closing
Finally, we outlined the closing process, from securing financing to signing the final paperwork. This step marks the end of your home buying journey and the beginning of your life in your new Johnston County home!
This was so informative! We learned so much and appreciate you doing this. We definitely know friends who would benefit from this if you do it again!
Future First Time Home Buyer
Ready to Take the Next Step in the Johnston County Real Estate Market?
Stephanie Leonard and Christy Latham are passionate and love guiding first-time home buyers through the home buying process. Whether you’re just starting your search or are ready to make an offer, they are here to help every step of the way.
Let’s get started on your journey today!
Stay tuned for the next new home buyers workshop!