How do we move hundreds of families each year? One at a time!
When you're ready to think about buying property, you need to ask yourself the following questions: Do you have the time, energy, sources of information, and contacts to do the job yourself? If you were one of the 'do-it-your-self'people, would the results be as good or better than they would be if you had professional assistance? Would it have gone smoother? Would it have given you more personal time? Would you have purchased for less if a real estate agent was involved? Read the following information and learn how a real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about a real estate transaction.

You Don't Pay!
How can you use a buyer's agent service without cost? Many people don't know this, but the seller pays. Over 98% of all sellers have already agreed to pay a buyer's agent to help you. We are so sure that our services will be worthwhile to you that we guarantee your satisfaction.

How do you close a deal on a house and be fully protected from latent surprises? You take advantage of agents who know what to look for.

We're committed to preempting the caveats of home purchasing and to helping buyers be aware, instead of disappointed!

The Buying Process
The process of buying a home or investment generally starts with determining your buying power; that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a real estate agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, they can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

Finding
Once you know how much you can and want to invest, the next step is to find the properties that most nearly fit your needs. This is the time to call JoAnne McElory-Hall®. We have many resources to assist you in your search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

Selecting
Your job is to make the final selection of the right property for you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real estate agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. JoAnne McElroy-Hall has access to a variety of informational resources. We provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

Negotiating
There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should also provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. JoAnne can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Due Diligence
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Our team can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your agent, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

Due Financing
As soon as you are reasonably sure the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. Your agent can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

Due Closing or Settlement
Finally, there is the closing, or settlement, as it is known in different parts of the country. Every area has its own unique customs. In some areas, the title or escrow company will handle this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all. Again, JoAnne McElroy-Hall can guide you through this process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

Due Closing or How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?
Real estate agents or brokers are generally paid through the sales commission paid by the seller when a transaction closes. Agents have expenses and financial obligations just like you, so it will be to your mutual benefit if you choose a real estate agent and stick with that person. The agent will respect your loyalty and respond with a sincere commitment to you.
Most people have heard that ominous phrase that describes a legal aspect of home buying as caveat emptor, or "buyer beware". Even smart negotiators can get caught in a frustrating real estate transaction because they don't have the experience or expertise necessary to avoid costly home purchasing pitfalls. The solution is for the buyer to be "aware" through the assistance of an Accredited Buyer's Representative, who can protect your entire transaction.

You could be overlooking structural damage, an improper title, the wrong type of mortgage or a poorly written contract. You may not know what to look for. You might be misled by disguised problems or encumbered seller's agents. This can happen because both sellers and their agents share a mutual interest in selling the house and making money.