Buying a new home can be cumbersome and intimidating...but it can also be fun and exciting. At Chesapeake Real Estate Associates, we will work with you every step of the way to help the homebuying experience be an enjoyable one. Whether you're a first time buyer or an experienced one, we'll guide you through the process to ensure you are making an informed decision to purchase the property you desire.

Steps in the buying process:

Identify

Identify your needs, wants, and priorities.
Identify your price point by qualifying for a loan with a mortgage professional.
Identify your desired working relationship with your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® by discussing and choosing the appropriate agency relationship.

Search

Your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® will begin to show you available properties that meet your criteria. Along the way, your Realtor® will update you when new listings become available. You can also use our online search tool to stayed informed. By registering, you can be emailed listings that meet your designated criteria as soon as they become available.

Preparing Your Offer

When you are ready to make an offer on a property, your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® will show you comparable sales to help you determine your offer price and will help you prepare your offer in contract form. Your Realtor® will help you determine other provisions in the contract such as the opportunity for inspections and other contingencies, if necessary. You will also, at this time, determine and provide for the Earnest Money Deposit to be presented with the offer.

Reaching an Agreement

Once you have your offer written as desired, your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® will present the offer to the seller or seller's agent for the seller's review. Your Realtor® will assist you with negotiations should a counter-offer be returned to you. When a final agreement has been made between you and the seller, the completed contract, signed by all parties, will be copied and delivered to you.

Meeting the terms of the Contract

Often times, a contract of sale will prescribe a time table for a number of events to occur. Your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® will provide you assistance in scheduling home inspections, termite inspections, environmental inspecions, if applicable. Your Realtor® will help you to make sure the proper documentation has been provided the seller in accordance with the contract in regards to financing contingencies, applications, and approval dates, and will make arrangements to provide access to the property for appraisal.

Settlement

Your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® will make arrangements with you for closing by ordering title work and scheduling settlement to occur coinciding with the time table prescribed in the contract. Additionally, he/she will prepare warranty applications if you have chosen to purchase one or if the seller is providing one as part of the transaction. Prior to the closing date, you will be gven the opportunity to do a final walkthrough of the property with your Realtor®. On the day of settlement, your Chesapeake Real Estate Associates Realtor® will attend closing with you and answer any questions you may have during the closing. At closing, you will sign a great many documents including financing papers, settlement sheets, and title documents. You will review the deed, provide any funds not covered by your loan, purchase title insurance, and receive the keys to your new home.