Attention to Detail… and your Unique Needs!

The adage “knowledge is power” is ever-so-true when it comes to purchasing real estate.  Further, America… on the move! (‘AOM’) recognizes that every buyer has unique needs, interests and objectives.  For these reasons, we listen to our customers and more importantly, help educate you to become a knowledgeable and confident buyer of most likely, the single largest investment you will ever make! Your knowledge coupled with the experience of your AOM agent will make an unbeatable combination in finding that one home that fits your buying criteria.

The information below will help prepare you gain the skills necessary to become a knowledge and confident buyer, fully prepared to make a purchasing decision once your AOM agents helps you find that perfect home!

Become an “Empowered Buyer…”  

An “Empowered Buyer” is one that has thoroughly prepared themselves for the buying process.  Several steps are required to become an Empower Buyer -- and your AOM representative will help you every step of the way!  Your journey to becoming an Empowered Buyer includes:

1. Review your Personal Finances - this step includes identifying the amount of your cash available to deposit as earnest money to accompany your eventual offer and subsequently, the amount you can comfortably use as a down payment on a property.  You should also review your credit card balances and consider paying them down or better yet, closing any accounts that are rarely or never used.
2. Speak to a Mortgage Specialist - and obtain pre-qualification for a loan.  This will arm you with the knowledge of the maximum loan in which you are qualified and help you determine the price range of properties that you would like to consider.  Being “pre-qualified” also makes you a “stronger buyer” in the eyes of a seller when submitting an offer to purchase their home.
3. Determine your Needs - review your personal situation to determine what is important to you in a home. How many bedrooms are needed? Do you need a home office?  What amenities are important?  Are schools a consideration? Medical facilities?  The answers to these questions will help determine the best suited areas for the needs of you and/or your family;
4. Become familiar with the Market - by closely reviewing the information your AOM agent will share with you on every area that fits your buying criteria.  This will allow you to make a fully informed decision as to where you wish to live and utilize your dollars to buy the most house for your money.  It will also enhance your comfort level in making a quick purchasing decision once you find the home that most closely meets your needs;
5. Select and Work with a Real Estate Professional - doing research on your own is excellent and advisable.  However, once you are ready to purchase a home, you should do so only with the assistance of a trained, experience real estate professional.  At AOM, you’ll work closely with you and continually maintain your best interests in assisting you throughout the identification, purchase and closing of your new home;
6. Making an Offer - at AOM, each of our agents is skilled in negotiations and will assist in your efforts to purchase a home at the terms you are most comfortable.  We will fully explain the process, make recommendations and help manage the occasional stress associated with completing a task that you probably don’t do very often -- purchase a home!
7. Closing the Transaction - can be somewhat traumatic.  We will be there at the actual closing to ensure everything is done according to the contractual agreement and even hold a hand if your nerves get a little on edge.  We understand this can be both an exciting and yet somewhat stressful component of the transaction.  Together, we’ll make this a positive, memorable experience!

Home Buying Tips…   

1. Give thought to, identify and share with your AOM agent the exact factors that are prompting your desire to purchase a home.  Some common reasons are:
   • Currently renting and desire to become a homeowner;
   • Need a larger home (growing family);
   • Downsizing;
   • New school district for your children;
   • Get closer to work; and/or
   • Have been relocated by your employer.
2. Identify your “likes” and “dislikes” about where you currently live, then share those with your agent!  Essentially, you’ll be creating a “wish list” for your new home.  This should be the time in your life that you aim high for the things that most make you feel comfortable.  Your new home should be your haven!
3. Prepare to become an educated buyer by the buying tips your AOM agent provides you and teaches about the overall buying process.  From there, you may decide to alter your criteria, based on your furthering knowledge and experience.  You will be gaining enormous amounts of expertise about areas, individual properties and value;
4. Share with us any questions you might have about the loan process.  If you need assistance with selecting a loan officer, we’ll be happy to recommend several;
5. To be fair to yourself, remember to pay attention to what the professional Realtor^® will have to tell you in this process -- friends and family will step-in and provide their advice. Although all information has value, too much or too many sources of information can at times be overwhelming and confuse your decision making process.  Your AOM agent’s only job is to help you find a property that most closely fits your needs and desires -- in an efficient and professional manner!

Specialty Properties… 

Desire something out of the ordinary?  We can assist you with luxury homes, bank owned properties (e.g., “REO”), new construction, water-front properties -- we even have representation at beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake!  Whatever your desire, we can assist you in finding the home of your dreams…