Buying a Home in Providence with C.C. and Chris Wall    SEARCH FOR PROPERTIES HERE

 Our value as buyer's agents is not just to just find you a suitable property.  We want you to be thrilled about your new home and not overwhelmed by complications in the process!  Our goal is to make sure that once you have selected a property, that you are able to craft a stragegy to acquire it at the best price, avoid potential pitfalls, and have a pleasant and profitable buying experience. We have succesfully represented many satisfied buyers through hundreds of transactions.  See what they have to say here.

Purchasing a home in the Providence area can be an intricate process. The good news is that we are here to help you every step of the way.  In fact, you could just fill out this buyer's questionare or sign up for daily listings and we will start the search work for you!  Whether this is your first home or your fifth, we are honored to be part of the process.

Don't know where to start?  Here is an overview of the process that may help:

Sequence of Events for Purchasing a Home in the Providence, Rhode Island Area:

1. Get a pre-qualification from a mortgage broker, bank or credit union. Buying a home is not for everyone.  Make sure you know what you can qualify for and be comfortable with your payments.  Owning your own home has substantial advantages.  Over time, your mortgage balance decreases and the equity in the home grows which amounts to "forced savings".  Homeownership is also a way to save on income taxes by taking deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes. Not only will a conversation with a mortgage pro help guide you to the right price range of properties you should be loooking at, a pre-qualification letter will be needed when it comes time to make an offer, so this is an essential first step.

2. Search for Properties - This is the fun part!  You will search for properties through the Multiple Listing Service of Rhode Island.  You can do this by by clicking Search HERE or sign up for automatic daily listings. Since you have been to a lender and know what you can comfortably afford, this should help you narrow your price criteria.  Essential at this point is to make a wish list and requirements for your home.  If you know you cannot live without a garage for example, then eliminate those properties that do not have one.  It will save you a lot of time and effort if you think about your priorities upfront.  Then search the internet to your heart's content.  When you are ready to look.......

3. Find A Real Estate Agent - Why not go it alone?  Because the best agents are market experts they will guide you to make good buying decisions and they will help you avoid problems that could cost you thousands of dollars. Local agents have their pulse on the ever-changing real estate market.  Most of this information, knowledge and interpretation you will not find on the internet.  Buying agents also know how sellers think.  That is important when it comes to understanding how to craft a successful offer on your behalf. Agents also offer a team of trusted professionals who can help you get through the complicated home buying process as seamlessly as possible.  Be sure to interview agents you have not worked with before and see if your styles mesh with one another.

4. Make an offer - Now the excitement begins! For some, this is the most nerve-wracking part of the process.  A home purchase negotation begins with a written offer, stating the terms and price. The seller either accepst the offer, or most likely, submits a counteroffer.  After this point, a purchase and sales agreement (contract is written) and a deposit is taken.  This is your first set of negotiations. Remember, not every contract is accepted.  Some sellers are inflexible and will not budge on the price or agree to your terms.  You must decide how much the home is worth to you and how far you are willing to go to get the house of your dreams. 

5. Inspections - Buyer can chose (and should) do inspections by a qualified home inspector.  You will want to test for mechanical problems, structural issues, pest infestation, radon gas, and lead.  After the inspection the second set of negotiations begin over the inspection items if materially deficient conditions are found. 

6. Closing Process - Closing the sale is when all terms and conditions of the purchase contract have been met and the transasction is complete.  At this point you will be working with your lender, closing attorney and completing tasks like finding homeowners insurance, contacting movers, providing required documentation and transfering utilities. Immeidately prior to closing, you will do a walkthrough the house with your agent.

Of course, there is a lot more involved in each one of these steps, but this should give you a good overview of the home buying process.