Getting Started

When you begin working with a Gerrard-Hoeschler real estate professional they will take the time to get to know you and your home buying goals. In addition to deciding if you would prefer to be represented in a buyer agency relationship (see above) your agent will help you sort out your key needs and desires. For example:

Where do you want to live? Do you want to be close to schools, shopping, or work?

What kind of home would you like (need)? Are you looking for a particular style? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Do you want a yard?

Is your credit in order?  Before you contact a lender you will want to make sure you have the best credit score possible when that lender prequalifies you. You may be advised to pull a credit report on yourself and make sure the information is accurate. This is the time to correct any errors you may find. Another tip is to not lower your credit rating by applying for new credit.

Even accepting the offer at your local department store to take out a “free” store credit card can cost you because any credit inquiry can lower your credit score. If you are considering a major purchase such as furniture or a car you may want to wait until after your home purchase because one on the factors your lender will consider in determining your eligibility for a loan is your total debt payments.

When your credit is ready it would be helpful to have a mortgage lender assist you to determine the size of the mortgage you would qualify for. Your Gerrard-Hoeschler real estate professional can help you select one of the excellent mortgage professionals working in our community. A pre-qualification letter or mortgage pre-approval letter will give your seller confidence that you are a solid buyer.

 
Finding A Property

A great way to start your home search is to go to the Coulee Region’s best real estate web site - www.GHRealtors.com  Use our Google mapping feature to focus on specific neighborhoods and look at our enhanced virtual tours – you won’t find anything like it in the area!  What many buyers don’t realize is that there are more properties to consider than the ones found in the MLS. Many times the right property for you may not be on the market. The Gerrard-Hoeschler team holds networking meetings every week and the entire team will assist your agent to find you the right Coulee Region home.

Based on criteria that you and your Sales Associate establish together, your Associate will help you find the perfect home. There are many factors to consider in selecting a property, including location, bedroom and bath count, schools and amenities.

Your Sales Associate will apply their extensive community knowledge and professional resources to research available properties, and show you the homes that best meet your needs. If you find a property that interests you through the Internet or your own research, let your Sales Associate know so that a showing can be arranged.

As you view different properties, your criteria may change. Open and direct communication with your Sales Associate is a key element of a successful property search.

Making An Offer

Once you have found the home that you wish to purchase, your Gerrard-Hoeschler real estate professional will use all of their professional training, knowledge and skills to help you structure the best offer for you. Offers are about much more than price. Contingencies, allocation of costs, setting the right closing date, etc. are just a few examples of the terms that your Gerrard-Hoeschler agent will address to help you and the seller come to an agreement. The offer is just the first step of the negotiation process. When an offer is presented the seller will have the option of accepting, rejecting or counter-offering. You will appreciate your Gerrard-Hoeschler agent’s negotiation skills which will be critical in getting you the property you want at the best terms possible for you.

If you and the seller agree on terms the transaction changes gears as you and the seller proceed to meet the various offer requirements and contingencies. Scheduling inspections, ordering title, satisfying federal, state and local regulations, etc. are just a few of the steps that have to be addressed to prepare for closing.

A professional home inspection is essential. A professional home inspector sees beyond the "cosmetics" and surveys the entire house, including structure, roof, exterior and major systems (heating, plumbing, cooling, electrical, ventilation, etc.).