With the help of your Zephyr agent, you will:

• Begin by contacting a lender if you are going to finance your home purchase.
  • Your agent can recommend a number of expert lenders who can help you determine what kind of loan you want and need.
• Get pre-qualified, which can be done over the phone and is a quick, informal estimate of the mortgage amount for which you qualify.
• Continue by getting pre-approved.
  • Pre-approval involves a formal mortgage application and will result in you receiving a conditional commitment in writing for an exact loan amount, along with a better idea of your potential interest rate.

While it is helpful to begin the buying process with full knowledge of your financing options, Zephyr agents will begin taking you to look at homes as soon as you would like to get the process started.

Your Zephyr agent will consult with you to:

• Establish basic starting criteria for your home search, such as: price range, neighborhood, style, home condition, size, beds, baths, etc.
• Determine what you must have, what is important to you, what you are willing to compromise on, and what is not important in terms of various home features.
  • Our agents are especially skilled at getting a feel for what buyers both want and need, and reacting accordingly.
  • If you are initially unclear in what you specifically want, we will start by showing you a broad range of homes and narrowing down future homes based upon your feedback.
  • This criteria is fluid and will most likely change as you tour more homes and get a feel for what you respond to.

Together with your Zephyr agent, you will:

• View homes that your agent selected for you based upon your established buying plan.
  • Zephyr agents will always work to accommodate your schedule when viewing homes.
• Review details of each home with your agent.
  • Our agents take pride in being both candid and discerning.  We are skilled at determining the real value of a property, and we will always place honesty and your best interests above a quick sale.
  • Our agents have a very good base knowledge of construction, cosmetic and structural upgrades, modifications, and costs of repairs, along with an understanding if various neighborhoods, future development, and school systems.
• Discuss your reaction to each home so your agent can select future homes accordingly.

When you are ready to write an offer, you will:

• Determine your offering price with the assistance of your Zephyr agent.
  • Using our knowledge of comparable properties, status of listing, and property activity, we will counsel you in your offer price.  
  • Our agents have a strong understanding of both contracts and industry standard. We know how to submit strategic offers that honor your requests and appeal to the seller at the same time.

On your behalf, your Zephyr agent will:

• Negotiate your offer as necessary.
  • As we guide you through the negotiation process with the sellers, we will ensure that you are staying inside your comfort zone and pleased with your decisions.  
  • At this point, you are not obligated to proceed with the offer if you do not like the course of the negotiations.  Your satisfaction is our number one priority, and we will address any concerns that you may have and respect any decisions that you choose to make, even if it conflicts with our advice.

Once you go under contract, your Zephyr agent will:

•  Submit your earnest money to the seller.
  • Earnest money is fully refundable as long as deadlines are met.  Zephyr agents respect the importance of working within deadlines due to this fact.
  • Earnest money will be applied toward your purchase of the property.
• Evaluate title work with you and examine the exceptions, particularly property specific exceptions to assess risk and threats.
• Dissect and review the condition of the HOA if applicable.
  • Buying into an HOA is similar to entering into a marriage. Your Zephyr agent will ensure that you have considered every important aspect of the HOA before you proceed with the sale. This includes, but is not limited to: bylaws, declarations, rules and regulations, budget, financials, insurance, legal history, and an analysis of meeting minutes.
• Evaluate off record matters if applicable.

As you proceed to the home inspection, you will:

•  Bring in a home inspector to evaluate the physical condition of the property.
  • The home inspector may want to conduct various tests such as: scoping the sewer, testing for radon, and testing for mold.
  • Your Zephyr agent will attend home inspections with you to coach you through the process and analyze the results. Though this extra step is not industry standard, we find it to be imperative part of the buying process.
• If necessary, bring in other contractors such as engineers, roofers, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors.
  • Zephyr agents can recommend highly skilled and trustworthy contractors to conduct your appraisals.
  • These contractors will help you to better understand what you are buying, how you will need to maintain your property, and what repairs should be taken care of prior to closing.
  • Our agents are well-informed regarding fair pricing for various home repairs and will evaluate all estimates that you have been provided to you.
  • Your agent will negotiate with sellers on your behalf regarding any recommended repairs.

During closing, you will:

•  Work with your Zephyr agent and your lender to finalize your loan.
  • This takes place after your lender approves the property appraisal.
• Meet with the seller, your lender, and your Zephyr agent to conduct the closing.
  • Your Zephyr agent will explain each and every document that is presented to you to sign. They will also take the time to fully answer any questions that you have so that you have a clear understanding of everything.
• Take your keys and celebrate your new home ownership!