Why Buy With The Allison Ziefert
Real Estate Group

Why buy a home with the Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group? We understand that your home purchase is both an important business and personal decision. Our clients know that, no matter how big or small their purchase, we treat them like friends and family. We adhere to the highest ethical standards in our practice and always put our client’s interests before our own. We know that some of the most important life moments you have will be within the walls of your home, and we would love to help you find that home. We look forward to being one of the first to welcome you to your new community.

Contact us so our team of real estate superheroes can get to work for you!

Get Pre-Approved

Once you are pre-approved by a lender you will know what your buying power is. You must have a pre-approval letter in order to make an offer on a home.

The Search

We learn your tastes, needs, hobbies, etc. to help you find the perfect place quickly. We ask the right questions and consider your feedback when we see homes with you. We preview homes with you in mind to save you time, and will call when we think there is a match.

The Offer

Your offer is made using a contract of sale that contains the purchase price of your offer as well as other terms, such as:

• The amount of your deposits and downpayment
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Type and amount of your mortgage if applicable
• Mortgage commitment date
• Home inspection timetable
• Closing date
• Any special contractual provisions

You will sign the contract, seller and lead paint disclosures. When countersigned by the seller, you have an “accepted offer” and move to the next step.

Attorney Review

Usually running 3-7 days, both buyer’s and seller’s attorneys review the contract. This period is concluded when any changes are agreed upon. During this period you can withdraw your offer for any reason. Also, the seller may entertain additional offers or withdraw their acceptance without consequence. Once concluded, you are “under contract.”

The Deposit

Usually due within ten days of going “under contract.” Often this is 10% of the purchase price and is held in an escrow account by one of the attorneys. It is refundable unless you breach the contract.

The Inspection

Usually performed within ten days of going “under contract.” This includes an inspection for major defects, termite/pest damage and radon testing. A sweep for underground oil tanks is recommended as well as having the chimney, flues and fireplace, and sewer line checked out. Your attorney will send a copy of the inspection report to the seller’s attorney with any inspection requests. These will be negotiated. If the seller declines to address your requests, in most cases you may cancel the contract.

Financing

Your lender will do an appraisal of the home and will ask you for additional documentation in order to issue you a mortgage commitment.

The Documents

Once the previous steps are completed, it is time to order your homeowner’s insurance policy that must be prepaid for one year prior to closing. The realtors will coordinate the fire/smoke and certificate of occupancy inspections. Your attorney will order title work and a survey and give you an estimate of all closing costs.

Utilities and Movers

Once the closing is scheduled, you will have a date to move in! Schedule your move and request transfer of utilities into your name.

The Walk Through and Closing

On the day of closing you will do a final walk through of the property to make sure it is in good condition. At least three days prior to closing, the detailed itemization of your closing costs are presented to you for your review in the form of a closing disclosure statement. At closing, you bring the balance of your payment in certified funds or have this payment wired per your attorney’s instructions. Bring your checkbook in case of last minute adjustments. In the final moments of the closing, the documents to transfer title are signed and the keys are given to you for your new home!