1. Are you working with a real estate professional, looking out for your best interests?

Purchasing real estate is a major financial and legal transaction which requires enormous attention to details. An experienced agent will navigate you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Sheri Barnes makes your home buying experience enjoyable, and stress free.

2. Do you know your price range and have you obtained financial pre-approval?

One of the biggest mistakes many home buyers make is not getting pre-approved for their loan. The benefit of pre-approval eliminates the chances of any surprises about your ability to borrow money. You also are in a much stronger position to negotiate with the seller.

Sheri Barnes connects you with reputable, qualified financial institutions so you can obtain pre-approval.

3. What are the locations and specifications that you're looking for in your new home?

With so many homes on the market, it is best to make a list of the features that you're looking for in a home. It is also best to make a list of things that you don't want. This will help your realtor customize your search.

Sheri Barnes shows you the homes that meet your needs, without wasting your valuable time.

4. Are you ready to negotiate the best price?

To help determine an initial offering price, the more information you have, the better off you'll be. Your rights and obligations will be submitted in the contract to purchase agreement. In addition, an earnest money deposit is a sign of good faith that you are interested in purchasing the property. The standard amount is 1-2% of the sale price of the home.

Sheri Barnes prepares a comparative marketing analysis of the area, showing you the selling price of similar homes, as well as the difference between their asking and selling prices. Sheri presents the offer on your behalf, and utilizes her years of experience negociating on your behalf. Sheri also fully explains the purchase agreement to you, and answers all of your questions throughout the entire process.

5. What about the home inspection?

Your purchase agreement will include a provision that your contract is to be contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection report. Finding a reputable home inspector is vital in the home buying process. You will learn a great deal about the condition of the house. The inspector's report will include information on the condition and remaining life span of the roof, walls, doors, floors, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and cooling, and much more

Sheri Barnes recommends the top licensed professionals in central Indiana for this crucial step.

6. What about title insurance and approval?

It is the seller's responsibility to provide you with title insurance. The title search is done by a title company, and a title commitment will be provided to you before the title deadline in the purchase agreement. It is the seller's responsibility to take care of any problems and assure you a title clear of any liens, judgments, or recorded easements. The buyer (you) will be responsible for the appraisal costs.

Sheri Barnes reviews the title with you, walking you through every step, and assuring you that the title is clean and clear.

7. How hard will it be to obtain a mortgage?

If you are pre-approved (step 2), the only things left for the lender to do are get the appraisal, and collect your current pay stubs and bank statements.

Sheri Barnes provides a list of the top mortgage lenders in the area so you will have several options from which to choose.

8. Can you walk through the house one final time before the closing date?

Shortly before the date of closing, you need to make a final inspection of the house. With a copy of the purchase agreement in hand, verify that all the items that are supposed to be included in the house, are indeed, present.

Sheri Barnes will accompany you through your final inspection and quickly address any problems before the date of closing.

9. What can you expect at the closing?

The closing is the process by which the title to your new home will be transferred to you, your home owners' insurance will be verified, terms of the mortgage finalized, and the keys transferred to you.

Sheri Barnes attends the closing with you, walking you through every step of the way, so there are no surprises.

10. When can you move in?

As soon as you get the keys, and negotiate a date of possession, then you can move in. Welcome to your new home!

Sheri Barnes follows up with you, to make sure your transition into your new home is smooth.