RE/Max Integrity
4710 Village Plaza Loop,
Suite 200
Eugene, Oregon 97401
Bridget Armstrong
info@barmstrongrealestate.com
Direct (541) 984-5404
Office (541) 359-8973
Fax (541) 302-4899

Oregon Buyers Checklist

Regardless of how you pursue your dream home, whether it's building it from the ground up or buying that existing masterpiece, you always want to keep up with what is going on and know what to look for during your search. Much like you wouldn't travel across country without a map, you shouldn't purchase a home without your checklist. Many things go into this process and you want to pick that home that will last for the future. Before you buy your home use the checklist, it'll help you eliminate errors and make the process that much easier for you and your family. This will only give you added benefit and help you speed up the process to make it a smoother ride for everyone.

Just a few things every “Home Buyer” should think about.

Get your mortgage pre-approved with a lender so you know what you are working with. Get a copy of your credit report from the lender, type of mortgage, and what your monthly payment will be.
Determine what fits your budget, your desire, and your families needs.
Look for an agent who is a “Buyers Agent” and don't be afraid to talk to a few to get that chemistry and to be comfortable with your agent.
Have your agent find all the houses within the desired parameters of what your ideal home is.
Get your information. Check on schools, level of crime, traffic, local neighborhoods, activities for children outside of the classroom, etc. Your agent should have the knowledge and access to help you in this search.
Research the properties that are of the greatest interest to you. Visit the city hall for which the house or houses are located and learn about liens, easements or any other restrictions that might be attached to the property before you buy it.
Now that you've found that home for you and your family it is time to prepare an offer and to negotiate the terms of the deal. Ask questions from the seller. Are there any other offers on the table? How high is their motivation for selling? Are there any deadlines that you are not aware of that they might have? Be sure that your agent prepares a current market analysis for the property of choice. Always conduct home inspections to ensure the quality of the house as you want to eliminate any surprises before they could happen. Now it is time for the final negotiations and of course to sign the Sale Agreement. Use the reports from the inspections that have been done to do any re-negotiations if you and your agent feel they are needed. Also do a final last look at the inside of the house to ensure that everything is how it should be and it is what you are expecting to see before you sign the papers on the closing date.
Review documents of your loan and sales agreement during the period you are signing for your new home to ensure that everything is correct. Your agent and sometimes your Mortgage Broker will be at the signing to double check the legal documents with you.

This checklist can vary from situation to situation. It is a guideline to help with the process. You may need to add or remove steps as needed to fit what you are trying to do. Always ask your agent questions. If you are unsure about something, ask them. They will be more than willing to assist you since most likely they have already helped a client in the past with a similar situation and already know the best way to take care of it. Your agent will be able to save you a lot of valuable time during the process of your transaction.