Are you familiar with the buying process?. 

Finding your dream home is only the first step in the buying process. After you have found the property, now you have to make an offer, negiotate, secure a mortgage, do inspections, hire a real estate attorney, etc. 

Let's walk through the steps one by one... but remember, as your agent, I'll be with you every step of the way. 

1. Discuss with a mortgage broker products available and your approximate purchasing power. 

2. When a home has been identified, submit a written 'Binder of Sale', together with a personal check for 1% of the purchase price, made payable to: Prudential CT Realty Escrow Account. Any and all monies held must be deposited within 3 business day of the agreement. All monies are refunded if the offer is not consummated. The offer will be negotiated by your broker. 

3. After the offer is accepted:
a: the buyer makes application for a mortgage immediately, if not already pre-approved.
b: Building, termite, radon, oil tank and/or other inspections will be done within 7 days of the agreement, at the buyers expense. I can supply you with a selection of local inspectors,if needed.
c: Contracts are sent to the buyer's attorney from the seller's attorney, to be signed within 10 business days.
d: the buyer's attorney goes over the contract with the buyer and if satisfactory, buyer signs the contract and gives his attorney a personal check for 9% of the sales price. (This 9%, together with the 1% submtted with the 'binder", makes up the 10% down payment required on the sales contract.)
e: The contract is returned with the check to the seller's attorney for the seller's signature. 

4. The buyer should follow up on the mortgage processing, which should be completed within 12-28 banking days. 

5: If the mortgage cannot be obtained, all deposit money(10%) is returned to the buyer. If the mortgage is approved:
a: A letter of mortgage commitment is sent by the bank to the buyer. This is to be signed by the buyer and returned to the bank; along with any exhibits needed as indicated by the bank.
b: Notification of mortgage approval is sent to the buyer's attorney by the bank.
c: If all contingencies have been met, the 10% deposit is released to the seller. 

6. The buyer's attorney does a title search of the property. 

7. Just prior to closing, we (Dana Fead and the buyer) will conduct an inspection to be sure the property is in proper condition for closing. 

8. The buyer is responsible to change the utilities to his/her name. The buyer will also need to arrange for the telephone and cable television services. 

9. Closing takes place and the title is transferred from seller to buyer. The buyer is to have vertification of insurance on property for at least the mortgage amount and a certified or bank check for the difference between the 10% payment plus the mortgage and selling price. This figure is subject to adjustments such as taxes, fuel oil, etc., and your attorney will usually give you the correct amount prior to closing. Bring several personal checks in the event that minor adjustments are required. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing one you like. 

As a top Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan area real estate agent, here is how I will guide you through the entire process, from viewing homes and financing, to making sure the final contract is in your best interest: 

- You will have full access to ALL homes available on the Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan market, even listings not yet on the MLS, through my professional Connecticut real estate affiliations. 

- My expert local knowledge of the Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan area should be invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more. 

- Every local real estate market absolutely has its own trends and opportunities. This can vary greatly, even one neighborhood to the next. Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan is no different! It's my job to steer you into opportunities and out of traps. 

- What is the true market value of the home you are interested in? Is it priced too high? Is it a bargain that you should jump on? I help home buyers make decisions like this every day, and I'll make sure that YOU get the best value for your money. 

- Negotiating with sellers can be stressful. I will help you negotiate, so that the final contract includes your best possible terms and conditions. 

- You should know absolutely everything about the property you are buying! You and I will view every home that you are interested in, together. And prior to closing I will make you fully aware of any and all inspections available to you. 

- Have confidence when signing documents. Contracts are full of complicated terms and clauses that can greatly affect your future life in your new home. I will give you the full benefit of my real estate knowledge and experience. 

Let me represent your best interests in your search for a new home in the Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan area. While you can see a million homes on the web, actually buying your home is another matter entirely. Buyers beware! 

Ask me any question about buying a home in Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan. It's my job to help you! There's no obligation, and I promise to respond quickly...