Inspections & Appraisals
Most buyers will have the property examined by a licensed property inspector to ensure everything in the contract is accurate. Inspection time frames will be laid out in the Purchase Agreement. Some buyers will choose to have seperate inspectors look at different areas of the property (ie. roof, plumbing, or HVAC inspectors).
If the buyer is receiving a loan, a licensed appraiser will most likely examine your property as well. Since the agreement is contingent upon financing, the lending institute will require confirmation that their investment in your home is accurate. Therefore, they will require a third party appraiser to determine the value of your property.
The Closing Agent
Either a title company or an attorney will be chosen as the closing agent, or escrow, whose job is to examine and insure clear title to real estate. After reviewing the recorded history of your property, they will certify that your title is clear of encumbrances (ie. leases, mortgages, or restrictions) by the date of closing to allow the transfer of title to the buyer.
When you are ready to get started, call us at 217.525.2288 or complete this short form and one of our agents will be in touch.
What else you should know...
Contingencies
A contingency is a condition that must be met before a contract becomes legally binding. For instance, buyers will typically include contingencies upon home inspections or securing their financing.
Before completing his or her purchase of your property, the buyer will complete the necessary steps.
These include:
- Securing financing and insurance;
- Reviewing all pertinent documents, such as preliminary title reports and disclosure documents; and
- Inspecting the property. The buyer has the right to pursue details on the condition of your property through a wide range of inspections, such as roof, termite/pest, chimney/fireplace, property boundary survey, well, septic, pool/spa, arborist, mold, lead based paint, HVAC, etc.
How do you respond objectively and fairly to the buyer when a renegotiation is demanded, while acting in your best interests? This is when a professional listing agent can make a real difference in the outcome of the transaction. Having dealt with various property sales in the past, we guarantee our expertise and total commitment to every customer, no matter what their situation is.
Loan Approval and Appraisal
We suggest that you accept buyers who have a lender’s pre-approval, approval letter, or written loan commitment, which is a better guarantee of loan approval than a pre-qualification or no documentation from a lending institute. Expect an appraiser from the lender’s company to review your property and verify that the sales price is appropriate.
When You Choose Springfield Real Estate...
Marketing
We offer our clients several options when it comes to marketing their house. Everything from traditional marketing practices to custom websites, videos and social media exposure. By utilizing our network of contacts, clients, agents and brokers we make sure everyone knows about the sale of your house.
Experience
Most of our agents have been in this business full time for over 10 years. These professionals are time-tested and experienced in all types of real estate transactions. Isn’t it smart to put that experience to work for you?
Honesty
When we are honest with homeowners, the homes we list sell rapidly. Why? We advise you of minor repairs or cosmetic work which will greatly enhance the appeal of your property. Our experience in the current area market will help in pricing your home to sell – at the right price for you.
Security
Our agents work to pre-screen and pre-qualify buyers so that you are not bothered by strangers and other individuals who may not be qualified to purchase your property.
Negotiation
Your Springfield Real Estate agent will assist you in negotiating with potential buyers, often getting a better price or terms for your property. In addition, should problems arise between the time an offer is accepted and closing, your experienced agent will be your guide through a maze of complicated paperwork and possible pitfalls.
Professional Closing Services:
Let our qualified staff take care of the after-sale details, so you can concentrate on the more important things in your life... your next home! Our professional closing services include:
- Prepare Sales Contract and Addendums
- Deposit Earnest Money in an Escrow Account
- Order Title Work
- Coordinate Inspections
- Review Closing Statements
- Attend Closing
What Price Range Can I Afford?
Resources For Springfield Home Buyers
The journey to homeownership starts by understanding how much you can afford. One major thing to consider is your down payment, if any. Many consumers believe it's impossible to buy a home without at least 20 percent down. But thanks to various government-sponsored programs, many people can now buy a house with as little as 3.5 percent toward a down payment. Veterans of the U.S. military have zero-down programs available.
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Let us know the best day/time to try and schedule a showing for you and we will try to get the viewing scheduled for that day and time. We will also reach out to you to discuss the home further.
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