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A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first-time buyer’s guide created by your agent will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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STEP 1: Meet with me for a Buyer Consultation to review the home buying process

  • Discuss specific needs and goals, then formulate a plan together
  • Set a target date by which you would like to move into your new home
  • Sign an Exclusive Right to Represent; this allows me to professionally represent you
  • My role as your realtor, your role as the buyer
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STEP 2: Applying for a Mortgage

  • Connect with one of my preferred mortgage lenders from my established network
  • Present the lender with necessary materials
  • Determine your price range, down payment, monthly payment and cash to close
  • Dos and Don’ts during the mortgage process
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STEP 3: Search for homes

  • Multiple Listing System Portal (MLS) – This online resource is only accessible through an agent
  • I will set you up with this customized home search so you can receive updates on applicable properties
  • This portal search is accurate and up to date with real time listings
  • Review home listings and disclosures thoroughly online
  • House hunting tips 
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STEP 4: Showings

  • Drive by the location of the property to get a feel for it before scheduling a showing
  • Choose the homes you’d like to see and I will set up a showing, or inform you of an open house
  • Things to do while visiting a home
  • Things to avoid while visiting a home
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STEP 5: Making an Offer

  • Once we find your ideal home we will strategize and present a competitive offer
  • In a competitive market we may need to move quickly on some properties, but I am here to guide you every step of the way
  • With my extensive experience in contract negotiations, I will ensure you get the best terms possible
  • Sometimes, you may only get one chance to make an offer 
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STEP 6: Accepted offer

  • Once all offer terms are agreed upon, everyone signs and we go “under contract”
  • 1st deposit due immediately
  • Contingencies
    ✓ Appraisal (if applicable)
    ✓ Mortgage Commitment/Financing,
    ✓ Review Condominium/Association Documents if applicable
    ✓ Inspection – A Licensed professional will complete a thorough home inspection
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STEP 7: Final Walk Through / Closing

  • Set up utilities prior to closing date (electricity/gas/oil/cable/internet/propane). Usually, the companies need 72 hours advance notice to turn them on
  • Walk-through prior to closing
  • Bring funds in the form of a bank/cashier’s check, and identification to the closing
  • Once the paperwork is signed and the attorneys say it’s official, you get the keys

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GLOSSARY OF REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE RELATIONSHIPS

In Connecticut, Real Estate brokers and their salespersons are required to disclose the type of working relationship they have with the clients in a real estate transaction. There are several types of relationships that are available to you. You should understand these nuances at the time a broker provides specific assistance to you in buying real estate. Buyer’s Agent and Seller’s Agent relationships are commonly referred to as “agency” relationships and carry with them legal duties and responsibilities for the broker as well as the buyer and seller.

Definition from the State of Connecticut: “Buyer’s Agent” means a real estate broker or real estate salesperson who acts in a fiduciary capacity for the buyer and/or lessee in a real estate transaction.

When a buyer enters into an agreement for representation with a buyer’s agent, the buyer becomes the buyer’s agent’s client. Buyer’s Agents act solely on behalf of the buyer and owe duties to the buyer, which include the utmost good faith, loyalty, reasonable care, disclosure, obedience to lawful instruction, confidentiality, accountability, and fidelity. The buyer may authorize the buyer’s agent to contact other brokers, including associates of other real estate firms, to represent the buyer in locating the property as the buyer’s agent. The agent must disclose to sellers all adverse material facts concerning the buyer’s financial ability to perform the terms of the transaction and whether the buyer intends to occupy the property. A separate written buyer’s agreement is required which sets forth the duties and obligations of the parties.

buyer agent represents the best interests of the buyer. An exclusive buyer agent has fiduciary duties to the buyer, and may not disclose to the seller the highest price the buyer is willing to pay for a property. That agent is also required to keep all other information confidential, other than their client's financial ability to qualify for a house.

Definition from the State of Connecticut: “Seller’s Agent” means a real estate broker or real estate salesperson who acts in a fiduciary capacity for the seller and/or lessor in a real estate transaction. 

When a seller enters into an agreement for representation with a seller’s agent, the seller becomes the seller’s agent’s client. Seller’s Agents act solely on behalf of the seller and owe duties to the seller, which include the utmost good faith, loyalty, reasonable care, disclosure, obedience to lawful instruction, confidentiality, accountability, and fidelity. The seller may authorize the seller’s agent to contact other brokers, including associates of other real estate firms, to represent the seller in marketing their property as seller’s agents. The agent must disclose to buyers all adverse material facts about the property known by the broker. A separate written listing agreement is required which sets forth the duties and obligations of the parties.

seller agent represents the best interests of the seller. This agent has fiduciary duties to the seller including keeping the seller informed about comparable prices in their market area, preparing a comparative market analysis for their property, developing advantageous advertising campaigns, and guiding the seller to set an attractive listing price for their home.

Definition from the State of Connecticut: “Dual Agent means a real estate broker or real estate salesperson who acts in a fiduciary capacity for both the buyer and the buyer or lessee and lessor.”

dual agent may represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, provided that such dual agent obtains the informed consent of the parties. The dual agent is then considered a disclosed dual agent and owes the buyer and seller a duty to deal with them fairly and honestly. In this type of agency relationship, the dual agent does not represent either the buyer or seller exclusively, and the parties cannot expect the dual agent’s undivided loyalty. The dual agent may not disclose any confidential information which would provide a negotiating advantage to either party but must provide non-confidential information that each party requests in order to accept the terms of the transaction. Both clients must agree, in writing, that they understand the possible consequences of an agent being unable to maintain confidentiality and loyalty to both clients.

WHAT DJ's CLIENTS SAY

DJ, has grown up in South Windsor and Connecticut. She knows the area so well and will help you find what's right for you. DJ is very hard working for all of her customers and will always follow through to answer any and all questions.

— Suellen

WHAT DJ's CLIENTS SAY

DJ has helped out so much in the past whether it was either buying a house or looking for an apartment. She is very attentive and has great communication. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs help. She knows what she is talking about and is the sweetest person.

— Kayla D.

WHAT DJ's CLIENTS SAY

DJ was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Especially with my solar PV system. She understood the benefits of owning that system versus leasing it and reflected that in the appraisal and sale of my home. From staging to the photos, everything was superb. We were on the market for 3 days. I’d recommend DJ Dube to anyone.

— Andrew P.

Work With DJ

DJ will always have your best interest at heart and with your permission, she will be completely honest when offering her professional expertise. DJ looks forward to the opportunity to serve you!