SHOP FOR A HOME Once you have been qualified for a loan, it is time to begin your search for the perfect home. One of the most important keys to making the home buying process easier and more understandable is planning. 3.1 Buyer Consultation. Garry and Mary will listen carefully while you describe your dream home and then will ask you questions about areas of interest within the "Valley of the Sun". Your family's lifestyle will also be important when considering locations. This process will begin to define your home purchasing objectives by prioritizing your needs and wants as well as defining your personal buyer criteria. The buyer consultation leads to a strategy for locating your ideal home in the perfect location. In addition, Garry and Mary will discuss your financial objectives and review the Arizona Residential Resale Purchase Contract, its negotiable items, time lines and related addendums during the buyer consultation. They will also review the role of a Buyer's Agent and the representation it encompasses. 3.2 Buyer Criteria. Here are some of the most popular features and amenities from which to gather your dream home criteria. Dwelling Description Resale New Construction Inventory Home Property Description Cul-de-Sac Lot Corner Lot Golf Course Lot Golf Course Subdivision Waterfront Lot Lake Subdivision Gated Community Horse Property Acreage Architecture Ranch Territorial/Sante Fe Spanish Contemporary Property Specifics Single Family Town Home Condominium Single Level Multi Level Basement List Price Bedrooms Bathrooms Year Built Square Footage Lot Size Guest House/Casita Homeowner's Association Active Adult Community Home Details Formal Living/Dining Room Great Room Fireplace Den/Office Master Bedroom Upstairs Master Bedroom Downstairs Guest Bedroom Downstairs Loft Bonus Room/Game Room Media Room Parking RV Gate/Parking Private Pool/Spa Area Specific Subdivision Master Planned Community Schools Commute 3.3 Areas and Lifestyles. The various communities that encompass the "Valley of the Sun" have many differences. Garry and Mary will help you become familiar with many area locations with a variety of amenities since both the area and lifestyle impacts your home search. If you are unfamiliar with Arizona, your search will begin by finding areas that interest you. Garry and Mary will help you narrow your search to those areas and specific homes for your consideration. Their experience in the Arizona real estate market will be an invaluable resource during this step. 3.4 Searching For Properties. Garry and Mary will search all resources for homes on the market that fit your criteria. As you tour homes, they will help you analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each potential home. You can keep detailed notes on the printed photo description sheets in your Property Tour Binder. As you view a variety of homes, your criteria may change. Therefore, throughout the process Garry and Mary will help you fine tune your search criteria to find your perfect home. Everyone enjoys searching the internet for homes. This website has excellent home searches of both resale and new homes.  If you should find an area or type of home that is of interest to you, contact Garry and Mary and they will provide you with more information on the property and/or set up a showing. 3.5 Buying a New Home. Buying a new home from a builder is a very different process than buying a resale home. When you visit a sales office of any of the builders in the Valley, you will see notices on the doors or windows that say, "If you are working with a real estate agent, he or she must accompany you on your first visit through these models."  What this means is that if you open the door and walk into a new home sales office, you have waived your right to free Buyer Representation. The sales agents in the office do NOT represent you, they represent the builder. In order to represent you throughout the entire transaction, Garry and Mary must accompany you on your initial visit to the home builder's sales office and register you upon arrival. Garry and Mary understand the interests and expectations of builders and their sales agents and will protect your interests above all else. Garry and Mary, among other things, will: Ask questions on your behalf and make sure you understand the builder's process. Receive copies of the Public Report and the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R's) prior to writing the purchase contract. Attend and advise while your contract is prepared by the builder's sales person. Ensure that costs you are being charged are normal and customary. Ensure that you receive advertised incentives. Advise you on the future resale value of options and upgrades. Attend the Design Center with you, if desired. Be present at all inspections and walk-throughs. Review the settlement statement for accuracy. Attend the Title Company with you to sign final documents and receive keys. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Garry and Mary at any time.