Buyers Guide
Looking for a Kansas City Real Estate Agent? Rolig Homes will show you the right steps to find the perfect property for your unique circumstances. We know the Kansas City market so allow us to educate you throughout the buying experience.
The Home Buying Process
Finding the perfect property is just one way we can help you with your real estate purchase. As real estate agents, we have ongoing access to experts in every related field from lending to relocation.
Picking A Realtor
When you work with Rolig Homes, you get:
- A knowledgeable and professional REALTOR®.
- A committed ally to negotiate on your behalf.
- The backing of a trusted company, Keller Williams Realty.
Rolig Homes has the systems in place to streamline the home-buying process for you. As part of our service, we will commit to helping you with your home search by:
- Previewing homes in advance on your behalf.
- Personally touring homes and neighborhoods with you.
- Keeping you informed of new homes on the market.
- Helping you preview homes on the web.
- Advising you of other homes that have sold and for how much.
- Working with you until we find the home of your dreams.
Making an Offer
The Price
What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors, including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller. While some buyers want to make a low offer just to see if the seller accepts, this often isn’t a smart choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate at all.
The Move-in Date
If you can be flexible on the possession date, the seller will be more apt to choose your offer over others.
Additional Property
Often, the seller plans on leaving major appliances in the home; however, which items stay or go is often a matter of negotiation.
Typically, you will not be present at the offer presentation – we will present it to the listing agent and/or seller. The seller will then do one of the following:
- Accept the offer
- Reject the offer
- Counter the offer with changes
By far the most common is the counteroffer. In these cases, my experience and negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests.
When a counteroffer is presented, you and I will work together to review each specific area of it, making sure that we move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that we negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.
Closing 101
Prepare for It
Closing day marks the end of your home-buying process and the beginning of your new life! To make sure your closing goes smoothly, you should bring your government issued photo I.D. and if applicable, guaranteed funds for closing as required by the title company.
Own It
Transfer of title moves ownership of the property from the seller to you.
Delivery of the buyers funds
This is the check or wire funds provided by your lender in the amount of the loan.
Delivery of the deed
A deed is the document that transfers ownership of real estate. The deed names the seller and buyer, gives a legal description of the property, and contains the notarized signatures of the seller and witnesses.
At the end of closing, the deed will be taken and recorded at the county clerk’s office. It will be sent to you after processing.
FAQs
The Multiple Listing Service Website provides up-to-date information for every home on the market. Rolig Homes constantly checks the New on Market list so we can be on the lookout for my clients. We will get you this information right away, the way that is most convenient for you; by phone and/or email.
Will you inform me of homes from all real estate companies or only Keller Williams Realty?
We will keep you informed of all homes. Rolig Homes wants to help you find your dream home, which means we need to stay on top of every home that’s available on the market.
Can you help me find new construction homes?
Yes, as a trusted Kansas City Real Estate Agency we can work with most builders and get you the information you need to make a decision. On your first visit with the builder, we will accompany you. By using our services with a new construction home purchase, you will receive the services we offer, as well as those provided by the builder, at no additional cost.
How does for sale by owner (FSBO) work?
Homeowners trying to sell their home without agent representation are usually doing so in the hopes of saving the commission. If you see a FSBO and want the advantages of our services, let us contact the owner for you and make an appointment. Most times the homeowner will work with an agent, even though their home is not listed since the agent is introducing a potential buyer to their property.
Can we go back through our property again once an offer is made, but before possession?
Usually, we can notify the seller and schedule a convenient time to visit the property again. Immediately before the closing, we will schedule a final walk-through and inspection of your new home.
Once my offer is accepted, what should I do?
Celebrate and focus on moving into your new home! You will want to schedule your move, pack items and notify businesses of your address change. We will provide you with a moving checklist to help you remember all the details. Also, we will give you a good faith estimate and HUD statement, which will indicate the amount you will need to bring to closing.
Moving Checklist
______Electric
______Telephone
______Water
______Cable
______Gas
Professional Services:
______Broker
______Accountant
______Doctor
______Dentist
______Lawyer
Government:
______Internal Revenue Service
______Post Office
______Schools
______State Licensing
______Library
______Veterans Administration
Clubs:
______Health and Fitness
______Country Club
Insurance Companies:
______Accidental
______Auto
______Health
______Home
______Life
______Renters
Business Accounts:
______Banks
______Cellular Phones
______Department Stores
______Finance Companies/Credit Cards
Subscriptions:
______Magazines
______Newspapers
Miscellaneous:
______Business Associates
______House of Worship
______Drugstore
______Dry Cleaner
______Hairstylist
What's Ahead
In some cases, our clients find their dream home on the first day. In other cases, it takes more time to find the right home. Rest assured, there is a home out there just right for you. We just have to find it!
To assist you in the home search journey, we organized a list of homes showing us the following information for each:
- Photos of the home
- The home address
- The current asking price
- The square footage and property taxes
- The number of bedrooms and baths
- The age and lot size
- Unique features and comments
Once we narrow down the list of properties that are of interest, I will:
- Provide you with more detailed information about the home
- Review the county tax records for tax liens, etc.
- Schedule a personal visit to the home
- Tour the home with you
- Determine how the asking price compares with other homes in the area
- Answer any and all questions you may have
A Lifestyle Interview
Who will be living in the home you purchase?
Will anyone else be spending more than an occasional overnight stay (e.g., parents)?
Describe your lifestyle. What do you enjoy doing at home? Do you do a lot of entertaining? How do you spend your time in the evenings and on the weekends?
Does your home need to accommodate any special needs?
Do you have any pets?
Do you have anything special that needs to be accommodated such as athletic equipment, fine art, large furniture, or a large collection?
When people come to your home, what do you want your home to say about you?
Is there anything I should know about your lifestyle that I have not asked?
Location
Tell me about your ideal location.
What is your maximum commute time and distance?
What is your work address?
Are schools important?
Is there a particular view you are seeking (e.g., skyline, lake, mountains)?
What else is important about your location?
Home Wish List Questions
Do you have a preference for when the house was built?
Do you want a house in move-in condition or are you willing to do some work on it?
When people come to your home, what do you want your home to say about you?
Do you want to have a swimming pool or hot tub?
Are you looking for any structures such as a greenhouse or shed?
Structure/Exterior
What type of home are you looking for (e.g., single-family, condo, town house, etc.)?
Approximately what size house are you looking for (square footage)?
How many stories?
What size lot would you like?
What architectural styles do you prefer?
What type of exterior siding will you consider?
Do you want a porch or deck?
What are you looking for in terms of a garage (e.g., attached, carport, etc.)?
What other exterior features are important to you?
House – Interior
What kind of style do you want the interior of your home to have (e.g., formal, casual, cozy, traditional, contemporary)?
What kind of floor plan do you prefer (e.g., open vs. walls between all living spaces)?
In general, what are your likes and dislikes for the interior of your home?
Bedrooms
How many bedrooms do you need?
How will each of those rooms be used?
What are your preferences for the master bedroom?
Bathrooms
How many bathrooms do you need?
What are your needs for each of the bathrooms?
Kitchen
What features must your kitchen have (e.g., breakfast area, types of appliances, etc.)?
What finishes do you want (e.g., countertops, flooring, appliances, etc.)?
What are your likes and dislikes for the kitchen?
Dining Room
Would you like the dining room to be part of the kitchen configuration? What about the living room?
What size dining room table do you have?
Living Room/Family Room
Describe your likes and dislikes.
Do you want a fireplace?
What size room(s) do you have in mind?
What other rooms do you need or want?
What else should I know about the inside of the house you are looking for?
Summary
What are the top five things your home needs to have?
Beyond those five things, what is something else you really want to have?
If you could have something else, what would that be?
If you could have one last thing to make this your dream home, what would that be?
Dream Neighborhood Considerations
Areas you would enjoy?
Specific streets you like?
School district(s) you prefer?
Your work location(s)?
Your favorite shops/conveniences?
Recreational facilities you enjoy?
Any additional items to consider when selecting your target neighborhoods?