Buyers Guide

Negotiating

Making An Offer

Once you have found the property you want, we will write a purchase agreement. While much of the agreement is standard, there are a few areas that we can negotiate.

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.

If you can be flexible on the possession date, the seller will be more apt to choose your offer over others.

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.

• 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.

The Home Buying Journey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Home Buying Journey

Lifestyle Questions

• 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?

• 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?

The Home Buying Journey

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?

• What type of home are you looking for (e.g., single-family, condo, townhouse, 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?

• 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?

• How many bedrooms do you need?
• How will each of those rooms be used?
• What are your preferences for the master bedroom?

• 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?

• How many bedrooms do you need?
• How will each of those rooms be used?
• What are your preferences for the master bedroom?

• 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?

• 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?

• 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?

• 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?