Buying with Bob Clausen NMLS #135119

10/03/2024

Happy National mortgage day!!! It’s 1003 if you know you know!!

08/06/2024

Lower rates = more buying power

For example: $450K home is now $150/mo cheaper OR the same payment could buy you a $500K home

08/01/2024

This last weekend a buyer I am working with called and asked me if they really needed to pay for a Realtor if the seller wouldn’t cover the cost, because they heard on the news that it wasn’t necessary.

To set the record straight: Yes!!!You should!!

Having a buyer’s agent is crucial, even if the seller isn’t directly covering their fee. A great agent does much more than just show houses—they negotiate the best deal, coordinate inspections, manage paperwork, and keep you updated on market changes.

I shared with them a list of 68 tasks that top Realtors handle to ensure you get the home you want and why having buyer representation is so important. If your agents are not doing these things call me I can connect with ones that do.

1. Negotiate offers
2. Prepare & submit offers
3. Coordinate inspections & repairs
4. Review home inspection findings
5. Verify and review closing documents
6. Attend closing
7. Provide post-closing support
8. Explain buyer & seller agency relationships
9. Help find a local mortgage lender
10. Obtain a pre-approval letter
11. Provide an overview of current market conditions
12. Discuss earnest money deposits
13. Explain the home inspection process
14. Educate about local neighborhoods
15. Gather needs & wants of the next home
16. Schedule & organize showings
17. Look for potential repair issues
18. Update on new listings & price drops
19. Prepare sales contract when buyers are ready
20. Educate buyers on sales contract options
21. Review comps with buyers to determine value
22. Determine need for lead-based paint disclosure
23. Update buyer’s pre-approval letter
24. Choose a closing date
25. Verify listing data is correct
26. Discuss multiple offer situations
27. Provide updated housing market data to buyers
28. Inform buyers of their showing activity weekly
29. Discuss MLS data with buyers at showings
30. Find the right home for buyers
31. Determine property inclusions & exclusions
32. Coordinate earnest money drop-off
33. Deliver copies to mortgage lender
34. Obtain a copy of seller’s disclosure for buyers
35. Deliver copies of contract/addendum to buyers
36. Obtain a copy of HOA bylaws
37. Coordinate inspections with buyers
38. Meet inspector at the property
39. Negotiate inspection findings
40. Get all agreed-upon repair items in writing
41. Verify any existing lease agreements
42. Check in with lender to verify loan status
43. Check on the appraisal date
44. Negotiate any unsatisfactory appraisals
45. Coordinate closing times & location
46. Make sure all documents are fully signed
47. Receive and review closing documents
48. Discuss homeowner’s associations (HOAs)
49. Estimate expected utility usage costs
50. Confirm water source and status
51. Discuss transferable warranties
52. Explain the property appraisal process
53. Send buyers homes within their criteria
54. Show up early and prep showings
55. Gather showing instructions for each listing
56. Send showing schedule to buyers
57. Gather buyer feedback after each showing
58. Update listing agents with buyer’s feedback
59. Discuss school districts' effect on home values
60. Explain recording devices during showings
61. Prepare buyers guide & presentation
62. Strategy session with buyers to discuss goals
63. Look for possible repair issues while showing
64. Update buyers on new homes hitting the market
65. Share knowledge & insight about homes
66. Guide buyers through their emotional journey
67. Listen & learn from buyers at each showing
68. Keep records of all showings

07/18/2024

I had a buyer ask me if the should have a buyers agent in this Market?

YES!!!!!!

06/25/2024

unpopular opinion:

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage should not be a walk in the park!!!

Don't believe me???????

You need your income verified
You need your credit checked
And your mortgage advisor should be coaching you on the best solutions for your situation.

Think about it this way......securing a mortgage is is like preparing for a marathon. It takes preparation, planning and the right coaching to get you across the finish line.

So, if you are in the market for a home, get your credit checked, gather your income documents and have a chat with your mortgage advisor. (Uhm......Me) and let get you across the finish line.

04/25/2024

If you're considering buying a home and it's your first time.. just know, I'll be gentle.. Let's start with just the tips:

Tip 1: Setting the Mood... for Your Budget: Before you get too hot and heavy with house hunting, know what you can afford. Set that safe budget and stick to it, no matter how tempting it is to go all in when you find 'the one'

Tip 2: Slow and steady: Keep a careful watch on your finances. Continue to pay those bills on time, and remember – no big purchases

Tip 3: The motion.... is not the ocean.. Don't move your money around

Do you have questions or need some late-night mortgage advice? Slide into my DMs. We can whisper sweet nothings about interest rates and closing costs. (But hey, I’m married, so let’s keep it about the homes, shall we?)

04/02/2024

Why did the Mortgage cross the road? To get to the other side where you new home is!

04/01/2024

"Our mortgages are like a good coffee-strong, comforting, and best enjoyed in the morning when you wake up in your new home"

03/21/2024

Here's your weekly look at the markets!

Enjoy this quick update on what's going on in the housing and financial markets.