Buying Your Home
THE BUYING PROCESS
- FIND A REALTOR® TO REPRESENT YOU
As a member of the multiple listing service (MLS), your REALTOR® has access to the homes on the market. - FINANCING OPTIONS
If you need financing, your REALTOR® can help you find a lender to discuss loan options as well as the costs and benefits of each option. - LOOK AT HOMES
Your REALTOR® will arrange for private showings. Together, you can evaluate any homes you are interested in before writing an offer. - WRITE AN OFFER
Your REALTOR® will help craft an offer strategy that allows you to be comfortable purchasing the home you want at the best price and terms. This is when your earnest money check & pre-qualification letter from your lender will be needed. - HOME INSPECTION
Inspections are highly encouraged. They are performed at the expense of the buyer. This inspection provides a professional opinion on the condition of the home. - HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE
Meet with an insurance agent to apply for a homeowner's insurance policy. Your REALTOR® can provide recommendations, if needed. - APPRAISAL
Most loan types will require an appraisal to be done. The home will need to appraise at the purchase price or greater to move forward. Appraisal will be ordered by your lender. - CLOSING DISCLOSURE
At least 3 days before closing, you will receive a “Closing Disclosure” that breaks down your loan costs. Compare to the Loan Estimate. If you have questions, notify your REALTOR®. - FINAL WALK-THROUGH
You and your REALTOR® will go through the home a final time before closing to ensure it is in the same or better condition as when the offer was written. - CLOSE AND MOVE
Closing dates are usually 45-60 days from the contract date. It’s time to sign papers and get the keys to your new home! You will need a cashier’s check and a driver’s license or government-issued ID.
- GET PRE-APPROVED
A pre-approval letter confirms your eligibility for a mortgage up to a certain amount. Including this letter with your offer strengthens your position and demonstrates to sellers that you're a serious buyer. - MORTGAGE RATES SHIFT
Mortgage interest rates can change frequently. Staying informed about current rates helps you make timely decisions and potentially secure better financing terms. - HOMES CAN SELL QUICKLY
When "the one" comes on the market, you will want to be ready with a strategy to submit an offer quickly. Being clear about your priorities and prepared to act swiftly increases your chances of securing your ideal property. - HGTV IS ENTERTAINMENT - NOT REALITY
Television shows often simplify the home-buying process. Real-life transactions involve more complexities, and your REALTOR® will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth experience. - SELL TO BUY
Deciding whether to sell your current home before buying a new one depends on market conditions, financial considerations, and personal circumstances. Your REALTOR® can help you evaluate the best strategy for your situation.
- A home warranty should include the property’s plumbing, electrical, central air conditioning and heating systems, water well system, and structural coverage.
- During your first year of ownership, a warranty protects you from unexpected costs of failures due to normal wear and tear on many mechanical systems. Simply call the warranty company when a covered component fails.
- Appliances included in the sale are typically covered under the warranty. Look for a warranty that covers most appliances under that standard coverage without additional charges. Read the warranty contract to determine if both the built-in appliances, as well as the stand-alone appliances, are covered under the warranty.
- Some warranties include various structural coverage. The warranty may cover structural items, including roof leaks, basement, wall, floor and ceiling cracks.
- You can request the home warranty in your Offer to Purchase. If the seller opts not to purchase on your behalf, you may purchase the warranty separately as part of the closing process.
PARK CO., REALTORS® partners with HSA Home Warranty. For more information, visit their website at www.onlinehsa.com.
Testimonials
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Friendly and professional service
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- Linda Libelt
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Nick was fabulous! We did a new build and he was at every meeting, remembered things to ask that we forgot as well as stuff we didn’t even know to ask! Always accommodating and patient. By far the best realtor we have ever had! Highly recommend and applaud his work ethic and personality!
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- Oak and Kirsten Reile
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The selling of my brother's house was a difficult and emotional challenge, but Nick was compassionate and understanding throughout the entire process . He educated me when needed, assisted me in decision making and kept me informed and updated as things progressed. Since I am located two states away, he did some personal errands for me that I would not have expected him to do. These tasks included calling around for estimates on some repairs, engaging an individual to do the repairs, taking and sending pictures to us to better understand the issue, etc. etc. I think he went above and beyond for us and I never felt he was chasing the money, he was invested in selling my brother's home. My brothers and I are very pleased with how smoothly and quickly things went and would definitely seek out Nick in the future if any of our family or friends are looking to buy or sell in the Fargo/West Fargo area. Special thank you to Nick for his kindness, humor and compassion! Tammy Ree and the Jorgensen family.
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- Tammy Ree
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Nick Swenson was our realtor. Always available, friendly, and helpful. Nick is awesome.
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- Gordon and Joan Olson
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Nick Swenson was the best! He answered all our questions and the transaction went great! Thanks Nick! ☆☆☆☆☆
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- Nicole Lindo
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Nick did a phenomenal job with helping me sell my house and get everything lined up with buying my new home. He is very knowledgeable, a wonderful demeanor, and knew how to keep me from getting bent out of shape over the process. Great job Nick, I couldn’t be happier!!
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- Andrea Olson
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Our realtor Nick Swenson, was fantastic! He walked us thrue the process and made sure we were informed about everything going on. Constant communication with him and he would take the time to explain, and make sure we were comfortable with what was happening. I would highly recommend working with Nick. Such a nice hard working young man, I now consider him family. Thank you so much for helping us navigate the Realestate market Nick. You are the Best!
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- Victor Toribio
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Did a great job
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- Larry Brule
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I bought dog treats and was given Nick's business card and when it came to looking for a home, we remembered his business card.
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- Daphne Toribio
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It was a pleasure working with Jamie and Nick from Park Co. Realtors. They went above and beyond in managing a relocation property. We couldn’t have sold this property without all their efforts and hard work. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a honest, dedicated & hard working realtor in the area!
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- Jamie Biggins
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity Program of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than PARK CO., REALTORS® are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (little black
house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers.
