Buying Process

For Buyers

Make buying a home a smooth and easy process by having a CENTURY 21 Hawaiian Style Realtor assisting you with: Preparation, Protection, Representation, and Negotiation.

Choose a Realtor
　　
Buying a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It can be frightening and stressful. Fortunately, a CENTURY 21 Hawaiian Style Realtor is here just for you. Choosing a Realtor before all else can really get you started on the right foot. Your Realtor’s knowledge and skills can help you through each one of these steps, reassuring you and relieving you of the stress. When choosing a Realtor, find one you trust and that is knowledgeable in the area you are looking to buy.A Realtor’s function is to represent you by knowing the market, obtaining information on the type of property you want, previewing and selecting homes that match your criteria, then preparing your offer and negotiating.

If you are not from the island of Oahu, we can an extraordinary asset. By being your eyes and ears, we can better understand the market and inform you as soon as properties are listed. We can even help you view the property by providing photographs.

How much can you afford?

Although you may be eager to jump right into viewing some homes, it is important to first establish what price range you are looking for. Focusing your search to properties that are affordable will save you a lot of time in the end.For those planning to take out a loan, it is best to meet with a loan officer to determine your price range. Your loan officer will consider your assets, income, and debts to determine how much you qualify for.* Do you have a continuing and reliable source of income prior to applying for the loan?* Do you have a credit history that shows you're ready for homeownership?* Is your total debt manageable and can you afford to take on the costs associated with homeownership?* Do you have money saved for a down payment and closing costs?

Pre-approved Mortgage

Having a pre-approved mortgage means that a lender has given you a loan subject to an appraisal of the property. When you do find the home you are looking for, being pre-approved for a mortgage tells the seller that you are serious and that you can afford their home. A pre-approval will win points with home sellers and is an absolute necessity in a hot market. You can also use this pre-approved status as leverage during the negotiation process.

At CENTURY 21 Hawaiian Style,
we work with many reputable lenders. Based on your needs, we can recommend a few lenders for you to speak with.

House Hunt　　

Ready to find the house of your dreams? Defining what you want is the first step to knowing what is out there. Create a prioritized list of features you want and why. This will help you as a search guide; but remember, depending on the market and your funding, you may have to make compromises.Your Realtor will work with you, matching your priorities to what is available on the market and providing you with a list of possible homes.

Visiting the home

Many properties that are for sale do not have public open houses. Your Realtor can arrange visiting these homes. Remember to keep an open mind when looking and imagine the house with you as the owner.

Making an Offer & Negotiating

When you find the home you’ve been looking for, your RealtorR will prepare a written offer and negotiate on your behalf. Although you may want to deliberately make a low-ball offer, doing so may sour the sale and discourage the seller from negotiating at all. Your RealtorR will negotiate the best purchase price possible, with the most favorable terms.

Entering Escrow

Once your offer has been accepted, the contract will go into escrow. Escrow is where you will temporarily place your deposit with a neutral third party. The seller will also place their home with the third party. After the home inspection is completed and all the terms of the contract are met, money and deed are then exchanged during closing. This process is a safety measure to ensure that the contract is fully executed.

Home Inspection

After your offer is accepted, various inspections will be needed. A home inspection is a visual examination by a professional home inspector of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Although the house may look pretty and inviting, there maybe some secrets that are hiding behind the walls.

A typical home inspector's report will include an evaluation of: the heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, attic, and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

There are many potential problems that can be discovered. The home inspection allows you to learn about the condition of the property before you buy, minimizing unpleasant surprises and enabling you to make a confident buying decision.

Closing

When you arrive at the closing table, all necessary paper work and deposits must have been completed. Once you close, the home is officially yours!Your CENTURY 21 Hawaiian Style Realtor would have taken you through the entire process, from start to finish.