My Smart Start Buyer Process

Step 1:  Smart Start Buyer Call

I start with a simple conversation.

I call it my Smart Start Buyer Call.

This isn't a lengthy meeting or a sales presentation. It's an opportunity for us to talk about where you are in the home-buying process, what you're hoping to accomplish, your timing, and any questions you have.

Maybe you're buying your first home. Maybe you're relocating, downsizing, need more space, or you're trying to decide whether a resale or new-construction home makes more sense.

You don't need to have everything figured out before we talk. That's the point of starting with a conversation.

You could want to buy in the next few months, or maybe in the next year.  It's really never too early to schedule this call.  

One of the things we'll also discuss is financing.

If you haven't already spoken with a lender, this is usually when I'll recommend that you do. I can provide lender options if you need them, or you're welcome to work with a lender of your choice.

NOTE:  Talk With a Lender Before We Build the Search

Talking with a lender early doesn't mean you have to start shopping for a house tomorrow.

It simply gives you better information.

A lender can help you understand your financing options, estimated monthly payment, down payment, closing costs, and the price range that fits your financial situation.

And I think there's an important distinction between how much you may qualify to borrow and how much you're comfortable spending each month.

That's one of the conversations I want you to have before we start seriously looking at homes.

Knowing those numbers also allows us to compare homes more intelligently. HOA fees, property taxes, insurance, interest rates, seller concessions, and builder financing incentives can all affect the numbers.

Once we have a clearer financial picture, we're in a much better position to create your home-buying strategy.

Step 2: Your Smart Moves Buyer Strategy Meeting

Once you're ready to move forward—and we have a good understanding of your financing—we'll schedule your Smart Moves Buyer Strategy Meeting.

This is where we take everything we've learned and start turning it into an actual home-buying strategy.

We'll talk more specifically about your:

Budget and comfortable monthly payment
Timing
Must-haves and nice-to-haves
Deal breakers
Locations you're considering
Resale and new-construction options

We'll also go through the home-buying process so you understand what happens once we find a home you want to purchase.

The goal is for you to leave the meeting with a much clearer picture of what you're looking for, where we should be looking, what fits your budget, and what happens next.

Instead of starting with a list of houses, we're starting with a plan.

Step 3:  Not Sure Where You Want to Live? That's Where the Exploratory Tour Comes In

Some buyers know exactly where they want to live.

Others don't—and that's perfectly fine.  It can be especially challenging to choose a neighborhood when you are relocating from out of state, or even another part of Arizona.

That's why I created the Smart Moves Exploratory Tour.

An Exploratory Tour isn't meant to be a marathon day of looking at houses you might want to buy. We're exploring areas, communities, and housing options.

We might compare different West Valley communities, look at resale neighborhoods and new-construction developments, explore the types of homes available within your price range, and talk about what you're seeing along the way.

You may discover an area you hadn't considered. You may decide you prefer an established resale neighborhood over a newer community—or the opposite. You might also realize that something you thought was essential isn't nearly as important once you see the options in person.

The purpose is simple:

Let's figure out where and what you want to buy before we spend your time seriously shopping for a home.

Step 4:  Then We Start Looking for Your Home

Now we've done the groundwork.

We've talked about your goals. You've had an opportunity to understand your financing. We've developed your buying strategy. We've identified your priorities and locations. And, if needed, we've explored different areas and communities.

Now we're ready to start looking at homes.

Instead of opening the MLS and scheduling every house that looks interesting, we can focus on homes that have a realistic chance of being the right fit.  If you are interested in new construction homes, we have narrowed down the community or communities as well as the builder(s).  

Your Smart Start Process

1. Smart Start Buyer Call
We talk about your plans, timing, questions, and where you are in the buying process. If you haven't spoken with a lender yet, I'll recommend making that one of your next steps.

→ Lender Conversation / Pre-Approval
Understand your financing options, comfortable payment, estimated cash needed, and buying range.

2. Smart Moves Buyer Strategy Meeting
We use that information to develop your personalized buying strategy.

3. Smart Moves Exploratory Tour
If you're still narrowing things down, we'll explore areas, communities, and housing options before serious home shopping begins.

4. Find Your New Home
With your strategy in place, we're ready to focus on homes that fit what you're trying to accomplish.

Ready to Start Planning Your West Valley Home Search?

You don't have to have everything figured out before you get started. In fact, that's exactly why I created my Smart Start Process.

Whether you're planning to buy soon or you're just beginning to explore your options, I'm happy to help you understand the process and decide what your next step should be.

Just starting your research?
Download my Free West Valley Home Buyer Guide to learn more about buying a resale or new-construction home in Phoenix's West Valley.

Ready to start planning your move?
Schedule a Smart Start Buyer Call with me. We'll talk about what you're looking for, your timing, and any questions you have. If you haven't spoken with a lender yet, we can talk about that next step too.

No house hunting yet. No pressure. We start with a conversation and a plan.

Cinda Rose, REALTOR®
Realty ONE Group
623-252-9350
CindaRose.com

Smart Starts Lead to Smart Moves