KIKO Real Estate experts understand that buying a home is an exciting time - whether you need a bigger home for a growing family; are downsizing into a smaller home with less maintenance; or are relocating to Ohio for a new job.
KIKO Real Estate agents are trained experts in their field. We pride ourselves on quality customer service, first-hand industry education and more sold homes than the local competition.
Let's begin the home buying process so that you can understand how easy and hassle-free KIKO Real Estate agents make it for you, our valued client.
Choose a link from the list below, or follow them step-by step to learn more:
Preparing to buy a home can be an exciting time, but also creates a lot of questions. Fortunately, a KIKO Real Estate agent can provide expert advice to help you find the right home. Ask yourself these questions:
You may want to make a list or brainstorm about the features and amenities that you find most appealing in a new home.
Before you choose a real estate agent, it is important to do your homework on the real estate companies in your area. Search the Internet for local real estate companies and meet with agents to discuss your options.
Here are some typical questions you can ask a real estate agent:
As a buyer, it's important to establish financing before you make any serious home offer. The "pre-approval" process allows lenders to take a look at your finances and credit history in order to make a general assumption about your loan amount.
The pre-approval process is when a lender looks at all of your finances and determines the amount of money you could afford for a mortgage.
In order to get pre-approved for a loan, you need to contact a lender. Your KIKO Real Estate agent can help you find a lender that you feel comfortable with, and that offers programs best-suited to your needs.
Now it is time to start the exciting search for homes! You can narrow down your search by asking yourself the following questions:
Searching for a home is easier than ever thanks to the Internet. Check out our newest featured properties.
Beginning the search for your new home can be a great feeling. Communicate your goals to your KIKO Real Estate expert and make a list of the features and benefits that are most important in your pursuit of finding a home. These could be:
Your KIKO Real Estate agent will show you homes that match your ideal criteria. Once you find a home, make a list of your likes and dislikes about the property.
There are three options when making an offer on a home:
This is all a part of the negotiation process.
Do your homework about loans to save both time and money. There are thousands of loans to choose from, but it is important to keep in mind several key factors that will help you along the way:
Receiving a loan requires completion of a loan application and specific financial documents including pay stubs, rental checks and/or tax returns. You can receive a loan from: commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks and insurance companies.
Insuring your home is like making an investment in your future. You work hard to have a home; homeowners insurance protects you and your family in the event of an emergency.
Types of insurance include:
Real estate closings - also called settlement or escrow - is an ever-changing process. That's what it's important to work with a reputable real estate brokerage.
With increased technology, most closings are completely automated and both parties do not have to be present at the same time to sign.
Closings usually take about 30 days to complete. This mainly depends on the buyer's financing availability, successful home inspection completion, and various lender conditions (ex. title search, title insurance, termite inspections, surveys and appraisals).
The closing process is the transfer of the property from the seller to the buyer. KIKO Real Estate has a full service closing department to coordinate this process.
The buyer will receive the keys to the home or the deed to the land, while the seller receives payment for the property. The amount the seller receives is based upon the amount that is still owed on the mortgage, any outstanding fees or taxes, and any additional closing costs. All legal papers are filed with the local record office. It's important for both the buyer and seller to make sure the paperwork they are signing reflects the agreement of the original sale.
You have unpacked your boxes, arranged your furniture, and feel complete with your moving task. What's next? There is always an adjustment period when you move. Here is a list of a few things that may help: