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Buying a Home

Exceeding Expectations, One Client at a Time

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Massachusetts is one of the most desirable and competitive real estate markets in the world, and we understand that making the decision to buy a home here can be a particularly challenging experience.

 

From understanding the difference between condos, single and multi-family units, to planning for closing costs, there is a lot to learn.

 

That is why we have created this Buyers Guide -

to set you on the right course to owning your perfect home.

How to Buy a Home

1. Connect

Reach out to your TPG Agent, a licensed real-estate professional.  They will work as your advocate and trusted advisor to help guide your search.

2.  Get Pre-Approved

Before beginning your search, get pre-approved for a mortgage loan.  Your TPG Agent can connect you to a proven mortgage broker.  Based on your income and credit history, the mortgage broker will determine how much the bank will lend you to help set the price range for your search.

3.  Visit Properties

Your TPG Agent will guide and instruct you during viewings and open houses spanning a range of areas and property types.  Now is the time to consider your ideal home's accessibility and amenities.

4.  Make an Offer

Once you have seen a home you like, you submit an offer, which outlines the price, terms and timing of the purchase.  Your TPG Agent will provide advice on pricing, and will guide you through the competitive process typical in this market.

5.  Schedule a Home Inspection

Your TPG Agent can refer you to a reliable network of Home Inspectors.

6.  Review Building Financials and Regulations

Discuss the Purchase and Sales Agreement (P&S) with your attorney.  Your attorney will  protect your interests, answer questions and interpret many documents.  You want to select an attorney who is familiar with local real estate transactions.  Your TPG Agent has vetted a reliable network of professionals.

7.  Sign Purchase & Sale and Pay Deposit

You're on your way to owning your new home!

9.  Closing Scheduled by Attorneys

During the closing you will sign documents that will legally change ownership of the home.

8.  Complete Loan Application

The bank with organize the appraisal, search the title and finalize the paperwork so your loan is "cleared to close".

11.  Closing

Congratulations, you are now a home owner!

10.  Final Walk-Through With Your Agent

A review of the property to confirm that is in the same physical condition as when you signed the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Key Real Estate Terms

Appraisal

Assessment of the property's market value, typically done for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage.

Common Charge

A monthly maintenance fee paid by condo owners. Property taxes are not included in monthly condominium fees.

Contract Deposit

A percentage of the agreed upon purchase price paid by the buyer at the time of signing the purchase and sale agreement.

Pre-Approval

Potential buyers provide a complete financial picture to mortgage brokers, who provide preliminary approval of the buyer's loan.

Title Search

A background check on the property to ensure there are no outstnading debts or claims upon the property.

Under Agreement (In Contract)

Refers to the time between the signing of the purchase and sale agreement by the buyer and seller, and the closing.

Debt to Income Ratio

The percentahge of an individual's monthly gross income relative to the amount of debt owed.

Escrow Deposit

Deposit of funds into a federally insured account, to be transferred upon completion of the deal.

Offer Accepted

The point in time when a seller accepts all of the terms of a buyer's offer for a property.

What Our Buyers Say About Us

"Where to begin?  I can't say enough wonderful things about our Realtor Susan Piracini.  She is an outstanding professional and is truly passionate about what she does, she found Eric and I our dream home!  To think that we found Susan, because we were looking for an agent, and I called her office after hours, and the voicemail was a was a dial by name directory, I typed in "SUS" thinking there must be a Susan that works there, well in fact there were three, and I picked Susan Piracini because I liked the sound of her voice.  We had no idea we got such an incredible real estate agent, whenever I went on her website and saw her impressive  credentials and background information, I was so happy and as I got to know Susan throughout our homebuying process  her credentials did not surprise me.  She is wonderful, I will recommend Susan to absolutely everyone I know.  She kept us positive when we didn't think we would find what it was we were looking for.  She always returned our phone calls, emails, and texts the same day, which in today's world speaks volumes.  Susan had our best interest in mind since day one, she showed she really did care, and made us feel like we were her only clients.  Susan was such a joy to work with and we are so thankful for her!  Thanking Susan doesn't even seem to justify how grateful we are for everything she has done for us!"

Michelle Hildreth

"I am writing to give Susan Piracini my highest recommendation. My husband and I met Susan in 2013 when Susan was the sales director for a 27-unit complex in Chestnut Hill called Hammond Pond Place. We initially made contact with Susan by calling a number listed on marketing materials that we had seen for the project and we were impressed with her professionalism from the very first interaction. Susan was available to show us the project on a timeline that worked for our schedule. She walked us safely through the construction site and was really able to help us envision what the completed development was going to look like despite the fact that the interior of the building only consisted of metal studs at the time of our first showing. We encountered quite a few severe challenges with the builder for the project and the initial promised timeline was greatly underestimated. Susan always made sure to keep us as updated as possible to ensure that we stayed the course. Susan also gave wonderful recommendations for professionals familiar with working on new construction projects. This proved invaluable as our mortgage broker was well versed in new construction and was able to ease our minds when dealing with the delays.  We ultimately had a smooth closing and ended up with a condo customized to our specifications that we absolutely love!  Three years later, despite our love for our condo, we decided to explore the possibility of making a move back closer to Boston. The first (and only) person we called was Susan. After meeting with Susan to discuss the market and our condo, it was clear to us that she knew the current market conditions and she made us feel at ease while describing her suggested plan to help us achieve our goals. We were not yet ready to list, but we let her reach out to her network to see if there may be any prospective buyers interested in our condo. Amazingly enough, a few weeks later we had an offer.  Susan was able to negotiate the deal and get us a closing timeline and price that we were happy with, without even having to list our home. This is clearly a testament to Susan's professional network. Based on our experience with Susan, I am confident that Susan would make a fantastic broker for you.  She has a great deal of experience helping buyers and seller navigate through the maze that buying a new home can be. Additionally, as evidenced by our experience finding a buyer, Susan certainly has the professional network required in order to sell a large number or units to qualified buyers in a short amount of time."

Rebecca Shklovsky

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