Buyers
Buy Your Dream Home in Philadelphia
The decision to purchase a home is one of the most exciting times in your life, and we’re honored to partner with you on this journey.
Buyer’s
Guide
Buying your dream home in Philadelphia should be easy!
Our role goes way beyond just showing you homes; it’s about making sure we find the best options that suit your next step in life. We work diligently to make sure you don’t miss any properties, you understand the buying process, and you pay a fair price. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect.
Buyer's Consultation
This in-depth conversation creates the foundation for a productive working relationship. This meeting is our chance to get to know you and what you’re seeking in a home. What are your objectives? Are you a first-time buyer or more seasoned? Why are you looking to buy — and when and where? How familiar are you with the market and various neighborhoods? We want to know what features you’re looking for in your new home and what you’re envisioning for the next phase of your life.
Application & Pre-approval
We can help you connect with a reputable lender or advise you about anyone you have in mind. Applying for and gaining pre-approval for a mortgage puts you in the best position as a buyer. Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, you’ll have your loan approval and necessary documents in place to close on time.
Touring Properties
Based on what we learned during the buyer’s consultation, we gather a selection of active listings that fit your needs and preferences. We preview these with you and ask for your feedback to decide which ones we should visit together. We like to include a range of properties — some that meet all or most of your requirements and others that could potentially be a good fit. Typically, we take a few hours for this first tour, and it tends to be a great learning experience for both of us. By hearing your reactions, we can refine our understanding of what the right home for you looks like.
We keep in close contact and keep sending you listings that suit your preferences and needs. Whether this process takes weeks, months, or even a year or more, we’re committed to partnering with you until you find a home you love. This is your decision and we’ll help you get there, whatever it takes.
Making an Offer
Once you find a home and decide to make an offer, we guide you through the process. First, we run a detailed market analysis to come up with an offer price that is fair yet competitive. We also walk you through the contract step-by-step so that you understand all of the terms, any contingencies on the sale, and your obligations as a buyer.
Acceptance of the Offer
We communicate on your behalf with the seller and negotiate any counteroffers as needed. Once you and the seller come to an agreement, we provide a checklist of action items you need to complete and by what date, relative to any contingencies on the sale. We support you through the process to make sure everything gets done on time.
Home Inspection
We can help you find a professional home inspector who is trained to find any problems or issues with a property. They walk you through every part of the home — from roof to basement and everything in between, as well as the exterior — to identify any issues or concerns. The inspector issues a detailed report that we then use as the basis for another conversation with the seller. We negotiate with them about any repairs they need to make or funds you’ll need to manage them yourself. We can advise you on the best strategy for your situation.
Transaction Management
After your offer is accepted, we collaborate with the listing broker, loan officer, and title company to ensure the transaction is managed to meet all deadlines. We help you understand the conditions your lender has given you to complete your application for final funding. We will also facilitate all inspections. Prior to closing day, we’ll conduct a walkthrough and make sure the home is in the same and agreed-upon condition. On closing day, we’ll do the final walkthrough and then head over to the closing table to sign the loan documents and receive the keys.
Moving In
We can help with timing your move and referring you to contractors you may need to make any needed repairs or desired upgrades. We also can provide a list of moving companies who have worked with our clients in the past. We are well-connected in this area and are here to make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.
Shauli showed me a variety of properties within my budget and was very patient until I found the best house for my situation. He always offered his expertise when visiting each property, and never made me feel like I was wasting his time.”
—Client Testimonial
Get in Touch
Shauli David
Lead REALTOR®
sdavid@elfantwissahickon.com
215.605.0917