Kathleen Mulvaney
Coldwell Banker Realty

Guide For Buyers

Things to Consider When Buying a Home

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don’t need to go through it alone.

You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home ... or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. I put together a free eGuide for you that will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you haven't even thought about yet. Just click the button below to read it now!

Read Your Guide Now

Kathleen's Buyer Agent Services

Personalized Service Tailored to Your Needs
I understand that buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll make, and I am committed

to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the market to every transaction, offering you

unparalleled service and expertise. My approach is centered on understanding your unique needs and desires.

From our first meeting, I take the time to listen to your preferences, whether you're looking for a cozy starter home,

a spacious family residence, or an investment property. As your dedicated Buyer's Agent, I'm committed

to providing expert guidance, personalized service, and unwavering support throughout your home-buying journey.

 

My goal is to make the often complicated process as stress-free and rewarding as possible, helping you avoid pitfalls,

and reduce risks, along with the help of my fantastic Coldwell Banker team of professional experts.

As your Buyer's Agent I will play a crucial role in the success of your home buying journey. Here is some information.

Realtors in New Jersey, adhere to the standards and requirements set by the National
Association of Realtors (NAR) and local real estate regulations. One critical aspect of these
standards involves the formal agreements between buyer agents and their clients. Below is an
outline of the tasks I perform from the beginning of our client relationship through closing,
When we meet I will explain the types of agreements commonly used per NAR guidelines and
your options. As of August 2024, all Realtors will be required to have a signed Buyer Agency
agreement defining roles and fees, prior to showing any property.

Initial Consultation:
1. Understanding Your Needs: With Coldwell Banker's extensive resources and
market insights, I can delve deep into understanding your preferences, ensuring
we find the home that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
2. Financial Guidance: Leveraging Coldwell Banker's network of mortgage
professionals, I provide you with access to expert financial advice, assisting you
in navigating the mortgage pre-approval process and maximizing your buying
power.
3. Explaining the Process: Coldwell Banker's comprehensive training equips me
with the knowledge to guide you through the entire home-buying process,
explaining each step clearly and answering any questions you may have along
the way.
4. Agency Agreements: With Coldwell Banker's support, I ensure that the NON BINDING Buyer
Agency agreement we choose is tailored to your needs, providing you with peace
of mind and clarity from the start.

 Home Search and Showings:
1. Property Search: Utilizing Coldwell Banker's advanced technology and
extensive network, I conduct a thorough and efficient search for properties that
match your criteria, saving you time and ensuring we find the right home quickly.
2. Scheduling Showings: With Coldwell Banker's cutting-edge tools and systems,
I streamline the process of scheduling and coordinating property viewings,
ensuring we make the most of your time and opportunities.

3. We find the property you want and now the critical offer stage begins.

Making an Offer:
1. Offer Strategy: Backed by Coldwell Banker's market intelligence and expertise, I
develop an offer strategy tailored to the current market conditions, giving
you a competitive edge and increasing your chances of securing your desired
home. Buying is very competitive and having an agent with experience is key for assuring you will have the best shot.
2. Offer Preparation: Coldwell Banker's industry-leading resources empower me to
prepare meticulous and compelling offer documents, ensuring your offer stands
out and captures the attention of sellers.
3. Negotiation: With Coldwell Banker's negotiation training and support, I advocate
for your best interests during negotiations, leveraging my skills and expertise to
achieve favorable terms and outcomes.
4. When you find a home you're interested in, I will handle the preparation and submission
of the offer documents, which include:
5. Purchase Agreement: This is the main document that outlines the terms of your
offer, including the purchase price, down payment, and any contingencies such
as financing or inspections.
6. Proof of Funds or Pre-approval Letter: Accompanying the offer, this document
shows the seller that you have the necessary funds available or are pre-approved
for a mortgage.
7. Earnest Money Deposit Information: Often required to show your commitment
to the transaction, this is a deposit made into an escrow account.
8. Contingency Clauses: I may include clauses that protect you, allowing for the
deal to be voided if certain conditions aren't met, such as failing a home
inspection or not securing a mortgage.
9. Closing Date and Possession Details: Specifies when you will officially close
on the home and when you'll take possession.
10. Additional Requests or Seller Concessions: Sometimes include requests for
the seller to cover certain closing costs or include home warranties.

Offer Accepted!
Post-Offer Processes:
The Attorney Review Period
After your offer is accepted, the next step will be the Attorney Review Period. Here's what happens
during this critical phase:
Once both parties sign the contract, it becomes legally binding subject to the completion of the
attorney review. This period typically lasts three business days but can be extended if both
parties agree. During this timeframe, either party can withdraw from the agreement.
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the attorney review is to allow the lawyers for both the
buyer and the seller to review the contract to ensure it protects their client's rights and
interests. They check for any legal issues that could affect either party.

2. Revisions and Negotiations: During this period, attorneys may propose changes to the
contract terms. Common revisions include adjustments to the closing date, modifications
of the purchase price (in response to new information or errors), alterations to the
contingencies, and more.
3. Communication: I will be in close contact with your attorney throughout this period. The
agent's role is to ensure that communication between all parties is clear and that any
adjustments to the real estate contract are properly understood and agreed upon. The
The attorney Review Period is a safeguard that reflects the complexity and significance of
real estate transactions, ensuring that all legal aspects are correctly addressed. This
period allows you to have peace of mind knowing that a legal professional
has reviewed and approved the terms of your home purchase. Your attorney and I will work together to protect your interests and help secure your
new home. I guide you through the attorney review period, ensuring any necessary
adjustments to the contract are made promptly and efficiently. 
Under Contract: Once both attorneys sign off that the review period has ended, you will have a binding contract. 

It will be time to schedule your home inspections and you will immediately apply if you are getting a mortgage.

Contingency Management: I oversee the inspection process and manage any other
contingencies, addressing any issues that may arise. Contract deadlines must be met along the way and the first will be your deposit. 
I will schedule your home inspection with the homeowner and will attend with you. Your
attorney will review the report with you and send any repair requests to the seller's
attorney. The inspection contingency will be satisfied when all parties agree. With
Coldwell Banker's comprehensive support team, I manage all contingencies with precision and
diligence, ensuring a smooth transaction, and minimizing any potential issues or delays.

Closing:
Closing Preparation: My Coldwell Banker Realty's robust network of professionals and partners
ensures a seamless closing process, coordinating all aspects and ensuring
everything is in place for a successful closing. You will need to contact utility companies prior.  
Final Walk-Through: I will arrange a final walk-through of the property, ensuring
everything is in order and addressing any last-minute concerns before closing.
 Closing Day: The DAY IS HERE! I attend the closing with you, ensuring all

everything is in order and addressing any last-minute concerns before closing.
 Closing Day: The DAY IS HERE! I attend the closing with you, ensuring all
paperwork is completed accurately and providing any assistance you need. In New Jersey, a title company Closing Agent, selected

by your attorney, will meet with us and handle the closing. 
 Handover of Keys: After closing, I facilitate the smooth transfer of keys and provide any
additional support or resources you may need as you settle into your new home.
Post-Closing:
 Follow-Up: Even after closing, I remain committed to your satisfaction and success,
providing ongoing support and assistance to ensure your transition into your new home
is seamless and enjoyable
paperwork is completed accurately and providing any assistance you need.

In New Jersey, a title company Closing Agent, selected by your attorney, will meet with us and handle the closing. 
 Handover of Keys: After closing, I facilitate the smooth transfer of keys and provide any
additional support or resources you may need as you settle into your new home.
Post-Closing:
 Follow-Up: Even after closing, I remain committed to your satisfaction and success,
providing ongoing support and assistance to ensure your transition into your new home
is seamless and enjoyable