At the Traci Oliver Team we respect that for most buyers, the property they are buying is one of – if not THE – most expensive purchases they will make. Additionally, we know this will be your home, to be filled with memories and a place where many of your life experiences will happen.
Your home purchase is your most important transaction – and it is ours as well. Our first step is to always educate you on the current market and all of the outside factors that will impact your purchase. With over 22 years of experience, we have worked with hundreds of buyers in every type of market and know the nuances to make your purchase experience successful regardless of what type of market we are in.
There is way more that goes into representing a buyer through the home buying process than “finding a property” and “unlocking a door”. You will benefit from our experience and expertise as also being top listing agents as we see what other buyers offer, giving us incredible perspective of the market in real time. When inventory is limited, we are able to use our top agent networking resources to find homes off market and when there is an abundance of inventory, our negotiating experience will get you into the home of your dreams.
We are a full-service real estate team and will professionally manage every aspect of the transaction with an exceptional communication plan to keep you informed and on track. From initial contract negotiations to making sure each contingency is removed with clearly defined terms to getting your home to the closing table on time, you will benefit from our years of experience and high volume of transactions.
Get Pre-Approved
The absolute first step in the home buying process is to meet with a lender and get pre-approved. While this is not the most exciting part of buying a home – and for some it might be the scariest – it truly is the most important part.
There are several reasons why this is your first stop on the home buying journey:
- You need to know how much you are qualified to buy so that you look at homes within your budget
- You will know what loan programs are available to you and the pros/cons of each
- You will need to know the estimated costs to close including down payment and closing costs
- You will know what your monthly mortgage payment will be at different price points
- When writing an offer, you will need a pre-approval letter in-hand as part of your offer
- Once under contract, you’ll need to move quickly with your lender to lock into your interest rate
We work with some of the most reliable lenders in the area and are happy to make a recommendation if you are not already working with a lender.
It is important to know that the home buying process moves at a quick pace and you will want to be working with a lender that is reachable and easy to communicate with, as well as able to meet market-driven timelines. With choices between large banks, local lenders, credit unions and mortgage brokers – we can help you understand the benefits and pitfalls of working with each type of lender.
Finding Your Home
Home Shopping can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Once you have a pre-approval and know your budget, the next step is to define your home search criteria.
The Traci Oliver Team is here to help you determine your home needs, preferences and criteria so that your home search is focused and productive. We have a proven system to help you narrow down what you want (and don’t want) in a home so that you are set up to see the homes that match your criteria and not distracted by those that do not.
We will provide you with a direct search from the source – the real estate database known as the MLS. While there are numerous third-party real estate search engines out there, it is important to know that not all of the information is updated or current. In addition, you will only see “coming soon” properties through the MLS.
When inventory is low or a buyer is looking for a specific property, we have resources and tools that allow us to find off-market properties that would meet those needs.
We want to make sure that you see every viable home and in a timely manner so that your home search is successful and we help find you the perfect property.
Buying New Construction
Buying a new home directly from a builder is not always a simple process and buyers are best served if they work with a buyer agent. Every buyer deserves to have someone looking out for their best interests when it comes to their largest purchase. It is important to remember that the builder’s sales representative represents the seller’s interests only – not the buyer’s.
The Traci Oliver Team has represented many new construction buyers and has worked with nearly all of the regional builders. We can advise you as to what to expect, the pitfalls and the “gotcha” moments that often arise during a new construction transaction.
Our market expertise is helpful in making decisions on which lot to purchase, the importance of choosing certain options over others and what to splurge vs what you can do later.
Your home is your most important purchase – be sure you are making the right decisions, not pricing your home over the market value and that your interests are represented.
First-Time Buyers
Making the leap from renter to homeowner is a monumental step, but one rarely looked back upon with regret. While it can be overwhelming and you may not know where to start, rest assured that we are here to walk you through the entire process at your pace and comfort level.
The Traci Oliver Team loves working with first time buyers and pride ourselves on providing an experience that focuses on:
- Determining if now is the right time for you to buy
- Educating you on the market and the home buying process
- Preparing you for what to expect at each step
- Provide lender and other partner recommendations
- Be available and knowledgeable to answer all of your questions
- Be a resource long after the sale for anything home related
We invite you to watch our YouTube Video series for First Time Home Buyers for more general information on what to expect.
Buying Outside Virginia
The Traci Oliver Team is connected to the top tier agents in every market throughout the United States – and even internationally. We have vetted colleagues that are experts in their specific markets that we can introduce you to for a purchase or sale of your next home or even a vacation or investment property.
Selling, buying and moving – especially when leaving the area or state – can be stressful. Knowing that you have a trusted advisor to guide you through the new location can alleviate the unknown and make the transition smoother.
We are available to provide this service at no charge regardless of where you (or your family members). Making connections and helping buyers and sellers is what we do best.