BUYING A HOME
“Relationships and trust are paramount. We’ll work on tirelessly to make sure you get the home you deserve.”
— Chip Laufer, Associate Broker
Rooted in West Michigan!
Real estate transactions are complicated, confusing, and downright stressful. At the West MI Roots team, we wanted to make that experience different; memorable, in a good way. Our team of bright, knowledgeable, experienced, and driven individuals sat down to take a look at what we liked, and didn’t like, about the real estate process and vowed to do everything within our power to make sure each and every one of our clients’ experiences is a good one. Driven to find solutions that best match our individual clients’ needs, we don’t stop at good enough. We are dedicated to use our collective experience and knowledge to make every sale as seamless as possible.
We want to develop a personal relationship with each client so there is a solid foundation of trust and understanding that we truly have
“We want to develop a personal relationship with each client.” CHIP
your best interests in mind. You’ll receive the MOST personal service from our team, as we have dedicated specialists to handle each specific need that could arise. We’ll be there every step of the way to answer your questions and handle any issues that arise.
People are the focus of our business. If we can help you sell your home for the most money in the shortest time possible or win the bidding war to purchase the home of your dreams, that experience is enough for us.
If you’re looking for honest, real, and dedicated professionals to help you wade through tricky real estate waters, we are here for you. Buying or selling a home is a stressful time. And with it likely being the largest investment in your life, can you really afford to make the wrong hire? Call us today to find out what you’re missing and how we can help you get where you need to go.
Search Smarter, Not Harder
DISCOVERY & RESEARCH
Searching for your home doesn’t have to be stressful. It can actually be enjoyable if we approach it with strategy and intention. Discussing the following items will help us find the right one.
ASK YOURSELF…
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR BUYING A HOME?
IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS VS YOUR WANTS.
ESTABLISH A PURCHASE TIMELINE.
DISCUSS YOUR FINANCES.
ADDRESS ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
DID YOU KNOW?
We take all the information we learn from you and search for your home through every available source.
MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
For Sale by Owner
Bank Owned
Pocket Listings
New Construction
Online
Your List
Mortgage Loans
With so many loan types available, it can be a daunting task to find the loan that’s right for you. Speaking with an experienced professional will help you narrow down the possibilities. Here are a few popular loan types and financing options.
15-30 YEAR FIXED
30 year fixed rate loans are the most popular home loans because of the predictability and low risk. You pay the same amount every month for x number of years until the home is paid off.
ARM
Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM offers low interest rates for the beginning of your loan (5-10 years). Typically, your rates rise higher than a fixed rate loan. This is the perfect choice for those who will pay off their loan quickly.
FHA
With a Federal Housing Administration loan or FHA, you can secure a mortgage with as little as a 3.5% down payment
as opposed to the 20% usually required by most other loan options.
CONVENTIONAL
If you have good credit and at least a 5-20% down payment available, you can qualify for this non-government, private loan. Mortgage insurance is not required if you have a 20% down payment.
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
Did you know the state of Michigan offers a down payment assistance program as well as many other organizations? We can assist you in finding out what you may qualify for.
Home Loan Process
Before the home loan process can begin, you’ll need to select a lender that you would like to work with. Having a great lender is imperative to a successful and pleasant home buying experience. Once you’ve selected a lender, these are the next steps of the process:
1. MEET WITH A MORTGAGE LENDER
2. ORDER CREDIT CHECK
3. COLLECT PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
4. ORDER APPRAISAL
5. LOAN IS UNDERWRITTEN
6. LOAN IS APPROVED/ LOAN CLEARED TO CLOSE
7. FUNDS DEPOSITED
DID YOU KNOW?
As the home buyer, your agent’s commission is paid by the seller of the home in almost all circumstances. This means your representation costs you nothing!
Home Inspection
Inspections are meant to educate you on the property you are about to buy. We will want to discuss any critical issues that have a significant financial impact or that effect the safety of the property.
1. RESEARCH & SCHEDULE INSPECTOR
2. ATTEND INSPECTION
3. REVIEW REPORT
4. MOVE FORWARD OR NEGOTIATE WITH SELLERS AND THEIR REALTOR
Making an Offer!
Congratulations! You’re ready to make an offer. We will work together to craft the best offer possible and then follow these steps to come to an agreement with the seller.
1. DETERMINE TERMS
2. PRESENT TO SELLER
3. NEGOTIATE
4. ACCEPT OR DECLINE
Moving Checklist
Moving can be hectic. You’re trying to move your entire life from one property to another. Forgetting a task during the process is bound to happen. Use this helpful checklist to give yourself peace of mind.
If you’re using a moving service, don’t skimp on the research. Choose a mover that’s licensed, insured and trustworthy.
Submit your change of address form at the post office or submit online at moversguide.usps.com.
Inform any subscription services you have of your new ad- dress.
Transfer utilities, cable and internet.
Notify your financial institution of your move.
Register to vote.
Update your driver’s license.
Register your vehicle if moving to a new state.
Transfer medical documents to your new healthcare provider.
Transfer prescriptions to your new pharmacy.
Transfer your insurance policies.
Register your kids at their new school or update your address with their current one.
Consider changing the locks to your home. You have no idea how many people may have copies of your home’s keys.
Buying vs. Renting
Owning your own home is a great accomplishment, but you have to be very cautious when making the decision to purchase property. Buying a home may be the biggest investment you will ever make, so you have to make sure that it's a worthy investment that you won't regret in years to come. Even if this isn't your first rodeo, it is still essential to know the right time and place for a home purchase.
What People Are Saying
"Chip was a tremendous resource for local housing trends and valuations and I don't think I would have been as successful at finding a condo if it were not for Chip. He literally sent me available listings for almost a year before I found what I wanted."
— Client
"We couldn't have asked for a better realtor! He was quick to answer any questions. Worked quickly to put our house for sale and show it. He was great communicating everything to us and for us. Even after the sale was done his personal attention to details really blew us away. Thanks again Josh!"
— Client
"Chip is one of the most responsive and professional realtor that I have ever worked with. Despite the fact that I was working with him from another state and our communications were either by telephone or zoom, he helped me purchase a condo in Grand Rapids, MI."