Buying Your Home
It’s always hard to predict the future, especially with the housing market. But one thing is for sure – real estate remains a sound investment. Preparation is key when buying a house. From down payments to mortgage prequalification to understanding the type of house that will meet your needs and satisfy your wants, Laura will help you make sure have your financial ducks in a row and your expectations grounded in reality when preparing to buy a house.
“One of the most important components to a good life is to live where you love. If you are buying a property to live in, I will expertly guide you to a home that not only best fits your needs, but also fills your heart. Guiding you to a wise property investment is Real Estate 101, that part is a given. I consider it a basic responsibility (which I am highly qualified for) to advise you wisely when it comes to selecting a property that is also a solid investment, and an investment that will stand the test of time. However, learning about you in the process and helping you to discover that special core feeling of “Living Where You Love,” well … that’s where my passion for this field of work comes in. This is not just a job to me, it has become my mission to help clients surpass even the loftiest of dreams, when it comes to living where you love. When we meet for our first consultation regarding your property wants and needs, I will encourage you to dream big. I will listen, I will make mental note, I will dig deep into my vast experience and knowledge to help match your dream with your budget. I will work tirelessly to help fulfill your Real Estate dreams. And, together, we will find you a perfect place to call home.”
— LAURA KELLAM
As your skilled agent Laura will:
Help you understand various lending or financing options available for purchasing a new home as well as what type of documentation will be needed in order to obtain a mortgage or other similar forms of funding
Provide advice on pricing strategies as well as tax advantages associated with homeownership
Provide tips and advise on how to make your offer stand out amongst competitive buyers.
Represent your needs as the buyer and negotiate the best deal possible.
Leverage technology to streamline processes so that you have access to online listings, which can expedite your decision-making significantly when finding your dream home.
Be readily available to take your calls and answer any questions.
Compare Locations
Coldwell Banker Move Meter® lets you compare locations based on living affordability, average home prices, and other important factors.
FAQs
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For many people, buying a home is the largest financial decision they’ll make in their lifetime. When you choose a Coldwell Banker® affiliated agent to represent you, they’ll be by your side every step of the way, giving you the insights and information you need to have confidence in your decision.
Your Coldwell Banker agent will:
Meet with you to discuss your needs and goals, and to plan your property search
Help you get pre-approved and establish your budget
Show you properties that meet your criteria
Keep you informed of new properties that come on the market
Work with you until you find the right home
Help you determine your offer
Negotiate the offer and contract in your best interests
Facilitate the home inspection and resolution process
Prepare you for closing and the associated costs
Keep you updated on the progress of your transaction every step of the way
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Making an Offer
Once you’ve found the home you want to buy, your agent will help you make an offer. The paperwork involved varies based on local requirements, so your agent will advise you on further specifics.
Typically, you will provide your agent with the following information to relay to the seller or their representative:
The amount you are willing to pay
Mortgage amount
Closing and occupancy dates
Personal property you want to be included or excluded (appliances, lighting fixtures, swing sets, etc.)
Contingencies, such as obtaining a mortgage, building inspections and pest inspections.
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There are many factors that influence the market value of a home and your Coldwell Banker® affiliated agent will give you the insights you need to make a compelling offer that works for you. A few components to consider include:
Length of time the home has been on the market
Any history of price reductions on the home
The estimated market value of the home – your agent will provide a comparable market analysis (CMA) showing the list and sale prices for similar homes in the area
Competing offers
Other items that might be included in the sale (furniture, hot tub, etc.)
The list to sale price ratio, an indication of how competitive the market is for homes in this area
The seller’s reasons for selling
Whether the seller is offering an assumable loan or financing
What People Are Saying
“Laura Kellam reached out to me when she saw something I posted online about my frustrations at finding a good house in Marina Del Rey. That alone was an unexpected pleasure. What came next was meeting Laura and having her take us to several amazing properties (in the rain) and helping us find just the right place.”
— Jeff R.
“My family and I couldn’t praise Laura enough. She secured the perfect rental for us whilst we were still living in the UK, a process which proved tricky, but her expertise and persistence paid off. She advised us on how to put in an offer the buyer couldn’t refuse. They accepted and even cancelled an open house, which eliminated the bidding war.”
— Walter & Jo
“Laura was creative and imaginative. She didn’t just show us places we thought we would like. She showed us places we wouldn’t have looked at in order to give us more options that opened our eyes to more possibilities. Thank goodness, because we found our new home in a location we had originally thought would be crossed off our list!”