Kelly Maly - REALTOR®

So you've decided to buy a house...now what??? Do I need a REALTOR®??? How do I get started??? Where do I find the money??? How do I find the perfect property??? What if I want to build??

What is Buyer's Agency?

Welcome to the crazy world of real estate. Purchasing property likely involves a few more zeros than your everyday personal finances. Wouldn't it be great to have a personal guardian to steer you through the waters? Let me introduce you to buyer's agency.

When you choose to enlist a buyer's agent you have a professional, duty bound to work in your best interest to find your ideal property. As your buyer's representative, Kelly will help you find and secure financing, search and view properties, draft and negotiate your offer, and coordinate closing activities. And the best part, all of these services are provided at no cost to the buyer. (All agents involved in a transaction are paid from the commission in the seller's contract)

Accredited Buyer's Representative® designation is the industry gold standard for excellence in buyer's agency. Kelly has completed the necessary training, experience, and testing to be certified an ABR®.

Confused Loyalties - Buyer's relationships with Seller Agents

In each real estate transaction, professionals are obligated to act honestly, in good faith, and confidentally. However, unsigned agents are not duty bound to operate in the best interest of buyers. In fact, agents, even those whom you approach, are obligated to act on behalf of the SELLER. Unsigned agents may not be bound to disclose all of the facts or volunteer additional information.

Kelly Says....

Buyers ask a lot of questions: "Is now the right time to buy?" "How long does it take?" "Am I ready?" "How will I know if I find the right house?"

There is no stock answer to these questions. No two transactions ever happen the same; which is one reason that I truly enjoy my work. There is no computer program that will process your data and tell you what you should do. People buy houses for many different reasons and with many differing expectations. Some people fall in love with a house and must have it. Others see it as an investment — a simple business transaction. The amount of time you spend looking is also entirely up to you. I have had clients purchase the first house that they walked into. Others have written and rewritten offers on numerous properties before finally finding the right house. It sounds corny for me to say, "You will know," but sometimes that is very true. It sounds even cornier for me to say that I'll see it in your face when you find the right house. My husband will often ask how things went after I return from showings. More than once I have replied "They just found their house, only they don't know it yet."

Getting the Cash

Before you get too far along in your hunt, it is a good idea to meet with a lender and learn just how much money could be availble to you. There are a wide variety of lenders, each with his own programs and rates. Kelly and the members of the Kruse Company Network can help you find the deal that is best for your situation.

Most lenders would be glad to review your income potential, debt load, and credit history and determine an amount they are willing to lend. This is called pre-qualification and should give you a dollar amount upon which to base your house hunt. A further step, pre-approval, is available if you choose a lender and a specific loan product. While not for everyone, this additional step may make your offer more attractive and ease your closing.

Be sure to review our lender contacts, mortgage calculators, and other financial information in the Resources page.

Finding Properties

Now the fun part, searching for the perfect house. School district, distance from work, number of bathrooms, lake view; Kelly will help you create the criteria for the perfect search. Then while you are driving neighborhoods and developing a taste for curb appeal, she will search the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS) for properties that could meet your needs. Kelly prides herself on getting to know your preferences so she can find the best choices.

Once you have found some properties that you would like to visit, Kelly will arrange showings and walk you through homes to aid in your decision. Her trained eye can help you find pitfalls and assess the property's value for your specific need.

For more help finding the perfect property try our Resources page. Our favorite website for navigating listed properties in south central Wisconsin on your own is www.wisconsinhomes.com

Sealing the Deal

Kelly's expertise is most useful once you are ready to pull the trigger. Kelly will work with you to write an offer that reflects your unique needs and best understanding of the value of the property to you. She will submit your offer and help you interpret contingencies and counter-offers to reach an agreement.

Tapping the resources of the Kruse Company Network Kelly will help you arrange property inspection, title preparation, and closing. She will also guide you through finalizing your property insurance and lending agreements. Kelly will monitor all aspects of your real estate transaction to closing day, being certain that your needs are met and you get from the deal all that you bargained.