John Harwell, Jr.'s Buyers' Resource Page
Home buyers can benefit greatly from a knowledgeable, professional Real Estate Agent. As a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), I am able to guide home buyers through the process as smoothly as possible. Through my years of experience in Middle Tennessee Real Estate, I have developed a game plan for helping home buyers find the perfect home - steps that I will take to help you and steps that I ask you to take to help you.
This page is intended to be a resource for home buyers. In addition to the game plan, which details how I can help you through the home buying process, I have put together 23 Steps to a Perfect Loan Application that will streamline the loan process. I have also developed a flow chart to help explain the home buying process for those who are first time home buyers or for those people who may not have bought a home in many years.
If you are interested in buying a home in the Middle Tennessee area, either new or existing, I encourage you to contact me. I work hard to provide the best service possible to my clients. Contact me at your convenience or click here to fill out a short form telling me what you are looking for in your next home.
How I provide quality service for home buyers:
I will help you determine which home is right for you.
Using financial institutions' guidelines, I will help you determine what price range is right for you.
I will discuss alternate forms of home financing to let you make the right choice.
I will preview homes which meet your needs using the criteria you have given me ----- saving YOU valuable time.
I will visit homes you have selected with you.
I will provide detailed information on communities - their schools, churches and shopping areas.
If you are interested in another Realtor's listing or a "For Sale by Owner" home, I will arrange the showing for you and gather all the necessary information.
For buyers who presently live out of town, I will call, fax, E-mail, or mail any information you request before you visit so that your visit will be as efficient as possible.
I will accompany you to open houses or newly constructed homes.
I will help explain "offers-to-purchase" and other legal documents so that you can make informed decisions.
After any negotiations, I will provide you with signed copies of all legal documents and other papers.
I will help arrange your selected financing and explain the entire financing process.
I will keep you informed of all activities from contract ratification to closing and I will be with during the closing to explain al of the legal documents.
I will help you find the BEST home and help you through the entire process.
Allow me to show you homes that you are interested in through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It is not necessary to call different agents about their listings; I have all the same information.
Be frank with me about your price range and your reaction to each property. This will prevent confusion and help make your search for the perfect home easier. Any financial information that you reveal to me is kept in strict confidence.
Please don't walk into an open house unaccompanied by me. If you do, I can no longer help you obtain that particular home. The associate holding the open house will then become the selling associate and I, after spending hours of time to serve you, will not be compensated.
Let me know of any ads that interest you. I can probably find out a great deal more information about that home.
Let me know, right away, about any misunderstandings or dissatisfaction. It is very important to me that you are fully satisfied!
A copy of the SALES CONTRACT, signed by all parties
A deposit for the credit report and appraisal fees will be required at the time you make application
Social Security card and Drivers License for all the applicants
Checking account numbers along with the name and addresses of the banks
Savings account numbers along with the name and addresses of the banks
Mutual fund account numbers and addresses
A gift letter for any money received from relatives to purchase your home with also proof of deposit in either your checking or savings account
Serial number and face values of any US Savings Bond and other Stocks
Copy of current thrift plan, provident fund or retirement benefits which your company has -- if a statement is not available, provide the address and account --- include IRA and/or Keogh data
Credit Card references, including account numbers and balances
A list of any debts you have including the name of the creditor, their addresses, telephone numbers account numbers, the monthly payment and balance
A list of assets including cars and furniture and a estimate on their value
Names and addresses of employers for all applicants for the past two years and the latest earning statement or pay voucher
If overtime is a substantial part of gross income, provide W-2 forms for the last two years -- commission sales usually require two years of tax returns
If you are self - employed, tax returns for the last two years will be required along with profit and loss statements and balance sheets for the year to date earnings
If you are obtaining your equity from the sale of your previous residence, a copy of your closing statement is required
If you are a landlord, bring a copy of your tenant(s)' lease(s) with you to substantiate the income derived from the rental property
Any divorce papers and property settlements where property was involved in a divorce. If alimony or child support is being used as income to qualify for a loan, provide proof of the amounts received. This is either by copies of cancelled checks, military allotments, or if paid through the court.
Any bankruptcy judgement papers. Copies of discharge and original papers filed will be needed.
Tax returns for three years on THDA loans
Special Requirements for a VA Loan
Certificate of
eligibility or
STATEMENT OF SERVICE
(DF2496)
DISCHARGE PAPER (DD214)
If you are currently in
the military you will need a DD1747 (permission to live off post)
If you are presently a member of any military reserve unit, give the address