Buying a home
How I Help You Buy a Home, Step by Step
How Rich Barnes helps you buy in Greenfield, West Allis, Milwaukee, Franklin, New Berlin and Muskego: loan officers first, a straight look at every home, and closing.
Every Step Explained
Buying can feel like a lot at once. My job is to make sure you always know what happens next. I explain each step in plain words before it happens, I answer the phone when you have a question, and I tell you what I see in every home, including the ones that are wrong for you.
I am Rich Barnes, a licensed broker with Realty Experts, with 25+ years in the business. I help buyers in Greenfield, West Allis, Milwaukee, Franklin, New Berlin and Muskego.
Call Rich: 414-899-8146
Step One: Get Ready
We start with a conversation about what you want, what you can spend and how soon you need to move. Then you meet one of the several trusted loan officers I work with, so you know your range before we look at anything. That way you act on the right home the day it appears, and you do not fall in love with one out of range. If you are also selling, we plan the sale and the purchase together.
How I Help You Buy a Home, Step by Step
Step Two: Know What You Are Buying
The Milwaukee area has a lot of older homes, and condition matters more than the year built. Before you offer, I look hard at the roof, the foundation, the sewer lateral, the electrical, the windows and the mechanicals, and I tell you what I see. On a lakefront home I look past the view, and on a larger lot I check whether the home has city water and sewer or a private system. I do not quote a median price because prices move. I tell you what similar homes have actually sold for.
Step Three: Find the Right Home
Fewer homes, and better ones. I show you homes you can act on, and I tell you what I see in each one, even when the answer is: do not buy this one. I also drive the block with you. What is behind the back fence, how loud is the street, where do you park. Each town buys differently, so see Greenfield for established ranches, West Allis for bungalows and duplexes, Franklin for newer homes on larger lots, and Muskego for lakes and wooded lots.
Step Four: Close It
When you find the home, I explain the offer and its terms before you sign anything. The home gets inspected, your loan moves forward and we head to closing. I work with several trusted loan officers, so your loan, your offer and your closing move together. If a deal gets rough, I hold it together until it closes. How each step works in Wisconsin depends on your situation, so I walk you through the specifics, and I tell you when a question belongs with an attorney.
Ready? Send me a message or call 414-899-8146. Start with first-time buying, see how I sell, or visit the Realty Experts home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a loan officer before I look at homes?
It helps a lot. Talking to one of the several trusted loan officers I work with first tells you what you can afford.
Will you tell me if a home is wrong for me?
Yes. I tell you what I see in every home, including the ones I would not buy.
What do you check in an older home?
The roof, foundation, sewer lateral, electrical, windows and mechanicals. Condition matters more than age.
What if the deal gets rough?
I hold it together until it closes.
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Ready to make your move with Rich Barnes?