guide
“A home is one of the most important assets that most people will ever buy. Homes are also where memories are made and you want to work with someone you can trust.”
Warren Buffett Chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
THE CONTRACT BECOMES BINDING AFTER YOU AND THE SELLER AGREE ON THE CONTRACT TERMS ANALYZE NEEDS, DESIRE, AND TIMELINE FOR PURCHASE
DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD, GET A CREDIT CHECK AND PRE-APPROVED FOR A LOAN
BUYER'S Roadmap
USE THIS ROADMAP AS A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE BUYING PROCESS
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT!
START SEARCHING FOR AND TOURING HOMES
LENDER COMPLETES UNDERWRITING AND FINAL APPROVAL FOR YOUR LOAN WHILE ATTORNEY PULLS TITLE FOR CLOSING WAIT FOR "CLEAR TO CLOSE"
TIME TO DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE PURCHASING NEGOTIATE ANY REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLOSING
WE WILL HELP YOU STRATEGIZE OFFER TERMS AND NEGOTIATE THE BEST OVERALL TERMS POSSIBLE
VISIT PROPERTY BEFORE CLOSING TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS IN GOOD CONDITION
LENDER ORDERS APPRAISAL TO EVALUATE THE HOME FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE
ATTEND CLOSING, ACCEPT KEYS AND CELEBRATE!
THE THE Team& Expectations
Jodi Halpert Global Brand Lindsey Smith
Real Estate Consultant
Corporate Management Creative Department Transaction Manager
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Access to data and market information
Proactive help to navigate the process
Consistent and reliable communication
Digital and print strategic marketing
Smooth transactions that close on time
Global network offered by BHHS International
WE HANDLE THE DETAILS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
Our difference is in the details We uphold a code of ethics that reflects how we conduct business We use contracts and stipulations written by attorneys that comply with Georgia law and have proven protections. We are trained in negotiation strategies and know how to keep you in the driver’s seat until the transaction is complete. We utilize our alliance partners to assist clients with all lending, legal, insurance, and warranty needs to ensure a seamless and streamlined experience. Everyone can be confident that all aspects of the process will be handled with the highest level of trust and quality to avoid any potential delays We communicate with the cooperating agent, lender, and closing attorney throughout the closing period to ensure a smooth transaction and ontime closing with no surprises.
SEARCH PROCESS
REMEMBER, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "PERFECT HOME."
It's really important to know what you're looking for when we begin the home search. After pre-approval, the next step is to list all the features of a home that you would like and quality them as follows:
Wish List: It is important to know what you are looking for before starting a house search The Wish List is the starting point It includes ALL features in a property, both realistic and unrealistic. Be sure to understand why you value each item on the Wish List.
Wants: The Want List are the important features you desire in the next home. Please understand that there is no such thing as a perfect home Tradeoffs are necessary in a successful home search Ideally, a property will hit 85% of your list Try to limit your list to no more than 10 items.
Needs: The Needs List are the vital few features which are necessary for you to move forward. This list should be 1 to 3 items.
Want to start preparing now? Here are questions to help begin this process
FAVORITE HOME STYLE?
OLD OR NEW?
FINANCING OR CASH?
ANY DEAL BREAKERS?
NEIGHBORS OR PRIVATE?
FIXER UPPER OR MOVE-IN READY?
ACREAGE OR SMALL YARD?
RURAL OR URBAN?
PLANNING for your next home
Buying a home is a big step for many people Unfortunately, the journey can create a lot of frustration along the way It is critical to have a process in place before starting
Define your "WHY"
Understanding your motivation for moving is crucial. It sharpens your focus and aids in navigating the journey This clarity propels you forward, especially through any challenges
Partner with an Expert
Jumpstart your journey by connecting with an agent who's more than just a guide think of me as your home-buying ally With over two decades of expertise in Atlanta's dynamic market, I understand the nuances of the market and offer unparalleled insight, as well as potential access to exclusive listings and off market opportunities My goal is to make your search as efficient and pleasurable as possible
Financial Groundwork
Market ResearchWants vs. Needs
Early engagement with a mortgage professional to assess your financial landscape is key An honest evaluation of your financial situation can save a lot of time The lender will ask you a number of questions to determine your ability to obtain a loan and the amount you can qualify for. Understanding what you can comfortably afford not just the maximum loan amount sets the stage for a smart home search. Preapproval clarifies your budget, ensuring you're looking at homes that match your financial comfort zone. Need assistance? We're here to connect you with trusted advisors.
Delve into Atlanta's offerings. Consider the type of home you want and the features that are important to you. Prioritize needs over wants to streamline your search. We'll guide you through understanding market trends and pricing in your preferred neighborhoods, ensuring a focused and effective search
Explore Homes and Options
We'll arrange viewings and open houses, focusing on properties that meet your main needs, understanding the perfect home is a balance I'll handle the showings, guiding you through important details like the neighborhood and commute Each visit moves us closer to finding a home that feels right for you, ensuring no detail is missed in the process
CONTRACT to Closing
My goal is to guide and protect you through this entire process. I understand this is a process you only do a few times in your life, so I strive for a smooth and prosperous transaction I want to earn the role as your real estate professional and contact for LIFE
Offer and Negotiate Financing + Home Appraisal
Secure the Deal
Found your dream home? Let's make an offer. I'll use my negotiation expertise and market insight to craft a compelling bid, aiming for the best possible terms for you Whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, I'm here to ensure a smooth path to securing your luxury home
Found your dream home? Let's make an offer I'll use my negotiation expertise and market insight to craft a compelling bid, aiming for the best possible terms for you Whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, I'm here to ensure a smooth path to securing your home
Inspection and Due Diligence
A critical step to ensure your future home is in top condition, or at least that you understand the condition We facilitate an inspection to identify any concerns, , allowing you to negotiate repairs or adjust your offer if necessary This crucial step ensures no stone is left unturned We'll navigate this together, ensuring your future home is exactly as expected
If you're financing your purchase, your lender will appraise the home to confirm its market value matches the purchase price, a vital step for loan approval and your peace of mind. Including a financing contingency can protect you if the appraisal comes in low or financing falls through, but it's also something we can consider waiving to make your offer more attractive We'll explore these options together If you're paying cash, this step is optional, offering flexibility in your buying strategy
Final Walkthrough and Closing
We'll do a final walkthrough to check the home's condition right before closing, ensuring everything is as agreed Then, you'll sign the paperwork, finalize the loan, and officially become a homeowner Congratulations!
PRODUCTION Snapshot
500+
Homes Sold
Infinite New Relationships
20+ years of helping buyers and sellers! Numerous Industry Awards
Ways We Give Back
SUNSHINE KIDS
Our company supports this amazing children’s cancer organization on a large scale. A portion of each sales is donated to the Sunshine Kids in your honor
SAVVY CYBER KIDS
Since 2007, Savvy Cyber Kids has been helping parents and teachers educate children in cyber safety, cyber ethics, and other aspects of their daily tech lives Savvy Cyber Kids offers a platform of free educational resources for preschool through high school students in two tracks: one for families, and one for educators
We are so much more than a fitness center, camp, or preschool; we connect and inspire our community in profound ways throughout every stage of life. By providing energizing, creative, and educational programs; financial assistance to those in need; and services to those with disabilities, the Marcus JCC continues to have a wide reach and measurable impact on all members of our community We are a community engager and a community builder
CLIENT Experience
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW MORE CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
When we decided to move our daughter said there was only one realtor to use as she had had so much success with her Jodi Halpert was truly incredible Within two days we had a contract on a new house She then went to work calling other realtors, and within two days we had two offers Mind you, the house had not even been listed. She is the most competent, conscientious, incredibly responsive person with a wonderful sense of humor, and resourcefulness that is unsurpassed If you want to get the job done with no stress, I unequivocally recommend Jodi
True professional in every sense of the word Jodi’s diligence & patience getting us to closing was incredible Between the buyers’ bizarre behavior and the added burden of an absentee client, her expertise & perseverance, as well as sher personal “gift” are what got the deal to the closing table She is a true professional in every sense of the word I am grateful for her and wish her much continued success
Jodi has been the absolute best to work with both in finding our dream home and in selling our old home. She was engaged in every step of the process with ideas and things to consider, helping us make decisions based on what we told her was important to us and not what looked flashy or great in the moment I can’t imagine working with anyone else and I will recommend her to anyone we know. Truly appreciative of all she’s done for our family.
Having bought and sold 6 homes, 4 here in the Atlanta area, Jodi is clearly the best agent we have ever worked with Jodi is extremely knowledgeable, hard-working, and most highly effective She knows her clients’ wants and needs, and how to fulfill them Whether negotiating a price, interacting with other agents, or dealing with vendors or contractors, Jodi is the consummate real estate professional. She always stays completely composed and focused on serving her clients. She is clearly and unequivocally the best agent we have ever worked with or known.
I have worked with a number of realtors in the past, and Jodi really stands out We first worked with Jodi when we were planning to move to the city from out of state, and she helped us navigate finding a rental property She was patient and communicated regularly with us through the process We then embarked on trying to find a permanent home in the midst of a crazy pandemic, and Jodi was so helpful She is very knowledgeable of the greater Atlanta market, savvy in navigating through the process of seeing homes, presenting an offer, and efficiently getting through the contingency period She was so responsive, even on vacation It is clear she knows this business and is well connected with other realtors, inspectors, and contractors. If you are looking for someone who truly has your best interest in mind, I highly recommend Jodi!
The best question I asked in our downsizing journey was to a friend “Do you have a realtor recommendation?” She connected us with Jodi and the rest was history! From the moment we sat down for coffee, I knew that Jodi was the right person to help us find the perfect home for our empty nest stage of life Jodi listened to our wants, was candid about what to expect, and steered us in the direction of the perfect home. She is attentive, fun and has an incredible network of adjacent contacts to help through the selling, buying, inspecting, decorating, renovating stages that come with homeownership Not only do we have an excellent realtor, we have a fabulous friend!
Jodi is the ONLY person we use to buy or sell! There is a myth that you no longer need a real estate agent due to the ability to find a home online But this is completely incorrect thinking! Jodi helped us sell a condo in 2014 and buy our single family home in 2017 and she was INSTRUMENTAL in negotiations, contract review, inspection, and just about every detail with the home selling and buying process that we would have quickly been screwed on without Jodi’s expertise. Not only that, Jodi is exceptional with customer service and makes you feel like you are her top priority at all times
Jackie F.
Howie S.
Liang L.
Amanda M
