WELCOME, TotheMarieReedTeam'sBuyerGuide!
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to expand your real estate portfolio, this guide will walk you through every step of the buying process. From understanding the market and financing options to navigating the closing process, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Let the Marie Reed Team help turn your real estate dreams into reality with this comprehensive resource tailored just for you!
Faith-Based Real Estate:
As a faith-based real estate team, we know that grace is on our side. We see our work as a way to serve God, our community and our clients, who always become friends. Our blend of expertise and compassion is what allows us to achieve the results you want.
Experienced Professionals:
The Marie Reed Team is a team of experienced professionals and Asheville locals who are ready to help you achieve your homebuying and selling goals.
Top Producers for Over 10 Years:
With over 32 years of combined experience in real estate and as an area top producer for over 10 years, we have the commitment and the experience to help you buy or sell your home quickly and efficiently.
Proven Success in the Market:
We are confident that we can help you reach your goals because we know what works. We have proven success in the market and a reputation to match. From getting your home ready for sale to marketing using the highest quality photography to picking out the perfect home at the perfect price point, our team is ready and capable to support you.
BUYING A HOME IS MoreThanJustaTransaction
With the Marie Reed Team at Keller Williams, real estate is about building relationships, not just closing deals. They offer personalized support, focusing on clients’ unique needs and creating a seamless, memorable experience from start to finish
With a combined 32 years of experience navigating the real estate industry, having the right agent by your side matters.
Top-notch negotiation skills to help navigate our ever-changing market
Industry insights that pay off
Transparent recommendations to help empower your decisions
You’ll have access to our vetted network of top industry professionals
Our industry connections mean you’ll always have access to the best in the business from home inspectors to contractors and more
Knowledge of the ins and outs of each neighborhood’s unique market
An agent that will always advocate for your best interest
Full-time agent
Over-communicate timelines and details of the transaction
THE HOME BuyingTimeline
The Marie Reed Team ensures that buyers are wellprepared and confident as they navigate the path to purchasing their new home.
Step One
Discovery Meeting
A comprehensive consultation to understand your needs, wants, location, and budget.
Step Two
Select an Agent
Choose an experienced agent who understands your needs and market.
Step Three
Pre-Approval
Secure pre-approval to understand borrowing capacity and show the seller readiness.
Step Four
Start Home Search
Begin viewing homes that meet your criteria and budget.
Step Five
Evaluate Properties
Carefully assess each property’s condition, location, and value.
Step Six
Make an Offer
Submit a competitive offer with terms aligned with your interests.
Step Seven
Home Inspections
Have a professional inspect the home for any hidden issues.
Step Eight
Closing Day
Sign paperwork, complete the transaction, and receive the keys.
“I have known Marie for over 30 years. This year has brought some unexpected changes and when I began my search for a house I couldn't imagine buying from anyone else. I want to thank Andrew and Marie for taking such good care of me and listening to what I wanted and helping me find it. My daughter and I will enjoy our new house for many years to come!”
Wendy Wyatt
HOME SEARCH
SearchingforandEvaluatingProperties
Finding the right home is about clarity and focus. We’ll help you navigate the process and evaluate properties with confidence.
How Your Agent Helps Focus Your Search
Clarifying your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dealbreakers
Matching properties to your goals and lifestyle
Giving you early access to new or off-market listings
Sharing local expertise—schools, walkability, future development
Coordinating tours and flagging hidden red flags
Advising on offer strategies in a competitive market
Choosing the Right Property
Does it meet your top priorities (size, layout, location, price)?
Are you comfortable with the condition—or would it need major work?
How do you feel walking through the space? Can you picture your life here?
What’s the vibe of the neighborhood—day and night?
MAKING AN OFFER
SubmittinganOfferFAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about submitting an offer.
What should be in my offer?
Your offer should clearly state the buyer and seller names, sales price, due diligence fee, earnest money deposit, closing date, and agreed terms. Include any advertised features or items you expect to be part of the sale—be sure to list them in the offer.
What if the seller changes my offer in some way then signs it?
By making changes to the original offer, the seller is, in fact, making a counteroffer to you which you can either accept, reject without making a counteroffer, or reject and make your own counteroffer. You and the seller should initial and date all changes made during the negotiation of an offer.
How does acceptance occur?
To accept your offer, the seller must sign it without making any changes. Until you or your broker are notified that the seller has signed, you can withdraw the offer at any time—even if you included a deadline. Keep in mind: a verbal acceptance does not create a binding contract.
INSPECTIONS TheHomeInspectionProcess
A home inspection is a general review of a home’s system and components. Home inspections begin after your offer is accepted and you are under contract. Below are the different types of inspections that we recommend.
Why should I have the home inspected?
By using the services of a licensed home inspector, homebuyers can gain an understanding of the condition of the property, especially whether any items are so defective as to impair function or warrant investigation by a specialist.
What inspections should I consider?
General home inspection, Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection (aka “termite inspection”), Wells and Sewage Disposal Systems, Radon, Survey, and Moisture and Mold Inspection. Your real estate broker will be able to recommend a team of trusted, licensed professionals to hire for your inspections.
Can anyone perform a home inspection?
No. Only persons licensed by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board are permitted to perform home inspections for compensation. Their inspections must be conducted in accordance with the Board’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
General Home Inspection
A full evaluation of the home's major systems, structure, and overall condition.
Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection
Looks for evidence of termites, carpenter ants, and other pests that can damage wood structures.
Wells and Sewage Disposal Systems
Inspects private wells and septic systems to ensure safe water supply and proper waste disposal.
Radon Inspection
Tests the home for elevated levels of radon gas, which can pose longterm health risks.
HVAC Inspection
Checks the functionality, age, and condition of the heating and cooling systems.
Structural Inspection
Assesses the foundation, framing, and structural integrity of the home for signs of shifting or damage.
Moisture and Mold Inspection
Identifies any signs of water intrusion, dampness, or mold growth that could affect health or structure.
Appraisal
An independent estimate of the home’s market value, required by lenders to approve financing.
ToHelpYoubeBetterPrepared FAQ’S
What’s the first step in buying a home?
Reach out to your Marie Reed Team buyer specialist and they will connect you with the best lenders in the industry to get your pre-approval. It’s your first step toward an enjoyable househunting journey.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Typically, you’ll need 3-20% of the homes purchase price. The exact amount depends on the type of loan.
What’s the difference between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage?
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate for the entire loan term. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that can change periodically after a certain amount of years based on market conditions.
How long does the home buying process usually take?
On average, it takes 30-45 days from offer acceptance to closing. However the entire process, including home searching can take 2-6 months or more.
What’s included in closing costs?
Closing costs typically include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title searches, title insurance, surveys, taxes, deed recording fees, and credit report charges. They usually range from 2.5% of the purchase price.
Do
I need a home
inspection?
While not always required, a home inspection is highly recommended. It can reveal potential issues with the home that may affect your decision to buy or the price you are willing to pay.
How do I know how much home I can afford?
A general rule is that your monthly home expenses should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. We’ll work together to determine a comfortable budget based on your specific financial situation.
What’s the importance in getting pre-approved?
Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. It can give you an edge in competitive markets.
What is the earnest money deposit?
The earnest money deposit is money you give to the seller or seller’s agent to show your good faith when making an offer. The amount buyers typically pay is a small percentage of the purchase price.
What is the due diligence fee?
A non-refundable fee a buyer may pay in exchange for the negotiated due diligence period during which the buyer may perform inspections, obtain loan approval, schedule a survey or appraisal, review C&R’s, and determine whether or not to proceed with the purchase.
Is the due diligence fee refundable?
No, the due diligence fee is a non-refundable fee. If you decide to terminate then the seller keeps the fee. If you move forward with the home after the due diligence period then the fee is credited at the act of sale.
RealStoriesfromRealClients PROOF IN ACTION.
Rene Hoffman (FHA Loan)
Challenge: Finding properties that qualify for the FHA guidelines in a competitive market while interest rates were rising
Solution:
Research each prospective property to see if they qualify under eligible property’s FHA guideline
Identified a property in the up-and-coming Woodfin area
Helped the clients navigate a challenging due diligence period by facilitating the necessary repairs with our trusted contractors
Result: Helped secure a loan with a 4% interest rate when they were climbing to 6% and got them into the home of their dreams
Melissa Milson (Downsizing)
Challenge: Melissa had to sell her home on a large piece of land that became too much for her to manage and relocate to a low maintenance townhome.
Solution:
Price her home correctly to not only get her top dollar but attract potential buyers
Focus and narrow her search to only townhomes or condos to help guide her in the right direction
Timed the closing of her home perfectly with the sale of her new home
Issues arose during the home inspection and with our vetted network of specialists and top-notch negotiation skills, got Melissa $4,000 closing credit and $6,000 price reduction on the home she was buying
Result: Marie Reed Team found her a charming low-maintenance townhome in a central location and timed the closing perfectly with the sale of her home to avoid having two mortgages 14
Mike and Maritza (Second Home)
Challenge: Mike and Maritza wanted a second home with an amazing view that they can enjoy during their summer visits
Solution:
Set up their listing search to include only properties with their specific criteria. The Marie Reed Team hand-selected properties that met their wants and needs
Since they were from out of town we set up virtual showings which saved them time and money so they did not have to coordinate a ton of visits during their search
When they visited we drove the clients around to help familiarize them with the areas
Result: Identified an off-market property that was previously listed and got them into a second home with the amazing views they were looking for
Kevin Johnson (Challenging Loan)
Challenge: Disabled Veteran with 3 children, first-time home buyer with a USDA Direct Loan approval for $350,000 shopping during a competitive market
Solution:
Made sure we had all of the knowledge of the USDA Direct Loan Process to help guide Kevin through the his search
Found the right property in a sought-after location that had to be nearly perfect to comply with the USDA Direct strict guidelines
We had the skills to negotiate the correct timeline per USDA Direct guidelines
Result: The Marie Reed Team got him and his 3 children into a nearly brandnew home while making Kevin's homeownership dreams come true
Elite Status Achieved: Marie Reed Team Ranks 39th Nationally, Recognized by Real Trends for Excellence in Real Estate Ranked Top 39th Team Nationally
Received over 415 Five Stars Reviews
Five-Star Excellence: Marie Reed Team's Outstanding Reputation Backed by Over 415 Glowing Reviews on Google and Zillow
Sold over 488 Millions in Sales
Powerhouse Performance: Marie Reed Team's Astounding Achievement of $488 Million in Real Estate Sales
Served Over 635 Families
Building Relationships, Transforming Lives: Marie Reed Team's Legacy of Serving Families from the Start
Top-notch real estate team! I was relocating to an area where I did not have much knowledge, at a time when real estate laws changed across the country and definitely under-budgeted myself. Still -- they did it and quickly too! Additional services were above and beyond. Cannot recommend highly enough.
- Leslie Townsend
