Name: Jenny Kopriva, Clear Lake IA Real Estate Agent
Rating: 5

Steps to buying a home

Everyone dreams of owning their own home. Searching for the perfect home for your family can be a very exciting, yet anxiety-filled experience. However, if you know what to expect during the home buying process you will be more relaxed and comfortable knowing that we will be by your side every step of the way guiding you through it and looking out for your best interests. Below are the steps to selling to help you visualize what this process looks like. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions and remember we will be there for you every step of the way!

STEP 1: DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD

Before the house hunting process begins, it is important to know how much you can afford. Expenses to consider include the down payment, monthly expenses, property taxes, and any home insurance costs. These will all have to be considered before the home buying process begins as they are typically included in your new monthly payment. Since a person’s credit score determines their interest rate, knowing your score ahead of time can help you decide if now is a good time to buy or not. An individual’s debt-to-income ratio must also fall within acceptable limits of the home’s cost. Once you have determined these things, and if you feel that your budget has enough room to afford a new home, then it’s time to look for the right loan.

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STEP 2: GET PRE-APPROVED

Different banks and companies will offer different loan origination fees and by shopping around you can oftentimes save yourself a lot of money. Get multiple quotes so you can make sure you get the best rate and terms. Be sure to also check your loan officer’s website for testimonials and information. A good loan officer will offer you many online resources and tools. Before you lock in your rate, be sure to check the daily rate with the rate your loan officer gives you to ensure you are getting the lowest rate possible. Interest rates will determine how much a mortgage will cost each month and come in fixed or adjustable terms. Mortgage lengths can range from 15 years to 30 years. The longer the repayment term, the lower the payments will be. However, the interest accrued will also be higher on a longer loan. Don’t forget to ask for a pre-approval letter so you can include this with any offers you make.

STEP 3: FIND A REALTOR®

Before you start your home search, it is important to find a Buyer’s Agent that will be looking out for your best interests so you don’t fall into a money pit or end up paying too much for your new home. A good Buyer’s agent will help guide you through the home buying process and can also save you TONS of time and money on the road to your new home. Buyer’s agents are legally bound to help buyers, whereas listing agents—the real estate agent representing the home listing—have a fiduciary duty to the home seller. Your Buyer’s agent will also set up home tours, give you insight on any homes you like that you may not be aware of, have knowledge of upcoming listings not yet on the market, help you negotiate the best terms, protect your part in the deal and give you invaluable advice throughout the process.

STEP 4: START SEARCHING

Start your home search by using your agent’s website (like this one!) to search the MLS for homes. Agents have a direct line to the MLS so their websites often update with the newest properties faster than the ‘big name’ sites out there. It also has a My Listing Manager tool that keeps you both in the loop. You can start your search and begin saving your favorite properties to your account and even set up alerts to get new homes and price changes emailed to you. Your agent can then see the properties you have liked and can send potential new properties directly into your Listing Manager that they think you may be interested in. It’s a WIN-WIN!

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STEP 5: MAKE AN OFFER & NEGOTIATE

There is an art to making an offer on a home. Your Buyer’s Agent will help you choose the right terms for your offer and will be watching for signs of problems in the home. Listen closely and be sure to ask questions. Be sure to ask for an inspection contingency so if there are major problems you can back out of the deal without losing your Earnest Money. A Home Warranty is also a valuable part of your contract and is a sign of good faith on the seller’s part. You want to make sure all of your bases are covered. That’s where having a Buyer’s Agent is most valuable so your rights and interests are protected. With their experience on your side, they will be able to help you negotiate a lower price that sometimes includes concessions or closing costs. Their job is to protect YOU in the contract.

STEP 6: HOME INSPECTIONS & APPRAISAL

Once your offer has been accepted, you will need a home appraisal. Banks require this so they can make sure the home is worth as much money as they are lending you. You may also need some inspections depending on your loan type. FHA and VA Loans have more requirements than Conventional loans. This is also the time to have a full home inspection even if it is not required. A home inspector will go through the home and specifically look for problems and provide you with a full report on everything they find. This will give you the opportunity to avoid major problems and back out of the sale or negotiate repairs without losing your earnest money.

STEP 7: ASK FOR REPAIRS OR DISCOUNTS

Once the inspections are done you will more than likely ask the seller to fix some of the issues you found. Keep in mind that they are only required to fix something if the loan terms require it. Be reasonable but firm in your requests. If your seller rejects your request then it is up to you to decide how to proceed.

STEP 8: FINAL WALK-THROUGH

The final walk-through is an important last step, even if you are positive you are going to go through with the sale. Walk through and check the agreed upon repairs, make sure everything is in working order and new issues have not popped up. This is your last opportunity to back out. If everything looks good then its time to go to closing!

STEP 9: CLOSING & ESCROW

Before the home is legally transferred to you, the closing process must occur. During this phase, you will sign all of the mortgage documents, pay closing costs, and sign various other legal documents. Your Buyer’s agent will be at the closing with you to help you through it all. Once all of the papers are signed and monies are transferred, the keys to your new home are yours! The only thing left to do is move into your humble abode. This may occur immediately after the closing or at the date set in the closing documents.

STEP 10: MOVE IN

Depending on how far you’re moving or how much stuff you have, you may require a moving company or a moving truck. Professional movers may seem pricey at first but when you look at the time and money to get similar results, you may re-consider. Call and set your moving date and start packing! Many places like U-HAUL sell moving boxes that are made to make your move easier. Label everything with what is inside it and what room it goes in. Recruit friends and family if needed.

BONUS BUYER TIPS

TIP #1

Buy when the market is low and in the season when moving is the most common for your area.

TIP #2

Ask for a Home Warranty to cover any major problems that might pop up after the sale like broken appliances or home systems.

TIP #3

Plan ahead by researching local movers and asking how much time in advance they need to be notified and how booked up they are now.

TIP #4

Start packing early. Pack away things you can live without and label boxes with what is inside and what room they go in.

See what our clients are saying:

Average Rating 5 out of 5 stars

cobaltcaley

I highly recommend her expertise

Jenny recently assisted us in the Clear Lake area in a real estate investment purchase. She is extremely helpful and an expert in the area. I highly recommend her expertise, honesty and integrity. We were exploring several scenarios and she not only helped us locate the property, but also helped us determine the best option.

skrhbree

Jenny was very helpful and patient

Jenny was very helpful and patient in helping us find just the right 2nd home in Clear Lake, Iowa. We looked at many homes over about a 2 year period which she helped us locate. Our final selection was perfect for our needs. Jenny continues to keep in touch and check in to see how we are doing and if we have any needs. I would highly recommend her as an area realtor!

goodlundj

She wanted to help our family

Jenny helped my husband and I find a home to buy in Garner, Iowa. What we really liked about Jenny was that she wanted to help our family find a home to suite our needs and wants. She was always there to answer any questions we had. She made many phone calls to find out information during our process of buying our new home in Garner. We appreciated all that Jenny did for us. My husband, our children, and I love our new home. If you need someone to help you find a home Jenny is an amazing realtor and will help you find what you’re looking for!!

Redowl1027

They have been very helpful

Jenny and her husband Bob assisted my husband and I to find a home in Clear Lake quickly. Due to a relocation, our time to home shop was limited and they were diligent in researching and showing us homes so that we could make the best decision possible. They have also been very helpful in helping us get settled in our new location. If you are looking for an agent(s) who has your best interest at heart and will work hard for you, call Jenny!!!

lestermi

Jenny helped my family out greatly.

Jenny helped my family out greatly. We had a pipe burst in our home which made it unliveable. I contacted Jenny about finding a home to rent on a short term lease till construction was done. Within a day Jenny had found a place for us to stay and had everything worked out within 24 hours.

JJ C.

Jenny enjoys the perfect set of skills to be your best choice Realtor in Clear Lake!!

Jenny enjoys the perfect set of skills to be your best choice Realtor in Clear Lake!!… She rewards her clients with just the right amount of follow up, keeping her customers informed and in the know from listing to closing. Her friendly and professional demeaner and impeccable work ethic are refreshing!!… Call Jenny and enjoy her connections finding homes that are not yet on the market and/or enjoy her contacts with buyers waiting in the wings for the perfect home!!… If you can get Jenny on your Team you will enjoy speedy success either buying or selling!!… Before you make a desision who will represent you… Call Jenny!!

Don K.

Her clients like her

I work with Jenny as a home inspector and Radon tester. She is through in the details of her real estate work. Her clients like her and I am sure they will continue to depend on her for their real estate needs.

Kevin

Very professional, helpful, and timely

Jenny & Bob helped us find the lakehome we wanted – showed us several properties, until we found just the right one! Very professional, helpful, and timely through the entire process!!

jdevries95

Jenny and her team make buying a home a breeze.

lukert1

Jenny knows her stuff

Jenny knows her stuff in the real estate business. Fair, patient, and listens to your needs. She lets you know of her insights toward buyers/sellers. Highly recommended!

torydejoode

She demonstrated excellent knowledge

Jenny helped us find a condo at the lake that was just what we were looking for. She took time to understand what we wanted. She demonstrated excellent knowledge of the area and the market for what we were looking for. As a remote buyer I couldn’t have asked for a more helpful agent who kept us informed and did an excellent job negotiating a final deal.

Kate R.

Jenny took the time

Jenny took the time to get to know us and what we were looking for in a home. That made finding the perfect home in the best location so much easier. We felt comfortable and respected through the entire process. Jenny followed up after the purchase of our new home by inquiring about our satisfaction once we were settled in. Jenny is a professional and would be our agent of choice if we ever had to move again.

Todd H.

Jenny worked hard

Jenny worked hard with the house we bought and dropped her commission to get the sellers motivated. In selling our other home Jenny was very in tune with the market conditions, and what it would take to sell our home and did a nice job of listing our home for sale.

Ron M.

Great service and knowledge. Realistic.

Cindy G.

Jenny went above and beyond what was expected!

Jenny went above and beyond what was expected! She made it so easy for us, truly a professional!!! We contacted Jenny about an unlisted property that we were interested in. She went right to work and made the necessary contacts to arrange a showing for us. From there we went to making our offer and negotiating the final sale terms. Jenny was always available during this process and made it so much easier for us! Very knowledgeable and professional! A joy to work with!!! Thank you, Jenny Kopriva!!!

Jenaplagge

Jenny helped me find my perfect first home

Jenny helped me find my perfect first home. She understood exactly what I was looking for and delivered it all! Throughout the whole process she kept me up-to-date and made sure I was comfortable and happy. She kept the ball rolling and made sure everything happened in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend her for any homebuyer!

Jennifer did a wonderful job

Jennifer did a wonderful job helping us buy our new lake house! She was very knowledgeable with all applicable rules and laws, and went above and beyond what was necessary to help us get everything taken care of.

John A.

This is the second time I have used Jenny Kopriva

This is the second time I have used Jenny Kopriva. The first time when I bought a house, this time when I sold one. As I stated before Jennie’s professionalism and passion to help her clients is beyond compare. I have bought and sold 9 homes now. There is no other agent I would recommend, She is truly a cut above the rest of them. As an example: I listed my home and 17 hours later it was sold. To me she understands both sides, buyer and listing agent. She is far superior then other agents that I have worked with. I highly recommend her to everyone.

Diane C.

She is extremely helpful and an expert in the area

Sandy B.

Jenny was very helpful and patient

Jenny G.

She was always there

Jenny helped my husband and I find a home to buy in Garner, Iowa. What we really liked about Jenny was that she wanted to help our family find a home to suit our needs and wants. She was always there to answer any questions we had. She made many phone calls to find out information during our process of buying our new home in Garner. We appreciated all that Jenny did for us. My husband, our children, and I love our new home. If you need someone to help you find a home, Jenny is an amazing realtor and will help you find what you’re looking for!!

Don D.

Call Jenny!!!

Mike L.

She was extremely helpful and persistent on finding us a place to rent

Jenny and Bob helped us purchase our home in clear lake two years ago. During that process they did an amazing job of being available and showing us the local market. Recently I had a pipe break which made our home unlivable. I contacted Jenny about finding a short term rental while construction took place. Within the day Jenny had found a place for my family and within 24 hours we had the deal worked out and a place to stay. She was extremely helpful and persistent on finding us a place to rent. To do it that fast was very impressive especially during the summer months in Clear Lake. I am very thankful that Jenny was able to help my family!

Mark & Lynne S.

We find Jenny to be very friendly and approachable, as well as highly professional and knowledgeable

Jenny Kopriva has represented us in our last two real estate purchases. We find Jenny to be very friendly and approachable, as well as highly professional and knowledgeable. Her understanding of the local real estate market is invaluable to us. She shares information about comparable homes, prices and availability, and advises us wisely. One of our transactions was unexpectedly difficult. Jenny rose to the occasion, navigating complicated legal and financial hurdles, going far above and beyond what anyone would have expected to ensure a good outcome for us. Our attorney and banker were both highly complimentary of Jenny’s skills and abilities.

Kim W.

Jenny Kopriva is a top notch professional

Jenny Kopriva is a top notch professional and helped me from beginning to end in purchasing a home in Clear Lake. Her expertise in the market place, on-going communication, and exceptional guidance is unsurpassed and the best that I have worked with. I highly recommend Jenny for any real estate transactions and am confident the value-add she gives makes her the best in the business! Kim

Steve H.

Jenny Kopriva was extremely helpful throughout the entire process

During my recent search and subsequent purchase of a condo in Clear Lake, Jenny Kopriva was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Jenny was very knowledgeable of all available properties and was expedient in communicating any new properties that became available during my search process. Jenny was always available to answer any questions, and went above and beyond to track down the original by-laws for the condo association to aid in my final decision to purchase. Without hesitation I would recommend Jenny Kopriva to anyone looking to buy or sell a property in the area. She is the consummate professional. Steve Husome, Vice President Allied Purchasing Co Mason City, IA

D. Wright

She did a tremendous job

Jenny helped me through a short sale of a home I truly wanted in Clear Lake. She did a tremendous job and I would recommend her to anyone buying or selling a home in Clear Lake. Thanks Jenny!

Chris & Martha B.

10 out of 5 STARS for JENNY

10 out of 5 STARS for JENNY and BOB KOPRIVA…and here is why… Our family of 5 needed to decide if we were going to move to Clear Lake, IA from our home town, Duluth, MN by February 1. We began looking at the Clear Lake community in October and we lived 5 hours away. Therefore, when we made the decision to move, our schedule was very limited as to when we’d be able to look at houses. We found the Kopriva’s because of their involvement in the Clear Lake Community School system. We knew what we wanted: lake front property, at least 4 bedrooms and to be by other young families. The Kopriva’s got us this and much more.

John A.

Jenny is the best Realtor that I have had

I have bought several homes in my life time. Jenny is the best Realtor that I have had the pleasure to work with. She has integrity that is hard to find in the Real Estate business. She will do research if she doesn’t know something. She has a very quick turn around on all requests. She is what I would consider a true expert. If you want great results Jenny is the Realtor to go with. I highly recommend her.