“We’re ready to buy a new home!” Easy words to say, but not so easy to do. Purchasing a house is a multi-step process and each step must be finished completely before moving on to the next. Garry Real Estate has created our Home Buyers checklist, which is filled with explanations, tools and tips to make your home buying experience smooth and easy.
Why Purchase
Whether you need to accommodate your growing family, or are investing for your future, now is the best time to explore the housing market. The best place to start on this exciting new venture is with us, call us today, to find your new property.
Getting Ready
Before you start shopping for your property, make some preparations. While every home buying experience is unique, there are some universal steps you can take to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. An ounce of preparation can save the day.
Build Your Green File
A green file is a folder containing copies of all your important financial documents. Keep the originals in a secure, fire proof place. You will need these documents to get pre-approved financing for your new home. A typical green file should contain:
Bank Accounts Financial Statements Investments Recent Pay Stubs Auto Loans Credit Cards Tax Returns For The Last Two Years 401k Statements Copies of Any Leases From Investment Properties Stock, Bonds, and Mutual Accounts Information Life Insurance
Check Your Credit Rating
Your credit score will help determine what size loan you are eligible for and what the terms will be. We recommend you check your credit rating with an experienced lender so you can determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. The lender will typically research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. We will be happy to recommend an experienced, knowledgeable lender in the residential, construction, commercial and investment real estate field. BE CAUTIOUS WITH YOUR FINANCES.
First rule of buying is knowing how much house you can afford. Once you know that, it helps us narrow down the list of opportunities that are available in your price range. Below you will find an excellent tool to quickly calculate just how much you can afford to spend. Fill in the fields below and you’ll find the ballpark amount in a just few moments. Please always remember that your lender will have a much better picture of your overall financial condition, so they will provide a much more accurate number. This is just a quick tool to get all of us pointing in the correct direction. In addition each home will have a different tax bill and many communities require residents to pay annual or monthly HOA “home owners association” dues. Both of these factors will greatly impact the total loan amount that you will be approved for.
Now that you have spoken to a lender and those those preparations are out of the way, it’s time to find the right property for YOU.
To make the process of getting to know your potential new neighborhood easier, we have created the next few tabs to allow you quick access to important information about Schools, Local Businesses and Demographics for the area.
Register with Garry Real Estate and you will be able to save your searches and share the list of properties you want to visit with your agent. This will expedite the process of scheduling your showings.
A home inspection is not required, but highly recommended. This will no doubt be the largest purchase you make. Spending a couple of hundred dollars to have a qualified person thoroughly inspect your future home may prevent thousands of dollars of unexpected repairs later on. Contact a licensed home inspector of your choice (if you are working with a “buyers agent”, then he/she may recommended one). The home inspector will set an appointment that is convenient for you. The inspection must take place during your inspection period, usually 10 days from acceptance of your offer.
If you are obtaining a loan, you will be required by your lender to purchase a certain amount of insurance for the property. The value of the insurance will depend on the lending institution and the final purchase price of the property. You may be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on homeowners insurance by shopping around for insurance on your own. Increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your monthly premium. Ask your insurance agent about any discounts. You may be able get a lower premium if your home has some safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke detectors, a full alarm system, storm shutters or fire-retardant roofing materials, depending on the insurance company. Any persons over 55 years of age or long term customers may also be offered different discounts. Insure your actual house and not the land it’s on. In case of a disaster, the land will still be there. If you do not subtract the value of the land when you decide how much homeowner’s insurance to buy, you will usually be asked pay more than you should.
The final inspection usually takes place a day before, or the actual day of closing. You will visit the property one final time to verify that everything is in working order, that everything is the same as the last time you viewed the property, that there are no extra items left behind by the previous owner, and that everything included in your purchase is still there.
Be prepared
Bring the following items to the closing:
Picture I.D. (drivers license, passport, etc.) The closing attorney will need to make a copy of it for the registry of deeds.
Personal checkbook. In case you have to pay for any incidental charges such as heating oil, bottled gas, taxes, etc. that have already been paid by the seller.
Certified Check in the amount given to you by your lender.
We are there to help you should an unforeseen issue pop up, even at this stage. In case something at the property breaks or some other minor detail rises up there is no need to worry. These things happen, so we know how to handle them efficiently and in a stress free manner.
The closing agent will furnish all parties involved with a settlement statement. The settlement statement summarizes and details all the financial transactions enacted in the process. You and the seller(s) will sign the statement together with the closing agent, certifying its accuracy. If you are actually obtaining financing, you will have to sign all pertinent documentation required by the lending institution as well. If you are unable to attend the scheduled closing, arrangements can be made depending on the circumstances and the notice you give us. If you are bringing the funds to the transaction, you can choose to either have the funds wired electronically into the aforementioned escrow account, or bring a certified bank check to the closing in the amount specified on the settlement statement. The seller will usually arrange to have all property keys and any other important information and items for you at the closing so that you may receive them at this time.
We worked with Dave & Candy Goddard to purchase our home, and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for better agents. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the market and helped us understand what to look for beyond just the basics. Dave took the time to inspect each property during showings like a pro, pointing out things we wouldn’t have noticed and giving honest feedback, which we really appreciated.
Throughout the process, they were patient, responsive, and genuinely supportive. It felt like they were guiding us every step of the way, not just trying to close a deal. Their professionalism stood out, but they were also warm and approachable, which made the whole experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
They went above and beyond for us, and we’re truly grateful. If you’re looking for agents who actaully know what they are doing, Dave & Candy are it.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Candy and Dave for over 15 years, and I can confidently say they are one of the most trustworthy and knowledgeable real estate professionals I’ve ever worked with.
Most recently, they helped me with the purchase of my new home, and I couldn't be more grateful for their guidance and support throughout the entire process.
If you're looking for agents who are knowledgeable and treat you like family, I'd highly recommend Candy and Dave.
Candy and Dave were excellent. Very well prepared, full of knowledge, communication was outstanding. Would highly recommend them. They sold our home in no time & got us a higher price than what we asked!!!
Dave and Candy have been our agents for years! They have helped my husband and I buy and sell through every stage of our life. They’re always incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. When working with Dave and Candy you truly feel like they’re always looking out for your best interest. They are the only ones we will ever trust with our home buying and selling needs. Thanks again for everything you’ve always done for us Dave and Candy!
Very responsive- answered weekend calls immediately! Knowledgeable about the property, location and came prepared to answer all of questions and informed us on how to best list the property for sale. Entire process was seamless- will definitely use again! Thank you Candy & Dave!
From start to finish, Dave and Candy Goddard made selling our family’s home very easy. On our initial meeting they were able to answers all of our questions and concerns and saved us time by doing their due diligence prior to meeting us. A very professional team and highly recommend them.
Dave and Candy were very helpful and knowledgeable about the market and kept us informed of details. They went above and beyond in giving us advice to get the condo ready for sale. After being on the market for a few months, they suggested some additional improvements and the unit sold within 1 week. We appreciate their knowledge and encouragement.
Presenting a rarely available gem, this stunning top-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence is located in one of the most sought-after buildings in the area. This unique opportunity offers penthouse-level privacy, generous living space, two heated garage spaces, and an impressive array of lifestyle amenities.
Ideally situated just two blocks from the Metra station and mere moments from Downtown Downers Grove, you’ll enjoy easy access to a vibrant community filled with restaurants, cafes, boutique shopping, and the iconic Tivoli Theatre. The location couldn’t be better!
Spanning an impressive 1,660 sq ft, this open-concept home features soaring 10-ft ceilings, elegant crown molding, recessed lighting, and beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bedrooms are adorned with new luxury vinyl tile, offering a cozy touch.
The expansive great room serves as the heart of the home, perfect for dining, lounging, and entertaining family and friends. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary delight, boasting granite countertops, abundant cabinetry with soft-close drawers, under-cabinet lighting, a stylish tile backsplash, stainless-steel appliances, and a generous breakfast bar for casual meals and conversation.
Both bathrooms are tastefully appointed with granite-topped vanities and designer fixtures, providing a touch of luxury. Your serene primary suite offers a private escape, complete with double vanities, an oversized 5′ x 3.5′ tiled walk-in shower, and a dream L-shaped walk-in closet with exceptional storage space.
This home boasts thoughtful upgrades, including solid white 2-panel doors, Pella triple-pane windows for superior sound control and energy efficiency, and Hunter Douglas Silhouette blinds for tasteful light diffusion and privacy. A true laundry room with a sink and added storage makes laundry day simple and discreet.
Step out onto your private north/east-facing 13′ x 9′ patio—a perfect spot for enjoying peaceful summer sunrises, sipping morning coffee, or indulging in a good book.
The building itself is packed with amenities designed for convenient, carefree living. Enjoy a golf putting room right outside your door for a quick practice session, a large party/gathering room for celebrations, a game room complete with ping pong and pool tables, cozy lounge areas, and an on-site fitness room to keep you active.
With two heated garage spaces and a large storage room just steps from your unit, this exceptional package is a rare find! Opportunities like this don’t come around often—experience the tranquility of top-floor living with premium finishes, enviable sound and energy performance, and a long list of amenities in a walk-to-everything location.
If you’ve been waiting for a standout home in a premier building near the train and downtown, this is the one for you! Priced at only $594,896, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—contact us today to schedule your private tour!
Discover Your Dream Home in Elizabeth Park! Step into this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhome featuring a convenient 1-car garage and a stunning patio—perfect for your morning coffee or evening relaxation. Nestled in the highly sought-after Elizabeth Park subdivision, this meticulously maintained Avon model is ideally located on a serene dead-end street, offering the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility, all while being surrounded by nature.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a spacious living room adorned with a cozy brick fireplace, creating a warm ambiance for gatherings. The living space flows seamlessly to a peaceful courtyard through a sliding glass door, while the kitchen boasts another sliding glass door that invites abundant natural light, making indoor-outdoor living effortless.
Enjoy the elegance of new luxury vinyl plank flooring that runs throughout the home, perfectly complementing the beautifully updated bathroom with modern finishes. The generous primary suite features a large walk-in closet and direct access to the updated Jack and Jill bath, providing both privacy and convenience for guests.
Additional highlights include an in-unit laundry room equipped with a side-by-side washer and dryer, a utility sink, and extra storage space. Plus, your secure one-car garage offers even more room for your belongings, making everyday living a breeze.
Elizabeth Park is a community like no other, bordered by the scenic Maple Meadows Golf Club on two sides, providing an idyllic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the nearby Brookwood Park, featuring a playground, soccer field, and tennis courts, or take advantage of the endless walking trails at the Salt Creek Forest Preserve.
This move-in ready home perfectly combines an updated interior with a desirable community setting designed for relaxation and recreation. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity for only $249,896!
Contact Dave Candy today to schedule your private showing and make this beautiful townhome your own!
🌟 Don’t miss your chance to own this charming split-level home, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a rare 2.5 car garage! Meticulously cared for by its original owner, this home is ready for its next chapter.
Step inside to discover dramatic vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and a sunlit bow window that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a gas cooktop, built-in oven, and plenty of cabinetry—perfect for hosting or everyday meals! Hidden hardwood flooring beneath the carpet in the living room and bedrooms offers instant equity for savvy buyers.
The lower level features a versatile family room, full bath, laundry, and ample storage. Enjoy a beautifully landscaped, fully fenced yard and an oversized garage—ideal for car enthusiasts or extra storage.
Recent updates include a new water heater (2022) and furnace (2024) for your peace of mind. Conveniently located near parks, schools, shopping, and the expressway, this move-in ready home has solid bones and incredible potential! Act fast—this gem is listed at just $399,896! Contact Dave or Candy today for a showing! 🏡✨
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