Home Buying Process

Your agent should advise and assist you throughout the process of purchasing a home. It is important that you are familiar with the home buying process – an informed buyer works from a position of power. This is a simplified outline of the home buying process. Please feel free to contact me any time if you have questions.

Initial Consultation

Determine your priorities and needs
Review “agency” choices and select
Overview of contract elements and the buying process
“Buyer Beware” information
Appropriate working relationship – is this the right agent for you?
Discuss Financing

Obtaining Financing

Find a Mortgage Company
Consult a loan officer
Provide requested information
Complete loan application
Obtain loan pre-approval

Finding the Right Home

Agent to provide as much information as possible about homes that meet your criteria
Sales associate to show you properties based on your criteria
Evaluate each property with agent
Choose the right home

Preparing an offer

Review comparable sales to determine offer price
Review Seller property disclosures
Review progress of loan pre-approval
Decide on financing (type, down payment, etc.)
Decide on other terms (inspections, closing and possession dates, personal property, etc.)
Prepare earnest money deposit

Reaching an Agreement with a Seller

Present your offer
Negotiation of terms and possible counteroffersContingencies
Agreed-upon sales contract with seller

Completing the Settlement Process

Deposit of earnest money
Review preliminary title report
Roof, termite and other inspections
Remove any remaining contingencies
Arrange for homeowner’s insurance
Arrange for home warranty
Arrange for movers
Arrange for utility connections
Final walk-through of property with agent

Closing!

Provide balance of down payment closing costs
Sign documents
Loan funding
Recording of title
Receive keys from agent
Move in!

How Can I Help You?

Joe Spake, InCity Realty

5.0

Based on 26 reviews

review us on

sandy benson

21:29 01 Mar 20

My daughter recommended Joe Spake and I’m glad she did. Both the houses I had available sold. Joe was able to find good buyers for both houses and got the best price possible. I felt he was honest, fair and is very knowledgeable in real estate.

Bill Bailey

15:45 07 Nov 19

It was great working with Joe. He's extremely knowledgeable of the Memphis Midtown market as well as a knowledge of what makes an old home tick. He was extremely instrumental in getting a long list of inspection items cleared in order to have a quick closing. We would highly recommend Joe!

Chelsea Meenan

15:52 21 Jun 19

Great Realtor! Excellent knowledge of the Cooper Young and Midtown area! Would recommend!

CECELIA CHILTON

14:06 10 Apr 19

Joe was great to deal with...very efficient and to the point, as well as humorous, when appropriate. He knew exactly how to price the house and it sold very quickly. His help in getting the many details taken care of was amazing. Thanks, Joe

Zachary Webb

15:38 05 Apr 19

Joe was always available for any questions and viewings. Super informed, and knew midtown inside out. I always felt confident with his recommendations and advice. Thanks again!

Dwayne Butcher

05:00 02 Aug 18

Thanks, Joe for being such a great help in buying our condo!If you are considering buying or selling in Memphis, give Joe Spake a try. He knows what he is doing, knows all the people, knows all the tricks, and is very honest with you. Sometimes telling you things you may not want to hear. Joe makes the buying process easy, explains every detail along the way, so you know exactly where you are in the process. Thanks again, Joe!

Robert Elliott

21:43 16 Jul 18

You should definitely work with Joe! We decided to work with him after meeting him when he handled my sister's home purchase. I appreciated his experience, candor, and approach. He knows the Midtown area well and was both patient with us and insightful as we looked at a number of properties in the area.

Genevieve Hill-Thomas

00:07 04 May 18

Joe knows Midtown! We loved working with him from the start--he's truly a professional but breaks everything down for you. While preparing our house for the market, he was patient with us and worked out a strategy for us. Once we left town, he took care of everything--it was complete piece of mind. The result? Not only the easiest real estate transaction we've ever had, but also the quickest! The house sold for more that we thought it could in a flash. My only regret--our move halfway across the country means that Joe can't help us find a new home! Wish we could have taken him with us! :)

Cassie Gerken

03:40 11 Oct 17

Joe is extremely knowledgeable about the midtown area! I worked with him to begin looking for my first home and was impressed with how thorough he was on each showing. He helped me look for important details in the older homes I was drawn to and gave me helpful insights about the construction and potential setbacks of each property. I had a seamless closing and absolutely love my new home. Will definitely call Joe for future real estate needs.

Jan Stone

18:11 12 Apr 17

Joe is more than a realtor: he is a human encyclopedia of what you need to know about neighborhoods, houses, and quirks in construction or functions--all dispensed with candor and humor. He was an honest, patient, and delightful collaborator in ensuring my finding place I love to live. New to the state and slightly less than organized, I benefited greatly from Joe's knowledge of Memphis and tenacious attention to detail.

See All Reviews