Jim & Connie Erickson 

"Your Friends in Real Estate"

Showcase of Homes Realty (612) 382-6925

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"I really enjoyed working with and felt very comfortable with Jim & Connie. They were great! Thank you so much for being patient with me and walking me through the whole process of buying my first home. I am so glad Alice had referred you to me. I couldn't have asked for nicer people to help me." 

Jana R. - St. Paul, MN (first time home buyer)

(More testimonials ...)

Jana's testimonial is what we love about our business... assisting people like Jana to reach their goal of home ownership. Here is what we did for Jana and what we do with all of our clients who have purchased a home.... 

 

Determine how much home our client can afford: Some of our clients need us to initially give them an idea of a price they can afford. We than let them know what qualities to look for in a lender.

Wants-Needs-Wishes: It is important for us to understand what our clients want in a home. We have them complete a quick survey form which will allow us to pinpoint the home they desire. We do not want to waste our clients time looking at homes that do not match their criteria. We strive to maintain a low "home viewings-to-purchase". We feel that our clients time is valuable. 

Home Search: We search through various medias such as the Multiple Listing Service, classified ads, internet web sites, agent networking, etc. Whether it is an agent listed property, For-Sale-By-Owner or word-of-mouth or calling homes in a neighborhood that is desired by our client, we will set up the showing, convey the offer and help negotiate the terms for you.

Found that home: Once our clients find that home, we compile and analyze comparables to insure that our clients are making good, sound investments.

Writing Offer: We patiently work with our clients on their price, terms, and conditions for offer. The paperwork can appear to be overbearing, but we make sure that our clients understand each document. We also converse with the selling agent or seller direct (if not being represented by licensed agent) to obtain as much information as possible.   

Negotiate:  We negotiate hard in behalf of our clients.

Purchase to close: This is a crucial period for our clients and we stay on top of things. From insuring inspections are completed and inspection items negotiated, to conveying and scheduling closing, to ordering title and follow-up on appraisals.

Members of a team: It is important that our clients work with good professionals and we want to be sure that they get the best. These members have included lenders, property inspectors, closers, attorneys, etc.

"I can't thank you both enough for all of your help through my first home buying experience. I appreciated your patience while looking at properties and especially your expertise when it came to the negotiations! You are an awesome team that I will highly recommend to any future buyer or seller that I know. Thank you, again, for everything and I really hope we will be able to stay in touch for a long time to come!"                    

Sandra K. - Maple Grove, MN (first time home buyer) 

(More testimonials ...)

 

We do not charge our clients, any additional fees that are labeled by other real estate companies as 'transaction fees', 'broker fees', 'compliance fees', etc. 

 

Of Interest to the Home Buyer

Are you thinking about buying a home? Read this article to help you prepare...before you start to look!  Fill out the Home Form and we will email you homes that fit your criteria.

If you are presently renting, fill out the RENT vs BUY FORM to get comparative cost analysis between renting and purchasing. 

It is our desire to handle the complicated home buying process. All buyers should be represented by a professional real estate agent. If you are not represented by a professional when looking for a home, you are swimming with the sharks.  

You should also have a lender who will work hard to acquire the best financing package for you and be present at your closing. Go to our financing/refinancing section for contact information.

Be prepared before applying for home financing and checkout your credit report. A great credit report will give you leverage for better financing packaging. And you may find problems you never knew existed and most likely can be cleared up in a short period of time.

There are many misconceptions/"Myths"  when it comes to home buying. It's surprising what some people believe when it comes to buying a home.

Have you heard from friends and acquaintances who have bought a property and ended up with problems. A few hundred dollars wisely spent on a home inspection or Title Insurance could save you thousands of dollars!

The process involved between the acceptance of an offer to the final day of closing seems to be quite mysterious to most people. Check out our description of the Closing Process to give you a better understanding of what goes on. 

To give you a feel on who pays what for Closing Costs read this article to let you (as a buyer) know what you may be expected to pay. Read Costs When Buying or Refinancing a Home if you would like further explanation for each cost item.

You will receive a settlement statement, a day or two prior to closing on your new home or refinancing your existing home, which itemizes all of the settlement costs. It is very important that you understand the costs you are paying for and to ask your professionals about any cost you do not fully understand. Understanding The Settlement Statement explains each line item on this standard HUD statement. Here is the complete HUD-1 Settlement Statement form.

 

If we can serve you in any way, please let us know.

Contact Jim & Connie Erickson