Real Estate Agent Guiding Client Through Home Purchase

Hi Mark! I'm Sarah from Maplewood Realty. You signed up on our website looking for homes in the Maplewood area?13:33

Great, $450K is a solid budget for Maplewood. Right now there are two main directions — a renovated 3-bed in Oakwood Crossing, 1,450 sqft, updated kitchen and baths. And a larger place in Riverside Commons, 1,600 sqft, but it needs some cosmetic work. Are you looking for move-in ready or something you can put your own stamp on?13:33

Perfect, that narrows it down nicely. Let me suggest three properties. First: Oakwood Crossing, 1,450 sqft 3-bed 2-bath, fully updated kitchen and bathrooms, asking $460K. Second: Riverside Commons, 1,600 sqft 3-bed 2-bath with a huge deck, asking $475K, great layout but finishes need updating. Third: Cedar Heights, 1,400 sqft at $485K, but it's in the top school district13:33

Maplewood Elementary — rated 9/10 on GreatSchools, one of the best in the county13:33

Actually yes, the seller is motivated — they're relocating for work. It's been on the market about 6 weeks, had a couple of offers fall through. I think we could get it around $465K. But honestly, Oakwood at $460K is also a great value — well-run HOA, solid amenities13:33

How about this afternoon? 2pm at Oakwood, 3:30 at Riverside, then Cedar Heights. Should be done by 513:33

Smart move — both of you need to love it. I'll send you the listings and a map13:33

I'm at the Oakwood Crossing entrance. What's your ETA?13:33

So this is Oakwood Crossing — the landscaping is well-maintained as you can see. Built in 2018, 48 units total, low density. HOA is $280/month which covers exterior maintenance, landscaping, and the community pool. Pretty reasonable for the area13:33

Each unit gets one covered spot, and there's plenty of guest parking. No extra cost. The Maplewood Metro station is about an 8-minute walk, super convenient for commuting13:33

Let's head up. This unit is on the 3rd floor, 1,450 sqft, 3-bed 2-bath. Notice the open floor plan — living room flows right into the dining area. Kitchen was fully updated last year, quartz countertops, stainless appliances, soft-close cabinets13:33

The primary bedroom faces east, great morning light, with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms share the hall bath13:33

Primary bath has a double vanity and separate shower, plenty of space. Hall bath has a tub-shower combo, right between the two guest bedrooms — convenient for visitors. There's also a powder room near the entrance13:33

$460K. The seller already did the big-ticket renovations — roof and HVAC are only 3 years old. Based on recent comps, there's some room to negotiate13:33

This is Riverside Commons, 1,600 sqft. The living room is wider than Oakwood, and check out this deck — it's huge, probably 200 sqft, great for entertaining. Kitchen is larger too at about 180 sqft13:33

Yeah, the seller's taste runs traditional. If the price works out, updating cabinets and flooring would run maybe $15-20K. The bones are excellent though — solid construction, good layout13:33

About a 15-minute walk, yeah. But there's a bus stop right outside that goes to the station in 5 minutes. Also, there's a new shopping center going up across the street, should be done next year. That'll boost property values13:33

$475K, same school district as Oakwood13:33

This is the Cedar Heights unit — 1,400 sqft, 3-bed 2-bath. The complex is from 2015, a bit older but very well maintained. The real selling point is the school district: Maplewood Elementary feeds into Lincoln Middle and Maplewood High, all top-rated13:33

You've got a good eye — it is a few years older. The finishes are original. But consider this: homes in this school district hold their value better than anywhere else in the area. When it's time to sell, you'll have no shortage of buyers. And the layout is efficient — the usable space feels bigger than 1,400 sqft13:33

About 3 years. So no primary residence exemption yet, which means slightly higher closing costs — probably $5-8K more13:33

That's right, it does add up. But think long-term — live here 10 years, the school district alone could save you $20-30K compared to private school. And resale in this zone moves fast. Just food for thought — it's your and Emily's decision13:33

Great choice! Best value, beautifully updated, solid HOA. What price range are you thinking?13:33

I hear you. Honestly $440K is on the low side — two recent sales in the building went for $452K and $455K. The seller's floor is probably around $455K. If you can meet that, I'm confident I can make it happen. At $440K they'll likely pass13:33

$448K is going to be tough, but I can try. Here's what I'm thinking — let me first test the waters at $455K. If the seller goes for it, would you be OK with that? With the renovations already done, $455K is probably cheaper than buying either of the other two and fixing them up13:33

I'll reach out to the seller first thing tomorrow morning and let you know right away13:33

Good news! I just got off the phone with the seller. They started at $460K firm. I told them you're a serious buyer — looked at several properties and loved theirs, pre-approved and ready to move fast. They came down to $458K. I pushed a bit harder and they agreed to $455K, with one condition — closing within 30 days13:33

I'll draw up the offer today. You'll need: pre-approval letter, ID, and earnest money deposit. I'll also schedule the home inspection13:33

Right, 20% down is $91K. Closing costs typically run 2-3% of the purchase price, so about $9-14K for title insurance, escrow fees, appraisal, and recording fees. Total cash to close would be around $100-105K13:33

Can we schedule signing for Thursday? At my office, both sides13:33

Let me confirm with the seller13:33

Almost here? The seller's already at the office13:33

We've gone through all the contract terms — property details, purchase price $455K, financing terms, and closing date. The seller will vacate within 7 days after closing, and all appliances stay including the washer and dryer. Any questions?13:33

Great question. The contract includes an inspection contingency — the inspector checks everything from roof to foundation. If they find anything major, you can negotiate repairs or walk away with your earnest money refunded. Inspection is scheduled for Monday13:33

Earnest money has been deposited into escrow. I'll organize all the paperwork for you. I'll handle the title search and coordinate with your lender — I'll keep you posted every step13:33

My pleasure! Congratulations on your new home. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything13:33