Smoothly Buy Home
Ready to Buy A Home? Let's Make It Smooth"
Local Mississippi Realtor guiding you from pre-approval to closing.
Why Work With a Buyer’s Agent?
Buying a home is more than finding a property — it’s negotiations, contracts, inspections, and deadlines.
A buyer’s agent represents your best interests, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and guides you through every step of the process. The best part?
In most cases, buyer representation comes at no direct cost to you.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CREDIT WHEN BUYING A HOME
Credit plays a crucial role in home-buying, reflecting your ability to manage debt and repay loans. Lenders use your credit score to assess the
level of risk involved in lending you money for a mortgage. A higher credit score generally increases your chances of securing a loan with
favorable terms, including a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
SECURING FINANCING
Once you've reviewed your credit scores and confirmed that homeownership is the right
move for you, the next step is to secure your financing to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
You may want to have these documents before applying to any lenders!
1. Gather the last 2 years W2's, and or 1099s, and tax returns.
2. Gather the last 2 months of bank statements.
3. Gather the last 30 days of pay stubs.
4. Copy of Driver's License & Social Security Card.
If you have not filed your taxes or are self-employed, please reach out to me.
Make sure you have money in your bank account for Earnest Money, Home Inspection, and Appraisal Cost, estimate $2000 or more. More is Better!! Learn more about MS Down Payment Assistance to see if you qualify.
Lenders
1. Charlotte Flowers (DP Assistance, USDA, FHA, Conventional, VA)
Trustmark National Bank ꟾ 1887 Lakeland Dr Jackson, MS 39216 ꟾ 601-946-3072
Cell 601-208-7859 Office charlotte_flowers@trustmark.com
Apply Now: https://cflowers-trustmark.mortgagewebcenter.com
2. Shanika L. Evans Battle (DP Assistance, USDA, FHA, Conventional, VA)
Candace Bank ꟾ 2301 US-80 E, Pearl, MS 39208 ꟾ
601-573-8376 Cell 601-936-8401 Office Shanika.Battle@bxs.com
Apply Now: www.bankcorpsouth.com/shanikabattle
3. Erik Williams (Special Financing, FHA, VA, DSCR, Inhouse DP)
Success Lending ꟾ 1750 E Golf Rd Schaumburg, IL 60173 ꟾ
Cell 708-372-2345 erik.williams@successlending.com
Apply Now: www.erikwilliams.net
4. Lisa Grantham (DP Assistance, USDA, FHA, Conventional, VA
Renasant Bank ꟾ 3330 S Liberty St, Canton, MS ꟾ
(601) 326-9597 Lisa.Grantham@renasant.com
Apply Now: www.LisaGrantham-Renasant.com
UNDERSTANDING HOW AGENTS ARE COMPENSATED
BENEFITS OF EXCLUSIVE BUYER REPRESENTATION
NAVIGATE THE HOME- BUYING JOURNEY
THE PRE-APPROVAL PROCESS
LET'S GET YOU A HOME
MAKING AN OFFER
EARNEST MONEY
HOME INSPECTION
APPRAISAL
FINAL WALK THROUGH
CLOSING DAY
Past Clients
Reviews
Kimm Hackett made buying a house so much easier.From the moment I met her.Up until my closing date she had my back. She made this experience easy and wonderful.Thank you again Kimm for helping me on becoming a first time homeowner
Laquanda Watson
Kim was a top notch realtor who got the job done!! She got us way more than we expected to get!!! I would recommend her to anyone in the market of selling there home!!! She is definitely the best!! Thanks again Kim, we truly appreciate you to the fullest!!!!
Cheryl Forbes
Kimm is extraordinarily and very knowledgeable. She is the best agent that I have ever worked with. She helped me find a beautiful home. If you want someone that is personable, knowledgeable, and has a great personality, choose Kimm.
DS Goza
What is Earnest Money?
The estimated amount that you will need for earnest money ranges between $500 and up, depending on the price of the home.
Earnest money, or a good-faith deposit, is a sum of money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. In most cases, earnest money acts as a deposit on the property you're looking to buy. You deliver the amount when signing the purchase agreement or the sales contract. It can also be part of the offer. The seller and buyer sign a contract that
defines the conditions of refunding earnest money.
The amount of earnest money can vary depending on the location and price of the property, but it typically amounts to a percentage of the property price or a fixed amount suggested by the seller. The purpose of earnest money is to provide assurance to the seller that you are committed to buying the property and to compensate them if you back out of the deal without a valid reason.
COMPREHENSIVE BUYER-BROKER REPRESENTATIVE
AGREEMENT
This Buyer-Broker Representation Agreement allows buyers to engage professional services for property viewing, contract negotiation, and advocacy throughout the real estate purchase process in the Jackson MS Metro Area. The agreement outlines the types of properties covered, the duration, agency disclosures, broker efforts for securing properties, and the financial obligations, including the negotiable Broker Fee due at closing upon successful property purchase.
UNDERSTANDING THE NAR LAWSUIT
The NAR Settlement addresses allegations of anti-competitive behavior in real estate broker commissions, with NAR and major real estate companies agreeing to pay $418 million to settle the claims and implement changes in commission rules. Sellers may see more transparent and negotiable commission structures, potentially giving them more control over payments to listing and buyer agents. However, the total fees paid by sellers may remain similar. Buyer agents may now be compensated directly by buyers, or sellers may cover their fees. These changes aim to increase transparency and marketability for sellers while requiring buyers to sign agreements detailing their agent's compensation. Practices will evolve based on market conditions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-APPROVAL
Most lenders require you to have a 580 credit score when it comes to getting approved to buy a home.
Initiating any home search requires determining the
precise affordability of a home and securing the
necessary financing for the purchase. While a rough
estimate can be obtained through prequalification,
opting for pre-approval offers additional advantages.
Pre-approval allows you to:
THE APPRAISAL
The estimated cost of an appraisal ranges between $500 - $750, depending on your lender. A homebuyer needs an appraisal to ensure the property’s value aligns with the agreed-upon purchase price. Lenders typically require an appraisal to protect their investment, as it helps confirm that the home is worth the amount they’re lending. This independent assessment by a certified appraiser considers factors such as the home’s condition, location, and comparable sales in the area. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, it could lead to a renegotiation or even the deal's cancellation. In short, an appraisal provides crucial insight into whether the buyer pays a fair price and ensures the lender isn’t overextending on the loan.
MAKING AN OFFER
Several factors influence the market value of a home,
and your agent plays a crucial role in providing the
insights and information necessary for you to confidently
make an offer. Considerations include:
How long has the home been on the market?
If the price has been reduced.
How much the home is worth - your agent will
provide a comparable market analysis (CMA)
showing the list and sales prices for similar homes in
your area.
If there are multiple offers.
Other items that might be included in the sale
(furniture, hot tub, etc.)
The "list to sale price ratio",
an indication of how
competitive the market is for homes in this area
Why the seller is selling.
Whether the seller is offering an assumable loan or
financing.
Once the offer is written, your agent will present it to the
seller's agent. Subsequently, the seller can accept,
reject, or counter the offer, initiating the negotiation
process. Your agent will collaborate with you to develop
a strategic plan, ensuring the most advantageous terms
and pricing within your budget.
MAKING AN OFFER
Several factors influence the market value of a home,
and your agent plays a crucial role in providing the
insights and information necessary for you to confidently
make an offer. Considerations include:
How long has the home been on the market?
If the price has been reduced.
How much the home is worth - your agent will
provide a comparable market analysis (CMA)
showing the list and sales prices for similar homes in
your area.
If there are multiple offers.
Other items that might be included in the sale
(furniture, hot tub, etc.)
The "list to sale price ratio",
an indication of how
competitive the market is for homes in this area
Why the seller is selling.
Whether the seller is offering an assumable loan or
financing.
Once the offer is written, your agent will present it to the
seller's agent. Subsequently, the seller can accept,
reject, or counter the offer, initiating the negotiation
process. Your agent will collaborate with you to develop
a strategic plan, ensuring the most advantageous terms
and pricing within your budget.
YOUR HOME SEARCH BEGINS
We enhance the home search process with cutting-edge technologies and digital tools, aiming to find your ideal location and welcome you home seamlessly. We cater to clients interested in purchasing or renting properties across emerging, well-established, and high-end areas. Our agents maintain strong ties with the communities we passionately represent, positioning us as local experts. This deep local knowledge enriches our connection and empowers us as skilled negotiators, ensuring we secure deals that benefit our clients the most.
Closing Day
Closing day is the final step in the home-buying process, where the buyer officially takes ownership of the property. On this day, the buyer will review and sign all the necessary legal documents, including the mortgage agreement and title transfer forms. The buyer will also pay any remaining closing costs, down payment, and fees. Once the paperwork is signed and the funds are transferred, the home ownership is officially transferred to the buyer, who receives the keys to their new property. Closing day marks the end of a long journey and the exciting beginning of homeownership, allowing the buyer to move in and start making the house their home.
BENEFITS OF EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT
As your exclusive agent, we can focus our time and energy on guiding you through the home purchase experience.
Create a personalized purchase strategy
Give you through the current market dynamics and challenges
Evaluate your purchase price range
Setup MLS listing searches and alerts
Schedule private and open-house property tours
Provide access to off-market and office-exclusive listings when available
Evaluate and advise on property home disclosures
Make and negotiate offers
Provide vendors for the entire process: including mortgage, inspections, and other professionals as needed.
UNDERSTANDING HOW AGENTS ARE COMPENSATED
Real estate agents are typically compensated through commission fees, which are a percentage of the selling price of a property. In most cases, sellers are responsible for paying these fees to both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. When a home seller signs a listing agreement, they agree to pay these agents a percentage of the final selling price, commonly ranging from 5% to 6%. The listing agent typically splits this commission with the buyer's agent, often in a 50/50 split, though this can vary.
Final Walk Through
Before closing on your new home, schedule a final walk-through with your buyer’s agent to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition.
The final walk-through typically takes place 24 to 72 hours before your closing appointment and usually lasts about an hour.
What to check for during your final walk-through
As you walk through the home, check for these key items
Agreed-upon repairs are complete
Security systems work as expected
Appliances and fixtures work
Plumbing is operational without leaks
Electrical systems and outlets are functional
Walls, floors, and ceilings are free of damage
No signs of mold or pest infestations
The exterior of the home is well-kept
Seller’s belongings are removed
Property is “broom-cleaned”
IMPORTANCE OF HOME INSPECTION
The estimated cost of a home inspection ranges between $300 - $500.
As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take anything for granted, not even what you see or what the seller or listing agent tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert examine the property you are considering purchasing and receive both an oral and written opinion on its condition.