The piece below was written as brochure and web content for a real estate agent who had some strict guidelines. He gave me each of the headings and wanted something written on each heading in 100 words or less. He wanted something that showcased his specialty in first-time home buyers. This is what I came up with:
Trust In Agent (Intro) 59 words
When I finally made the decision to stop making my landlords house payment
and start making my own, I didnt know what to expect. I was worried about
making mistakes or making a bad decision. But, as my real estate agent,
[client], led me through the process of buying my home, my excitement
grew and my fears subsided.
Preapproval Word Count 100
[client] told me that I needed to find a loan officer to help me attain
pre-approval status. He said I could select a lending institution or
that he could recommend a loan officer some of his other clients had
found courteous and thorough.
I really didnt think that I would be able to borrow enough money to buy a home of my own. My loan officer assured me that there was no guess work involved. He explained that the lending institution would pre-approve me for a total mortgage loan amount, based on my income, monthly debts, credit history, and assets.
Shopping/Buyers VIP/ Showings - word count 100
Once we knew I what I could afford, [client] asked me to tell him what I saw as
my dream home. This was the most fun for me. [client] took me to see a variety
of houses that fit my criteria and price range. I couldnt believe what was
out there. I could have looked at houses forever. When we found the house
for me, I knew it instantly. Not only did it have my dream kitchen, it had
room in the yard for a vegetable garden. [client] wasted no time. He explained
that we needed to make an offer.
Contract (what happens) Word Count 99
[client] told me not to be shocked when I saw the paperwork. This is just the
first truckload, he said with a laugh. We went over it all. [client] made sure
I understood each piece. He went over the proposed selling price, explained
earnest money, inspection contingencies, made sure that the contract
included appliances and window coverings. He answered all of my questions
and told me of some areas where I needed to pay special attention. This
was when I began to believe that it was really going to happen. I was on
my way to owning a home.
Inspections Word Count 93
When the day of the inspection came, I got nervous all over again. What
if something was seriously wrong, and all this hope and excitement turned to
dust? I watched as the inspector tapped, crawled and poked into every
corner. The report was thorough. Although nothing really alarming came out
in the report, we did end up with a list of small repairs to make sure the
owner completed before the deal was complete. I was glad that [client] had
advised me to make the sale contingent on the outcome of the inspection.
Appraisal Word Count 55
The next step was the appraisal. [client] and my loan officer explained to me
that the appraisal would document for the lending institution and for me
that the selling price of the property was appropriate for its size,
location, age and condition. I could see that my lending institution was
really looking out for me.
Walk Through - Word Count 74
[client], the sellers agent and I went through the house to do the final walk
through. We ticked off all the items on the list of repairs and made sure
everything was in order. [client] showed me the link on his web page with all the
phone numbers to transfer my utilities. I was set! Everything had gone so
smoothly, I couldnt believe that in just a few hours, the house would be mine.
Closing word count 38
When [client] and I arrived at the attorneys office, I saw that [client] was right.
There was more than a truckload of paperwork. We worked our way through it
all until the keys were placed in my hand.
Move In - Word Count 65
Are you going to move in today? [client] asked. I just looked at the keys in my
hand and smiled. Straight from the closing, I drove to the house and walked
around. Somehow, I just had to see it. As I walked through the rooms of
the quiet, empty house, living room, bathrooms, bedrooms, I had one word
going through my mind. Mine. Mine. Mine.