Buying or selling a home?

With a little up-front planning, buying a home isn't very confusing, but the event can be stressful for many people. I like to give buyers an overview of the whole deal so they know exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to address questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
Before you begin searching for a home, there are plenty of things you should contemplate. You'll want to make a check list of must-have features, get a plan of what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent in Harmony
That's where I can help. I'd be more than happy to set up a time to get together with you and communicate with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Harmony area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also help you begin the loan process. I partner with some of the best mortgage professionals in Harmony, so you'll be in great hands. They will help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking
After our first meeting, I'll begin finding homes on the market that best suit you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the homes and ignore the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

When we tour the houses, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you what things you like and dislike. Usually, buyers update their must-have list as we tour houses and some features become more essential than others. If that's the situation, I'll search all the listings another time and narrow it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
Your agent's awareness of the Harmony home market is a necessary agent in your home search. And I can assure you I'm conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can communicate which districts are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and make sure you ask plenty of questions. Any REALTOR in Harmony will tell you they truly know the home market. If things don't add up, just call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm sure we'll find the house of your dreams in the Harmony area. When we do, I'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clean title.

When we present your offer, you'll likely want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's often put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals aren't closed on the beginning offer. It's extremely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll talk about whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a big part in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Upon completion of the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. This shouldn't take very long at all if you've been pre-approved, but you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will furnish you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of getting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application. This estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks good.

Then we'll close on your house. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and easygoing occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at .