Buying or selling a home?

Buying a home intimidates most people, but with some up-front planning, it isn't too hard. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I will provide buyers with an outline of the entire deal. These are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
Before you commence your home search, there are many things you need to contemplate. When you start your search, you'll probably want to assemble a check list of features you need, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. A good guideline to go by is that your mortgage payment should be less than or around 1/3 of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent
This is where RE/MAX Select Properties can help. We can plan a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Harmony area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that might affect your buying decision today or in the future.

In addition, I'll assist you in getting started on your loan. RE/MAX Select Properties works with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Harmony, so you'll be in great hands. They can help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start your search
Following our initial meeting, I'll begin looking for houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the homes and eliminate the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll identify positive features and bad ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and dislike. Most often, buyers update their list of must-haves as we view houses and some items become far more essential than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through the listings once more and trim it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
Your agent's understanding of the Harmony housing market is an essential factor in your home search. And I assure you I'm conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I'll let you know what areas are "hot" and warrant immediate action and others that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be careful and make sure you ask plenty of questions. Every REALTOR will convince you they know the home market. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, just call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm certain we'll find your dream home in the Harmony area. When we do, I'll thoroughly create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, finishing the inspection, and a clear title.

When sending in your offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is usually applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the initial offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a part in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
Once the deal is complete, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, it shouldn't take long at all. But you'll need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will send you a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of taking your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. This estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

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

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to contact me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at .

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RE/MAX Select Properties

25 W. Center Street PO Box 425
Harmony, MN 55939