Buying or selling a home?
With a little planning ahead of time, buying a home isn't that difficult, but the event is stressful for many people.
So they'll understand exactly what they can expect, I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal.
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 answer questions you have regarding this information.
Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
Before you start your home search, there are many things you'll want to take into account.
When you start your search, you'll want to assemble a check list of must-haves, get an idea of what school districts you'd like to live in, and start working on your budget.
Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or around 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good guideline to go by.
Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Harmony
This is where RE/MAX Select Properties can help.
I'd love to schedule a time to meet with you and speak with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Harmony area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.
I'll also assist you with getting started on your loan.
There are some very good mortgage professionals in Harmony, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands.
They can assist you in deciding which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.
Step 3 – Begin looking
After we meet for the first time, I'll begin finding houses on the market that are a great fit for you.
I'll research many of the homes and eliminate the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.
As we tour the houses, I'll call attention to positive features and negative ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and don't like.
Frequently, buyers revise their wish list as we tour homes and some items become more essential than others.
If that happens, I'll look through the listings one more time and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.
Step 4 – Understand the housing market
An agent's awareness of the Harmony housing market is a crucial element in your home search. And I assure you I'm conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can let you know some neighborhoods are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.
As we view houses, I'll let you know if the seller's asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell."
When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask lots of questions. Every real estate agent will claim to truly know the market.
If things don't add up, just call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire deal.
Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm sure we'll find the home of your dreams in the Harmony area. When we do, I'll meticulously develop your purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include many contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.
When we send in your offer, you'll probably need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is usually put towards the cost of closing. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most contracts aren't closed on the initial offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll talk over whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.
How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions.
In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.
Step 7 – Get financing
Upon completing the contract, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan.
If you're already pre-qualified, it shouldn't take much time at all. But you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender.
And I'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will provide you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of getting your application.
The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.
Then we'll close on your house. This will probably occur at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and easygoing affair.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at .