Are you buying a home in Harmony? RE/MAX Select Properties can help.
Purchasing a home is stressful for a lot of people. However, with a little up-front planning, it isn't too confusing.
So they know exactly what they can expect, I like to provide buyers with an overview of the whole deal.
These are my nine steps to buying a home.
If you have questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .
Step 1 – Prepare to buy
There are a lot of things you'll want to do before starting your home search.
When you start your search, you'll want to assemble a list of features you want to have, get a plan of what school districts you want to live in, and start planning your budget.
Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to a third of your monthly income is a good principle to follow.
Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Harmony
This is where I come in.
We'll set up a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans.
We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Harmony area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future.
I'll also help you start the loan process.
RE/MAX Select Properties partners with some of Harmony's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands.
They can help you choose which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.
Step 3 – Start looking for a house
Following our initial meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that are great for you.
I'll research many of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the houses whenever it's convenient for you.
As we view houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and dislike.
It's common for buyers to revise their wish list as we tour homes and some features become more necessary than others.
If such is the case, I'll search all the listings again and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.
Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
An agent's knowledge of the Harmony market is a crucial element in your home search. And I assure you I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will alert you to some areas are "hot" and require prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.
When we view houses, I'll let you know if the list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell."
When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask lots of questions, as any real estate agent in Harmony will tell you they know the market.
If things don't add up, just call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.
Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
I know we'll find the house of your dreams in the Harmony area. When we do, I'll carefully create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.
Upon submitting your offer, you'll probably need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is most often applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer – it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.
How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on the state of the market.
We'll also work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll compose a deal that's best for you.
Step 7 – Obtain your loan
Upon completion of the deal, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan.
If you're already pre-approved, this shouldn't take much time at all, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your mortgage 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 furnish you with a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs within three days of receiving your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of getting your loan application.
This estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to include all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy, and I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.
Then it's time to close on your home. This will most likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and relaxed occasion.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply contact me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at .