Buying or selling a home?

For many people, buying a home can be a stressful event. However, with some planning ahead of time, it's not very complex. I like to furnish buyers with an outline of the whole deal so they'll know exactly what they can expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Before you start your home search, there are many things you need to consider. It's likely that you'll want to put together a checklist of features you want, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good guideline to adhere to.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent in Harmony
This is where I can help. I'd be more than happy to schedule a time to meet with you and speak with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that might affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Harmony area.

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

Step 3 – Start house hunting
After our initial meeting, I'll begin finding available houses on the market that best suit you. I'll preview most of the houses and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we tour homes, I'll show you the good features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to update their wish list as we tour houses and some things become more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings once again and trim it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the market
My awareness of the Harmony housing market is a fundamental element in your home search. I am mindful of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll communicate what districts are "hot" and demand prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for more examination.

As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's list price has room for negotiation and also when I think the home is "priced to sell." Be mindful and be sure to ask plenty of questions, as any real estate agent in Harmony will convince you they understand the housing market. If things don't add up, just call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I'm certain we'll find the home of your dreams in Harmony. When that happens, I'll meticulously develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When presenting your offer, you'll probably need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is usually applied to the closing costs. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the first offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk over whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get your loan
Upon finishing the deal, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, this won't be a long process at all. However, you'll want to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll look after all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

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

Then we'll close on your home. This will probably occur at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and relaxed 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, be sure to call me at 5078864221 or e-mail me at .