Buying or selling a home?
For a lot of people, buying a home can be an intimidating event. But with a little planning ahead of time, it isn't all that difficult.
So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I will furnish buyers with an overview of the whole deal.
Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home.
Should you have questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .
Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you start your home search, there are several things you'll want to do.
It's likely that you'll want to form an outline of must-haves, get an idea of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget.
Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good guideline to go by.
Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent
This is where I come in.
We can plan a time to meet so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Greenfield area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future.
I can also help you begin the loan process.
I work with some of Greenfield's best mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands.
They'll assist you with deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.
Step 3 – Start your home search
After we meet for the first time, I'll start searching for houses on the market that meet your needs.
I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and reject the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes at a time that's convenient for you.
As we view the houses, I'll show you the positive features and bad ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like.
Most often, buyers revise their must-have list as we tour homes and some features become far more essential than others.
If that's the case, I'll look through the listings another time and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.
Step 4 – Know the housing market
My awareness of the Greenfield housing market is a crucial component in your home search. I am familiar with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I will communicate which areas are "hot" and warrant prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for cautiousness.
When we view homes, I'll let you know when the asking price has room for bargaining and also when I trust the home is "priced to sell."
When working with an agent, trust your instincts and make sure you ask a lot of questions, as any REALTOR will tell you they understand the housing market.
If it appears they don't know everything, call me at 4147278280 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 home you've been looking for
I'm positive we'll find the home of your dreams in Greenfield. When we do, I'll precisely create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies, such as obtaining financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.
When we present your purchase offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's usually put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the beginning offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to accept the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.
Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract.
We'll also work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a deal that is best for you.
Step 7 – Get financing
After we sign the final contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan.
It won't be a long process at all if you're pre-approved, but you'll need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender.
And I'll handle all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of accepting your application.
The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.
Then we'll close on your home. This will most often take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and calm affair.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply call me at 4147278280 or e-mail me at .