Home Buying Process

Step 1: Are you Ready?

Knowledge and experience are the keys to successful real estate transactions.
One of the keys to making the home buying process easier and more understandable is planning. In doing so, you’ll be able to anticipate requests from lenders, lawyers and a host of other professionals. Furthermore, planning will help you discover valuable shortcuts in the home buying process. [ read more...]

Step 2: Get a Realtor

Why?
Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking local picture books or online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price. However, in the maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals who know the community. [ read more...]

Step 3: Get Loan Pre-Approval

It is a good idea to talk to a lender before you start your home search. At this point you do not have to complete a full-blown loan application, but rather you will need to give the loan officer enough information so that she can do a quick calculation of the amount and type of mortgage that you can afford. [ read more...]

Step 4: Target/Search/Choose

Now that you know how much home you can afford, it’s time to start looking at homes. The first thing you need to do is target an area to search. Then it’s time to begin your search for a home. Don’t forget to contact us to help you with your home search and don’t forget to use our website search feature. [ read more...]

Step 5: Offers and Negotiations

When you are ready to buy, you will need to make a written offer. We have standard purchase agreements and will help you put together a written, legally binding offer that reflects the price as well as terms and conditions that are right for you. We will guide you through the offer, counteroffer, negotiating and closing processes.[ read more...]

Step 6:Home Inspections

An offer to buy a home can include a “subject to” clause that is dependent on a home inspection. We highly recommend that everyone get a professional home inspection. Other clauses may include inspections for radon, well, septic, lead paint and other environmental inspections. We will guide you through this process.[ read more...]

Step 7: Finalize your Financing

Now that you’re offer has been accepted and there is valid title to the property you are purchasing, it is time to finalize your preapproved financing. Your mortgage broker or loan officer can help you select the mortgage option that is best for you. Because there are so many mortgage options and lenders, it’s a good idea to shop around for a mortgage just as you shopped around for a home.[ read more...]

Step 8: Get Home Insurance

Homeowner insurance protects homeowners in the event of catastrophe. If something goes wrong, insurance can be the bargain of a lifetime.

You must have home insurance in place before you go to settlement. It is important to start this process as soon as possible in case any issues may arise. If your home is in a flood zone then you will need flood insurance. [ read more...]

Step 9: Closing/Settlement

It might seem as though once a sale agreement has been signed that the buying process is complete. Not only is it not over yet, but some of the most complex aspects of a real estate transaction now begin. This is where the actual transfer of ownership takes place. [ read more...]

Step 10: After Closing

You’ve done it. You’ve looked at properties, made an offer, obtained financing and gone to closing. The home is yours. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer, there are several more steps you’ll want to take. [ read more...]