Choosing to buy a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. It is an intricate procedure that requires planning and engaging the help of a knowledgeable REALTOR® to guide you through the process. With the right Realtor, purchasing a home can be a pleasurable, exciting experience! Here is a general overview of what can be expected.
Get Your Finances in Order
The first thing you’ll need to do is put money aside for a down payment. This amount is (at minimum) 5% of the purchase price of the home you’re planning to buy. Second, you’ll need to meet with a mortgage broker or lender to determine what you can afford and to find the best product to meet your needs. The REALTOR® you choose to work with will be able to recommend professional mortgage brokers.
Before You Start Shopping for your Home
Now that you have your pre-approved mortgage in place the exciting, fun part begins making a wants and needs list for both yourself and your REALTOR®.
Needs are easier to establish than wants. How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need a home office? Do you need to be close to schools or public transportation? I can help you with a list of questions to make this process even easier. Wants or desires are personal, large kitchen? Granite counters? Southwest exposure? Large windows? Fireplaces? Garages can fall into either category. Putting this in writing will not only help your REALTOR® find you suitable properties but can be used to keep yourself on track while house shopping.
Meet With a REALTOR®
It’s important to partner with a REALTOR® you feel completely comfortable with. A REALTOR® can help you find a home that meets both your needs and your budget. I will set you up with viewing appointments, and also help simplify the complex process of buying a home. You’ll want to go with an experienced and knowledgeable REALTOR® who you can be sure will represent your best interests.
The Search
By using the property search on this site and consulting with me, you will be able to find homes in your desired area. I will update you with suitable listings as soon as they become available on the MLS market and will schedule appointments to show you the properties.
Closing
As your REALTOR®, I can help you place an offer that the seller will either accept, counter, or reject. After an offer has been negotiated, you’ll need to conduct a home inspection and deal with any deficiencies (the cost of which you can sometimes negotiate with the seller). Finalize your mortgage with a visit to your lender or mortgage broker and then you’re ready to sign off on ownership with your lawyer.
I hope this Buyer’s Guide has given you an idea of what can be expected when purchasing a home. I am available to answer “all” questions and discuss anything else that comes to mind. My goal is always to keep you well informed and to make sure that you understand every step along this journey.