Select a Real Estate Agent
Call Paige the Realtor. She will begin with a buyers consult. Defining your wants/needs and setting expectations for the buying process. Buyer’s agency is a MUST when writing offers because the listing agent represents the Seller and has their best interest in mind.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Once you have established your search criteria and discussed wants/needs. Now you will select a mortgage professional to get you Pre-Approved to purchase. They will guide you towards the product that best fits you and run numbers to ensure you know what to expect upon closing. You will want to secure a good interest rate and the more money down the less your monthly mortgage payment.
Begin your House Hunt
The FUN part!?! Out the gate we start lining up homes to see together. Rating them and finding out more about areas, your affordability, and must haves! Most sellers will have their home staged nicely for showings, helping you envision your family living in the space. Comparing and contrasting homes helps to make the best decision. In a neautral market, buyers tend to look at 15 homes prior making a decision!
Write Offers
Writing an offer can present multiple opportunities to ask for what you want and strategically get it in the form of a Purchase Agreement. There are many terms and conditions involved in the purchase of a home. From pricing to possession time, Paige the Realtor will guide you through all the legal documentation.
Accepted Offer
CONGRATS! Onward we move to the finish line. Just a few hurdles on the horizon. The process from here takes 30-45 days.
Inspection
The first 10 days of offer acceptance is when the inspection takes place. You will be referred a couple highly recommended professionals that can conduct an inspection covering all major systems of the home. Including but not limited to: structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems. There is the option to elect for additional inspections during this time: survey, radon, termite, pests, etc. Upon findings, we discuss a way to handle any necessary issues prior to completion of the sale.
Appraisal
This is also completed in the first couple weeks from accepted offer. The lender will order an appraiser to come out and give a valuation on the house. The main goal of the appraisal is to make sure the home is worth what you are paying. The final hurdle in the process. Beyond this step you are ready to wrap up your transaction. Working closely with the bank, you will complete the final conditions of the loan and receive a clear to close.
Closing
All proper title work and closing docs are drawn up and signed. At this point a deed is transferred and you now have the title to your very own home. Time to cheers to a job well done!