Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll probably make in your lifetime. Having an experienced, knowledgeable professional representing you in a transaction this consequential just makes good sense.

Buying a home can be a life-changing event. An experienced agent fully understands the real estate process and just as important or maybe even more so, they understand the local market.

Of course they have been trained to know the right steps to take, but they can also help you avoid a wrong step in your home purchase. If a new highway is going to be built a few blocks away, they’ll probably know it. If you need detailed information about school districts, they’ll be able to direct you to the answers. If you want information regarding a builder’s reputation, they’ll know how to help you find it.

Your agent can point out factors that you might otherwise overlook and can help you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the mortgage and continuing right through closing – and beyond. They can help you shop for the best interest rate and terms and even suggest mortgage lenders if necessary.

Get Preapproved for a Loan
Initially, you will want to obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICO score. If you need to take steps to improve your score, do it. The higher your FICO score, the better interest rate you will receive. You can get this information online; your agent can also help you. Contact several lenders to find out which one will give you the best deal.

Determine Your Price Range and Area(s) in Which You’re Interested
By now you probably have a good idea of how much home you can afford. This helps you narrow down your search. You will also want to begin researching the neighborhoods in which you might want to live. Your agent is a great resource for this information.

Decide Which Amenities and Features You Must Have and Which Ones Would Be Nice but not Necessary
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How many do you want? Do you prefer a newer home with minimal upkeep or an older one with established landscaping? Are hardwood floors a must or do you prefer carpeting? Is a gourmet kitchen important to you? Walk-in closets? Gated community? Swimming pool? Golf course?

Begin Your Search
Contact a broker you trust within your network.

Begin Seriously Looking at Homes with Your Agent
Your agent will be able to look over the list of homes you’ve already identified and possibly add some that have just come on the market. Try to look at the homes with a critical eye does the floor plan work for you, is the property in good condition, would it be right for your lifestyle? Try to imagine yourself and your family living there?

Take notes at each home you visit. You think you will remember them all, but after a few days of looking, things start to meld together. Note your likes and dislikes. Narrow down your choices and re-visit homes in which you’re interested. Be sure to visit them at different times of the day.

Make an Offer
When you’ve identified the home you want to buy, be prepared to help your agent prepare a written offer quickly. Your agent will be familiar with market values and will help you arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted.

Be prepared with backup homes in mind. Your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Also be prepared to negotiate through your agent with the sellers.

Once Your Offer Is Accepted:
You’ll be asked to submit an earnest money deposit that usually isn’t refundable.
Begin making moving arrangements (select a mover, obtain change-of-address cards, inform friends and relatives).
Have the property professionally inspected and request repairs if necessary.
Obtain homeowner’s insurance.
Contact utilities (phone, water, power, etc.).
A few days before closing, stage a walk-through.
Obtain a cashier’s check for the down payment and closing costs.

At Closing:
Make sure the terms and conditions of the loan statement are correct.
Carefully read everything before you sign.

ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!