Home Buying Process
While the home buying process can seem intimidating, once you know what to expect it is actually pretty simple. Knowing what to expect before you begin can help you as unexpected events arise. Because we want to help you be successful in your home search, we have written this step-by-step guide to the home-buying process.
Step 1: Decide on a Budget
It is important to find out how much you are willing to pay. Make sure to include mortgage payments into your budgeting, because even if you qualify for an expensive house you probably wont want that high of a payment for a long period of time. Doing things like using a mortgage calculator and researching the housing market are great things to do to get started.
Step 2: Find an Agent
It is very important that you trust your agent, because they will be your lifeline through the home buying process. Check online reviews or ask your friends and family for a referral. If you feel like you haven’t found the right agent, our team can always give you a recommendation as well.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved for a loan could make you more likely to get your offer accepted down the line. In pre-approval, a lender will pull your credit information and then give you a letter stating how much they would be willing to lend you. This gives the seller some confidence in you because they know for sure that you will be able to afford their home. Make sure to educate yourself with the different loan options.
Step 4: Start Looking at Homes
By now, since you’ve done all of your financial prep and talked to an agent, you probably have a pretty good idea of what kind of house you would like and in what area. Your agent can also help you greatly here, as they will have a good knowledge of properties coming on the market and homes like the ones you are looking for.
Step 5: Make an Offer
Once you’ve found a home that you are excited about, your agent will help you decide on an offer based on the listing price of the property. Your agent will understand how to craft your offer, based on the current market, whether there will need to be contingencies, or whether you need an inspection.
Step 6: Home Inspection
This is an important day for negotiating, if your offer requires it. If the inspector finds any unseen defects, you can take them to the seller for bargaining power. Also, this is a good time to measure things in the house, because it is the last time you will be able to be inside before closing.
Step 7: Close on Your Home
This is arguably the most important day in the process. At closing, you will read and sign all of the papers and policies that go along with officially owning your home.
Step 8: Move In!
Congratulations! You made it through the home buying process. Your contract will specify the exact date that you can move in, and after that you can officially make your new house into a home. Now that you are settled in, let’s look at the benefits of owning a home.
Have questions about the process? No worries we are here to help! Feel free to contact us here or call us at 891-960-2111.