Define Your Goals

Before beginning your home search, make sure to have clearly set goals: desired
neighborhoods, type of home, must-have amenities, etc. As you get into the
market, you may need to be flexible on some of these requirements but starting
with a best-case list will be helpful.

Examine Your Finances

Before purchasing a home, it’s important to make sure you have your finances
under control – make a detailed budget and ensure that you have savings and
reserves in place to support your home purchasing goals.

Get Pre-Approved

Call several mortgage lenders – you’ll find differences in rates, fees, and customer
service. Finding the right mortgage lender is important. Check reviews as well to
make sure you’re choosing someone with a track record of satisfied borrowers.

Pre-approval is imperative at this stage – you’ll have more power as you submit
offers and negotiate with sellers if you are already approved for a mortgage. Use
estimated closing costs to validate you have enough money set aside for this
process.

I can provide local lender referrals if you are not sure where to start.

Search for Homes

Search homes that meet your goals and criteria. You’ll also want to make sure you
view homes in person – pictures are awesome but can sometimes be misleading!
Don’t get frustrated if you don’t find a home immediately – each showing gives
you a chance to learn more about what you can get in your area at your price point.
You’ll find a place to call home.

Make an Offer and Negotiate

Once you’ve found the home you’d like to buy, it’s time to make an offer.

Sellers can counter your offer, inspections can reveal possible repairs, and you can
suddenly find your budget at risk and maybe even question if this is the right home
for you. Above all, stay calm and continue to communicate with everyone
involved. Check your budget, your emotions, and your buying partner to make the
next right steps.

Secure Your Financing

You’re almost there – remember, your lender wants to ensure that this is a good
move for everyone, so they may ask for more information about income, the
condition of the house, or your credit history. Providing accurate and timely
responses keeps the process moving and gets you to your desired outcome the
fastest.

Close the Deal

The timing for closing can vary, but the average is 30-45 days. Typically, within
48 hours prior to closing, you’ll do a final walk-through to check that all agreed-to
repairs are completed and that the home is in the expected condition.

You can expect to meet with your lender and agent to finalize the paperwork.
There may also be attorneys present, the seller’s agent, a representative from the
title company, and the designated closing agent. During the closing all paperwork
will be finalized, including: the deed, title, financial/funding, closing statements,
insurance, contract, etc.

At this point, you’re done with everything, and you will be ready to move into your
new home!!