Congratulations! You are on the first step of buying a home!
Nothing beats the feeling of waking up to the first day in a new home. Looking around the room you realize, that just a few months ago this was still a dream, but now these walls, doors and windows all belong to you.
However, the process to get to this point can sometimes be intimidating and confusing. As an experienced real estate agent, I am here to guide you through the entire process from selecting the right home, to closing at the right price. I will help you shop for the best rates, terms and can even suggest mortgage lenders.
Here are some things to consider before purchasing a home
- Check your credit
Get copies of your credit report. If need be, clean it up. Remember, the higher your credit score, the better your loan interest rate. You should check all the three major credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, as each may have slightly different information.
- Price Range
Determine your price range before you consider the areas you would like to live, so you can look at homes only in your budget.
- Find a lender
Most people have to take out a loan to buy a home, and you want to be prepared to make a purchase offer as soon as you find a home you’re interested in. So, you want to make sure that you are approved for a loan before you look at homes. If you need help finding a lender, I can recommend trusted lenders in your area.
- Research
The details count when looking for the perfect home. If you have children, you will want to consider the school districts in the area. Do you want more bedrooms or bathrooms? Would you prefer a newer or older home? These are all things to keep in mind when looking for your new home.
- Found your home?
- When you find the home you want to buy, I’m ready to prepare a written offer. Since I’m familiar with market value, I’ll help you arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted.
- Have a Backup Home
Once Your Offer is Accepted
After your offer is accepted, you’ll have a grace period to get the house professionally inspected. This is the time to request repairs or submit a counter offer if need be.
The next step is to verify that the terms and conditions on your loan are accurate. Also, we’ll go over your signing papers. My job is to be there with you through every step of the way.
Moving time
Now that you’ve obtained your home the next step is moving arrangements. If you plan on hiring a professional mover, schedule accordingly. I can also suggest reputable companies. Don’t forget to submit a change of address form and contact the local utility companies.