There is nothing much more exciting than buying your first home. For most people their home is the largest purchase they will ever make and has the potential to be their greatest investment.
My goal when working with clients interested in buying a home to live in, is to assist them in finding their ideal home. I listen to what my clients are looking for and help them identify homes that meet their desires. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing that expression on their faces that tells me when we have finally found them just the right home.
The process of purchasing a home is much more involved than many people think. From the initial home search phase through the final culmination ending in homeownership there is much to navigate.
Here is an overview of the home buying process:
- Get pre-qualified for a loan and identify what price range you want to shop in
- View homes that meet your wants and needs
- Consider the pros and cons of the locations and features of homes you like
- Identify one or more homes you are interested in purchasing
- Research comparable sales data in the area to determine the amount you want to offer
- Submit an offer to purchase a home
- Consider requesting or purchasing a home warranty
- Negotiate with the seller to obtain your best deal
- Once the price and terms are agreed upon with the seller then escrow is opened
- Deposit initial earnest money with a title company
- Review the Seller’s Residential Property Disclosure and the Insurance Claims History Report on the home
- Hire a home inspector and a termite inspector to look over the property
- Decide if you want to request that the seller do repairs or if you want to cancel the contract
- Continue with obtaining full loan approval
- Your lender will order an appraisal of the home
- Inspect repairs if they are completed
- Review and sign paperwork sent to you by the title company and/or homeowners’ association
- Receive underwriting final loan approval from the lender
- Do a final walk-through of the home prior to close of escrow
- Sign all necessary documentation to complete the home purchase at the title company
- Submit payment to the title company for the balance required to finalize the transaction
- Wait until the Deed records in your name transferring ownership and then…
- Get the keys and celebrate buying your first home!
Don’t Go It Alone
Since purchasing a home is a very involved process, the guidance of a knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent is crucial to protect your interests. As an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) I have not only completed the required curriculum but I have also satisfied the practical experience requirements. My past experience working successfully with buyers is well documented. Please take the time to read some Testimonials from buyers I have worked with in the past.
Contact me today to find out how I can put my experience and expertise to work for you!