What Are the Steps to Buying a Home?
Buying a home can be daunting, but it can be a smooth process with the proper guidance and information. In this article, we will review the steps associated with buying a home, from the initial consultation to being delivered the keys.
Getting Pre-approved
When considering buying a home, the first step in the journey is to determine your budget and potential financing options. This involves speaking with a local lender to evaluate which loan program works best for you. A real estate professional can provide you with names of lenders they have had success with and who are responsive and cost-effective.
Find a REALTOR
After getting pre-approved, it's time to choose a trusted local Real Estate professional to meet with to discuss the process in depth. During the consultation, your Real Estate professional will guide you through the process of clarifying your absolute needs from your preferences. This will help them better understand what is important to you and aid in their efforts to find the home that is best for you, saving you time and money.
Start your search
Once you have been educated in the process of buying a home and your criteria has been defined, let the search begin! A dedicated agent will use all available resources in finding a home for you, whether it be through the Multiple Listing Service, For Sale By Owner inventory, Expired listings, canvassing neighborhoods, or word of mouth. You want an agent on your side to be as relentless as you are in your search.
Make an offer
When you find the home of your dreams, it's time to write an offer that's competitive based on market conditions, trends, condition and quality of the home, as well as the various amenities it may have. Although your agent will advise you on price and terms that they believe best protects your interests, ultimately you will make the final decisions.
Under Contract
Homes often have defects that are not known to the seller and that are not clearly visible. You will want to protect your investment by hiring a certified inspector to investigate the working components and structure of the home. Should defects be found, your Real Estate professional will advise you of your various options and guide you to a reasonable resolution. During this time, your lender will order the appraisal, if applicable for your loan, to verify that the home’s value and condition meet the loan’s requirements. The lender will also order a title search to assure that that there are no liens, encumbrances, or claims against the property.
Get Ready to Close
Congratulations! Once the final loan approval is given, the closing date and time will be scheduled, and you can begin setting up utilities and arranging for the move. A final walkthrough should be strongly considered to ensure that everything is at the house that should be there, all possessions and debris are removed, the systems are functioning properly, the home is broom clean, and in the same condition as it was at the time of the offer, accepting reasonable use and wear.
Buying a home involves several steps, and having the right guidance and information is important to make the process smooth. A trusted local real estate professional can help you navigate your journey of finding the home that meets your needs, preferences, and budget. Buying a home can be a rewarding and exciting experience with proper planning, research, and guidance.
