Buying property can be a bit overwhelming and one of the best things that will help during the process is to be organized! With the tips and steps below, this will help you stay on task to find your home!
- Get paperwork in order before you contact a mortgage lender. Check your credit so you know where it’s at. Gather paystubs, bank statements, tax documents, and any liquid assets. You will need these to get preapproved for a loan.
- Shop for mortgage lenders and get pre-approved. If you don’t have a lender, click on this link for guidance. Contact a few to see who will offer you the best rate and terms. By doing this, it will gauge how much of a loan you will be able to take out. Also, down the line, when putting in an offer, sellers will want to see that you are able to afford the home and you are serious.
- Determine your needs verses your wants in your purchase. Make your own check list and make several copies for when you start to view places.
- Decide what neighborhood you want to live in. If you have several, try to narrow it down by for what best suits your needs: commute times to work, schools if applicable, closeness to things you need (Public transportation, grocery, restaurants, shops). If you are still having trouble, or are new to the city, do not hesitate to ask me for a personal tour.
- When you start to view properties, make sure you are 100% honest with me. If a feature of a home is a complete deal breaker, let me know. By doing this, you will not waste your time looking at places that will not suit you.
- While viewing homes, do not be afraid to ask questions! This is probably one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. The more information you gather the more informed decision you will make. Take diligent notes and take photographs of the places you view, so you remember what you liked or didn’t like.
- You find your dream home! Make an offer! I will be there to guide you through the whole negotiation of purchase price.
- Time for the inspection. This is when the home is thoroughly gone through with a fine-toothed comb to see if there was anything missed from when you viewed the home. You do not want any surprises once you move in! The inspection will also bring up any items that need to be re-negotiated if need be with the sellers. If you do not have an inspector, click on this link for inspectors which I have done business with and know to be detailed and thorough in their home inspections.
- Final walkthrough. This is generally done the day before or sometimes the day of closing. This is when you and I will be able to go through the home before closing.
- Closing. The last step of your real estate transaction. This is when the property is transferred from seller to buyer.
- GET YOUR KEYS!!! CONGRATUALTIONS ON YOUR NEW HOME!! Now, the task of moving in!!!!
