The Buying Process
The Road Map to Home Ownership
It's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when you're starting the home-buying journey. My goal is to make this an exciting, smooth and fun experience for you. We'll work together, and I'll personally guide you through each part of the process, from our first meeting all the way to getting your keys!
#1. Let's Connect and Define Your Dream Home
The first step to finding your new home is to meet for a consultation. This is our chance to get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for, and for me to answer all your questions about the home-buying process. We'll talk about your must-haves and nice-to-haves, so I can get a clear picture of your ideal home.
#2. Get Pre-Qualified and Determine Your Budget
Before we start looking, it's essential to understand your buying power. I can connect you with trusted mortgage partners who will help you find the best financing options for you. They’ll work with you to find a loan that fits your needs. To get started, you'll need to provide documents like W2s, tax returns, and pay stubs.
#3. Let the Home Hunt Begin!
This is where the fun starts! Based on the criteria we discussed, I'll set you up with custom listing alerts. When a home that meets your needs comes on the market, you'll be the first to know. Once you find a few you love, we'll schedule showings and/or attend open houses.
#4. Found "The One"? Let's Make an Offer!
When you find the perfect place, we'll put together a strong offer to present to the seller. We'll work together to get your offer accepted. Keep in mind that while we'll do our best, offers can sometimes be rejected. But don't worry, we'll navigate this together and find the right home for you.
#5. Offer Accepted!
Once your offer is accepted, we'll open escrow. Escrow is a neutral third party that manages the transaction and ensures a smooth closing. I'll keep you updated on the timeline and walk you through what to expect over the next 30 days or so.
#6. Inspections, Appraisal, and Securing Your Loan
During this phase, we'll have a home inspection to check for any major issues and an appraisal to determine the property's market value. This is also when your lender will finalize your loan. I'll be here to guide you through these steps and ensure everything stays on track..
Last but not least… #7. Closing & Celebration!
Congratulations! All the hard work has paid off. We've successfully navigated the process, and you've closed on your new home. Now it’s time to get your keys and, of course, celebrate this major milestone!
Frequently Asked Questions
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
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A pre-approval letter from a lender confirms how much money you can borrow when purchasing a home. It strengthens your position when making an offer as it demonstrates your financial readiness, and shows your serious. Think of the pre-approval letter as your golden ticket to start looking at homes. With a lender looking at your financial situation, it is hard to feel empowered and feel clear on what price point to look at.
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A home inspection is crucial as it helps identify potential issues or structural problems with the property. It provides an opportunity to negotiate repairs or adjust the offer based on the findings.
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Earnest money is a sum of money that you, as the buyer, are demonstrating your commitment to purchasing the house. Usually this is around 1% of the purchase price and is due shortly after an offer is accepted. This money is usually held by escrow, until the sale is finalized. The earnest money you provided will be applied toward the total cost of the house as apart of your down payment. Earnest money can become at risk if the buyer does not perform on certain contingencies of the contract.
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Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing the home purchase. They typically include loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, and more. Closing costs can range from 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.