Step 1
You probably want to check out the market yourself – online.
That’s smart.
You can do that on this site.
( Click on “Search for your Dream Home”)
Step 2
Find a Loan Officer.
( I can help you find a great one, someone who will find the best program to fit your unique situation.)
Discover what home price you can afford and what the monthly payment would be.
How much cash will you need to close?
A good loan officer will present different types of loans to consider.
Be honest and up front.
Don’t conceal anything.
It will come back to bite you.
Step 3
Find a Realtor.
THAT WOULD BE ME!
My job is to find your dream home and help you negotiate your best deal.
You tell me everything you want in your dream home.
Price
Location
# of bedrooms
# of bathrooms
# of dining areas
# of living areas
special rooms?
approximate square footage
garage?
Fence?
lot size
pool?
Schools?
What else?
Based on your criteria, we will search and go looking.
I can email you listings to choose from on a continuing basis.
If our search is not working, we can discuss new possibilities.
Step 4
We’re Looking Now.
Don’t worry, I am available nights and weekends.
Communication.
Tell me what you like and don’t like about the homes we see.
If you like a particular neighborhood, let me know.
If you see a home you like with a FOR SALE sign, write the address down.
I will look it up.
I will show you as many homes as it takes to find your dream home.
Your dream home IS out there.
Step 5
DREAM HOME FOUND – Make the Offer!
This is no time to dilly-dally.
You could lose your opportunity.
I will do a CMA (comparative market analysis).
This will inform you if the home is competitively priced.
The terms of your financing will influence the offer.
Together we will determine the best offer.
All terms of the offer will be explained.
Closing is normally in 30 days + or -.
You must sign the offer.
You must write your earnest money check.
The pre-approval letter from your lender will be submitted.
Step 6
Negotiating the Offer.
If the seller accepts your offer, we have a binding contract.
If the seller counters your offer, you can accept their terms or send a counter offer back.
Everything is negotiable.
I will help you throughout the process.
Once we have agreed, the contract and earnest money go to the title company.
If we cannot agree, we walk away and start again.
But, let’s say we have agreed.
Step 7
Inspections
The contract will include an option period, normally 7 days.
You have 7 days to hire an inspector, have the inspection, and negotiate repairs.
If repairs cannot be agreed upon, you can give written notice of termination of contract, walk away, and receive your earnest money back.
Hopefully, we can agree and are continuing with the sale.
Step 8
Between Inspection and Close
Your first job is to comply with all of the demands of your loan officer.
The loan officer will need all types of paperwork from you.
Please locate these items quickly and deliver them.
Your second job is to procure homeowners’ insurance.
If your auto insurance carrier also has homeowners’ insurance,
this is a great starting place.
Normally you receive a discount for having your auto and home insurance
with the same agency.
Shop around.
Your agent will send all of the paperwork to the title company.
You will settle up at closing.
Your third job is to arrange for the utilities to be turned on in your name.
I will make sure you have the names of the utility companies and phone #s.
Once the seller has completed the repairs,
we can do a walk through and ask for paid invoices.
We can go back and take measurements and/or show your family the home.
Step 9
Closing
This will take place at the title company named on the contract.
Once the mortgage papers are received at the title company,
a settlement statement is prepared.
The settlement statement will tell you the exact amount of money
you need to bring to closing.
(Your loan officer will have already given you an estimate.)
The funds must be in a money order or cashiers check.
After all parties have signed, your mortgage company must approve the contract again and wire the funds to the title company.
When the loan has been funded, you get the keys!
Hallelujah!
I guarantee you will find
Freedom,
Power,
& Self Expression
in owning your own home.
Congratulations. |