Buying a home is one of life’s biggest and most important decisions.
Purchasing a home is one of the best investments one can make, but it’s not something to take lightly. Whether buying your first home, or even if you consider yourself fairly real estate savvy, it always helps to have a sharp, thorough professional Realtor® to assist you in the process. The best part is that you don’t have to pay for the services of a Realtor® when buying your home, so why not take advantage of the expertise of an experienced agent like Scott?
If you are a first time buyer, or if it’s been a while since you’ve made a real estate purchase, the outline below should help you understand the process a little better. Don’t think you can afford to buy a home, or think your credit isn’t good enough to be approved for a home loan? You’d be surprised at how easy it can be with a little help from a seasoned professional.
Step 1- Initial Consultation (10-15 minutes)
– Talk with Scott about your needs and priorities
– If you need financing, we will discuss various financing options
Step 2- Secure Financing (1-3 business days)
– Select a lender(s) & consult with a loan officer(s)
– Complete a home loan application
– Obtain your loan pre-qualification letter to submit with any offer(s)
– Stay in contact with your loan officer, submit all necessary documents
Step 3- Find your new home (1 day to however long it takes)
– Scott will provide you with a customized home search for immediate access to homes that meet your criteria
– Scott will show you the properties that you select to view
– Evaluate each property with Scott to choose the right home for you
Step 4- Writing the offer (1-2 hours)
– Scott acquires sales data on comparable homes in the area, and information about if other offers are present
– Review this data together with Scott to determine a strategy for the offer price and terms
– Review the offer with Scott and sign all necessary documents
Step 5- Presenting the Offer (few hours to a few days)
– Scott presents your offer to purchase to the listing broker
– Scott will assist you in interpreting and evaluating any counter offer made by the seller
– Scott negotiates on your behalf to protect your interests, to get you the best deal possible
Step 6- Contract is made (1 day or so)
– Reach an agreement with seller on price and terms of purchase
– Earnest money transferred to listing broker, who deposits it in their trust account
– This money is later applied to your closing costs/prepaids/purchase price, or in some cases all or part may come back to you in the form of a check at closing
Step 7- Carrying out the contract (14 to 60 days, depending on financing type)
– Order all necessary and desired inspections (Whole house or E.M.P., structural, termite, mold, radon, etc.)
– Scott submits an T.R.R. (Treatments, Repairs, & Replacements) request to seller for repairs if necessary
– Seller obtains estimates and then repairs are negotiated between buyer and seller
– Lender will order the appraisal of the home
– Secure insurance on the home, setup transfer of utilities into your name
– Re-inspections and final walk-through of the home with Scott
– Review title report, settlement statement with Scott prior to closing
– Closing-bring ID & cashier’s check (or send wire) for down payment/closing costs, if applicable
– Mortgage company will fund the remaining purchase amount
– Title is transferred
– You receive the keys to your new home, and move in!
If you have any questions regarding the purchase timeline, or how selling a home fits into the timeline, contact Scott.