THE BUYING PROCESS

​If you are considering buying a home, I recommend working with a real estate agent. An agent can help you find the perfect home, negotiate the best possible price, and make the entire home buying process easier.

• An agent can help you find homes that meet your needs and budget. Real estate agents have access to a wide range of properties that are not always available to the public. They can use their knowledge of the market to help you find homes that meet your needs and budget.

• An agent can negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible price. When you are buying a home, you are in a negotiation with the seller. An experienced real estate agent can help you negotiate the best possible price for your home.

• An agent can help you through the entire home buying process. The home buying process can be complex and time-consuming. An experienced real estate agent can help you through the entire process, from finding a home to closing on the deal.

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Talking to a mortgage lender before searching for homes can help you:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage, which shows sellers you're serious.

• Learn about different types of mortgages and interest rates.

• Get an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home.

I can refer you to the lenders I work with on a regular basis if you haven't chosen one, or if would like to shop around and ensure you have the best rates.

This is the part that is the most exciting. Searching for the right house can feel impossible, especially when there is low inventory.

Deciding it's the right home is a personal decision. Some people know right away when they've found the perfect home, while others need more time to decide. There's no right or wrong answer. It's important to trust your gut and go with what feels right for you.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if a home is right for you:

• Location: Is the home in a neighborhood that you like? Is it close to work, school, or other amenities that are important to you?

• Size: Is the home the right size for your needs? Do you have enough space for your family and belongings?

• Condition: Is the home in good condition? Do you need to make any major repairs or renovations?

• Price: Is the home priced within your budget?

• Feel: Does the home feel like a good fit for you? Do you feel comfortable and at peace in the home?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you've probably found the right home for you.

Your offer should include the purchase price, the down payment amount, and any contingencies (such as a home inspection or appraisal) as well as the closing date and any other relevant details. The seller may accept your offer, or they may counteroffer. You will need to negotiate until you reach an agreement on a price.

Once you and the seller have reached an agreement, be sure to get everything in writing. Your agent will do this part for you, and there may be some extra documents for you to sign, but be patient! These documents protect you legally.

The entire process of submitting an offer on a house can take anywhere from a day to a few weeks. It is important to be patient and work with your real estate agent to get the best outcome.

 

Most offers will have a home inspection contingency included in the contract, but occasionally it is omitted if you and your agent agree that your offer is more likely to be accepted without it. A home inspection contingency is a clause in the contract that allows you to have the home inspected by a professional before closing on the sale.

A home inspection is a professional assessment of the condition of a property. It is conducted by a licensed home inspector, who will look for any potential problems with the home's structure, roof, systems, appliances, and other features.

If the inspection reveals any major problems, you can either renegotiate the price of the home or walk away from the deal without penalty.

There are many perks to having a home inspection before closing on a property. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• Peace of mind: A home inspection can give you peace of mind knowing that you are buying a property that is in good condition. It can also help you to identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed before you move in.

• Negotiation leverage: If the home inspection reveals any significant problems, you may be able to use this information to negotiate a lower price on the property or to have the seller make repairs before closing.

• Disclosure: In some states, sellers are required to disclose any known defects in the property to potential buyers. However, not all sellers are honest, and a home inspection can help to ensure that you are aware of any potential problems before you buy the property.

• Prevention: A home inspection can help you to identify and address any potential problems before they cause major damage to the property. This can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your home inspection:

• Choose a qualified home inspector: Not all home inspectors are created equal. Do some research and choose an inspector who is licensed, insured, and has experience inspecting homes in your area.

• Be prepared for the inspection: The home inspector will need access to the entire property, so make sure to clear out any clutter and remove any pets from the home before the inspection.

• Ask questions: The home inspector should be able to explain any problems that they find and answer any questions that you have.

• Get everything in writing: Once the inspection is complete, you should receive a written report that details the findings of the inspection. This report will be an invaluable resource if you ever need to make a claim against the seller's warranty.

Your lender will make sure you are prepared financially for closing. Once you are cleared to close, your agent will schedule a final walkthrough. This is your chance to see the property before buying it and ensure the sellers have left it in good condition and completed any agreed-upon work. Be sure to note: 

• The overall condition of the property, including the exterior, interior, and any appliances or fixtures that are included in the sale.

• Any damage that may have occurred since the inspection, such as broken windows, holes in the walls, or damage to the flooring.

• Whether the seller has removed all of their belongings, including furniture, appliances, and personal items.

• Whether the seller has made any agreed-upon repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or repairing a damaged door.

If the buyer finds any problems during the final walkthrough, they should document them and notify the seller's agent immediately. The seller may be able to fix the issues before closing, or the buyer may be able to negotiate a lower price or other concessions.

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After the walkthrough is completed and everything has been negotiated (if needed), the last step is signing the papers. Your agent will schedule a closing appointment with a title company or lawyer. Make sure you bring your ID! The contract and financing paperwork will be explained and will take between a half hour and an hour. At the end, you will own your new home.