Steps To Buying Your Ideal Home
By Valerie Applebaum, REALTOR
Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, the homebuying process can be daunting. Not only does the housing market change from season to season, but the process of searching for a house, making an offer, and working towards closing evolves over time.
For any homebuyer, the first objective is to account for your current financial situation, needs in a new home, and decide what features and amenities are most important in a property. Before you start touring houses, study your local real estate market to get a better grasp of what’s available and within your budget.
Many homebuyers wonder when the best time is to purchase a property. The absolute best time to start looking for a house is when you’re ready, both financially and personally. The most important rule of thumb is to wait to start house hunting until you’re in a position to confidently make an offer and ready to move.
The following list outlines the step-by-step process of purchasing a home:
1. Hire an Experienced Realtor
2. Obtain Mortgage Pre-Approval
3. Determine time frame, needs, and price range
4. View properties
5. Review Comparative Market Analysis
6. Submit Offer on Chosen Home
7. Negotiate Price and Terms
8. Obtain Legal Representation
9. Sign Purchase Agreement/Contract
10. Submit Loan Application
11. Conduct Home Inspections
12. Negotiate issues found in inspections if necessary
13. Final Mortgage Approval
14. Final Walk Through
15. Closing
16. MOVE IN AND CELEBRATE!
