First Time Home Buyers
Are You Ready to be a Homeowner?
The dream of home ownership can be exciting, and we you want your property purchase to be a smooth and happy experience. With that, our team’s job is to set the proper expectations when it comes to the financial and mental responsibilities that come with purchasing your first home.
The Home Buying and Search Process
Step 1 – Buyers Consultation:
- Is now the right time?
- How long are you planning on living in your next home?
- Consider the benefits/drawbacks to owning a home.
Step 2 – Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage:
- How much can you afford?
- What are the different loan programs available (FHA, VA, Conventional)?
- Make sure your credit is in good shape.
Step 3 – Find your dream home:
- What kind of home do you want (Detached, Attached, Condo, etc.)?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms are you looking for?
- Are nearby school districts important?
- Your agent will take you to view one home and after that, you will sign the Buyers Representation Agreement. This is so your agent can designate time on their calendar to help find you a home.
Step 4 – Submit Offer:
- Submit your offer on a home after the 3rd viewing.
- If an offer from a previous showing was not accepted, you and your agent can view more homes.
- The typical number of homes that are viewed before submitting an offer and entering into contract is between 6 to 10.
Step 5 – The Escrow Process:
- Home inspection: Costs between $350 – $600.
- Pest inspection: Costs between $100 – $200.
- Sewer inspection: Costs between $200 – $350. – This is recommended for houses built before 1980 or with lots of trees.
- Reviewing disclosure documents.
- Ordering the appraisal: Costs between $500 – $750 plus a $150 rush fee, which is needed in the current market.
- Securing Financing.
Step 6 – Closing:
- The final walk through of the home.
- Scheduling the move.
- Changing over the utility services.
