The Process
Steps To Take When Buying A Home
So you’re interested in buying a home? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just need a word of advice, here are the ins and outs of everything you should know when in the process of buying a home:
Get Pre-Approved or Pre-Qualified
Before a person begins the process of buying a house he or she will need to know what they can afford. Typically this comes down to how much of a loan he or she can obtain. One route to take is to get pre-qualified. The pre-qualification process is one in which a mortgage company interviews the home buyer and asks questions about the individual’s finances, including debts. Pre-approval is yet another option that is available. For pre-approval, a credit check is run and the amount of available down payment is taken into consideration. The lender also looks at any owed debt and if the person is a first time home buyer. This results in an estimated pre-approved amount that is typically favored over pre-qualification.
Decide On A Location
Often people choose a location-based off of factors such as family and work. Although a person may have a general idea of where he or she would like to own a home, it is important to consider all of the options. Urban areas are generally in the city while suburban areas are located at the outskirts of the city. People with families may appreciate the suburban areas, which generally have more schools and larger homes and yards. Urban areas are typically more expensive, but because they are at the heart of the city there are more activities, culture, and restaurants. Small towns and rural areas located outside of large cities are also an option and offer more sedate living than larger more urban areas. A person should visit potential locations keeping in mind his or her family’s lifestyle and commute.
Choose A Real Estate Agent
You’ve decided to buy a house and you are pre-approved. Now it’s time to choose an agent. We will make this really easy for you….choose us! We are dedicated to working in your best interest as a buyer. Helping you through the process with everything from showing houses to the negotiations of a contract. We work for you!
Visit Available Properties
You are pre-approved and you have called us to help you find a house. Now it is time to view available homes in the area. Of the steps to buy a house, this is often one of the most enjoyable. As your agents, we will locate and screen homes for you the buyer and present you with the options that best match the criteria you need.
Making The Offer
Once we have helped you find the perfect home, it is time to make an offer on the property. This is an area in which we as agents are invaluable. Working with you and comparing similar properties that have sold in the area, together, we will come up with an offer. We as agents will draft a contract that is agreeable to you the homebuyer. The contract will include the price of the offer, as well as terms that the seller and the buyer will need to meet in order to achieve a successful transaction. We will ensure that the contract meets all of the necessary legal requirements.
Closing The Deal
Once the offer is made and accepted, we will work with you and help with scheduling the home inspection, work with the lender for appraisal purposes, and walk you through everything you will need on the closing day. Remember, we work for you and want to help you make this transaction as smooth as possible.
READY TO SEARCH?
We’re ready to help you buy or sell your house in Gardendale, Fultondale, Morris, Kimberly, and surrounding areas.