STEPS TO PURCHASING A HOME

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process. From financing to negotiating to closing, there are a lot of moving pieces that can leave homebuyers bewildered. 

A professional real estate agent can help guide you through each step of the buying process, offering sound advice along the way. By working with an agent who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry, you’ll not only end up with a great home, but you’ll also walk away with a great experience.

Here are some of the key areas that your agent can help you with:

1. Finding the right agent — While technology has certainly simplified life, certain processes still rely heavily on the human element. A real estate transaction is one of the most serious financial moves a person will ever make. That’s why it’s paramount to hire a professional to help guide you along the way. A professional Realtor will have the training, knowledge, and resources to ensure that your transaction goes as smoothly as possible. Always remember that if you have not signed a buyer representation agreement with a Realtor, then that agent is working on behalf of the seller 100% of the time. 
2. Getting pre-approved by a lender — By providing your Realtor with some basic information about your income, savings, and debt, he or she can assist you in getting pre-approved by a reputable lender. The lender will then go over your financing options, what monthly payment amount you can afford, and what you can expect for down payment requirements and closing costs.
3. Choosing a home — For most buyers, choosing a home is an emotional process. A good agent will assist you in this process by offering objective information about each property you look at. From local community information like schools and zoning to home-specific details like condition and amenities, an agent can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
4. Making an offer — Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, your agent will research recent comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help determine a fair selling price. Based on those comparable sales, as well as other factors like inspections and repairs, an agent will then help you structure an offer and negotiate to get the very best deal possible.
5. Preparing for closing — Okay, your offer has been accepted. Time to close, right? Not so fast! There are countless things that must happen both in front of the scenes and behind them before you can make it to the closing table. From option & earnest money handling, inspections, appraisals, repair negotiations, clearing underwriting, obtaining insurance, putting in notices, prepping movers, obtaining utilities, and completing your final walk through, your Realtor will be with you each step of the way to guide you.
6. Closing — Closing, or settlement, can be a complicated process. In some areas, the escrow or title company handles the closing process, while in other areas an attorney handles it. Regardless of where you’re buying, a Realtor can help ensure that everything goes as it’s supposed to. When everything goes as it should, this is the victory celebration. Enjoy this moment, because you have just bought yourself a new home! 

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