A Buyers Steps to Buying a Home

Everyone dreams of buying their first home. With your first home, it can be a very exciting and the nerves can get to everyone. If you know the expectations during the home buying process you will be more at ease during this lengthy process.

Setting a Budget

Before looking for a house, it is important to know how much house you can afford to buy. Costs to consider include the mortgage down payment, normal monthly expenses like cable, heat and utilities, home property taxes and any insurance costs. These will all have to be considered before buying a home as they are typically included with your mortgage statement. Your credit score determines the interest rate, having knowledge of your credit score ahead of time can help you decide if bluing a new home is affordable or now. An individual’s DTI or debt to income ratio must also fall between a certain level in order to achieve loan approval. After determining these things, and if you feel that buying a new home is in your budget, then its time to start the process!

Getting Pre-Qualified

Looking for a new mortgage, be sure to get several quotes from different banks and mortgage lenders. Banks and mortgage companies will offer different loan points or origination fees so shopping around will save you money. It is important to do your due diligence on the loan officer. After speaking to a few loan officers, you will know which one to choose and many have different years of experience which will be obvious over the phone or in person. When locking your rate, go online to make sure your getting the daily rate and its consistent what other banks and mortgage companies are offering. Rates will determine how much a home mortgage will cost monthly.

Finding The Right Home For You And Your Family

Once you have been qualified for a home mortgage, it’s time to locate the home you have always been looking for. First, locate a Real Estate Agent. Not just any Real Estate Agent will do. Make sure you have an expert realtor who has been around for a while and is knowledgeable about the area you are moving to. A well seasoned Realtor often times has seen many of the homes in your area on the market before and can help you spot a potential money pit before you buy it. Ensure that you make a list of needs and wants taking into consideration the amount of bedrooms you will require now and in the future, amenities, location and asking price. Remember, the first home you visit might be beautiful, but you should visit many homes before making a final decision.

Offer A Price

Typically, sellers try to to cushion their final sales price to leave room for negotiation. Buyer’s bid for a lower price, and typically the seller will counter the offer in the middle. Your real estate agent will take in consideration any issues concerning the property and make suggestions on financial compensation toward the sales price in the negotiation. Listen to your real estate agent closely because they do this everyday for a living. The average buyer only buys a home once every 7 years or so. An experienced Realtor will be able to help you negotiate a lower price that sometimes includes more money for closing costs. Their job is to be your advocate in the home buying process.

Home Inspections

Getting a home inspection is a vital part of the home buying process. These inspections ensure that the home’s foundation, ceiling, heating, electrical system, walls, plumbing and entryways are up to certain standards. Sometimes the bank will require a home inspection however; many times they leave it to the buyer to purchase their own. It is extremely important to protect yourself by getting a home inspection right away. You typically have 10 days from an accepted offer to get the home inspected. Many buyers have been saved from disaster by taking the time to spend the extra $200 – $400 to get a home inspection only to find out the house has major problems allowing them to back out of the contract before it is too late.

Home Owners Insurance Is Required

Mortgage Banks and Mortgage Lenders normally require that you purchase home owner insurance for your new home. Home owners policies will replace the costs to fix any damages that might happen to the home. The cost of how owners insurance is dependent on a home’s age, where the property is located and the home insurance company you choose. Like with the mortgage company be sure to get several quotes.

Closing

Before you can move into your new home, there is a closing process between the buyer and the seller. You must sign all the legal documents to transfer the title into your name and pay any closing costs or down payment that is owed. Once this is complete, the keys to your new house are given to you! You can move into your new home as soon as this is complete.