Buying a home is intimidating for many people, but it's not that complicated with some up-front planning.
So you understand exactly what to expect, I like to supply my buyers with an outline of the entire deal.
Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home.
 |
 |
 |
When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or send e-mail to dboylan@donnaboylan.com. I'm happy to address questions you have about this information.
|
|
|
|
|
Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
There are a lot of things you should contemplate before commencing your home search.
When you start your search, you'll want to create a list of items you need to have, get a feeling for what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget.
A good principle to go by is that your mortgage payment should be no more than 1/3 of your monthly income.
Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent
This is where Donna Boylan, Keller Williams Consultants Realty can help.
I'd be happy to plan a time to meet with you and speak with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Dublin area.
I'll also help you start the loan process.
Donna Boylan, Keller Williams Consultants Realty works with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Dublin, so you're in great hands.
They can help you figure out which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.
Step 3 – Begin your search
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for available homes on the market that are a good fit for you.
I'll research many of the homes and ignore the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses when it's convenient for you.
When we tour houses, I'll point out positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and dislike.
It's pretty common for buyers to change their must-have list as we view homes and some things become far more crucial than others.
If such is the case, I'll look through the listings again and narrow it down to the home you've been wishing for.
Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
My awareness of the Dublin home market is an indispensable resource in your search. I am conscious of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I can communicate certain areas are "hot" and call for immediate action and others that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.
When we view homes, I'll let you know if the seller's list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell."
Every real estate agent in Dublin will claim to truly know the housing market, but trust your instincts, and make sure you ask a lot of questions.
If things don't add up, just call me at (614) 578-8513 or e-mail me at dboylan@donnaboylan.com, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.
Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
I know we'll find the house of your dreams in the Dublin area. When that happens, I'll precisely create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind, including some contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, finishing the inspection, and a clear title.
When we send in your offer, you'll probably need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's typically applied to the closing costs. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most contracts don't close on the beginning offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.
How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market conditions.
In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll assemble a deal that works well for you.
Step 7 – Obtain a loan
Once the deal is finalized, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan.
It shouldn't be a long process at all if you're pre-approved, but you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender.
And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will furnish you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining your closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your application.
This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.
Then it's time to close on your home. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and hassle-free occasion.
Step 9 – Move in
You made it! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, just contact me at (614) 578-8513 or send me an e-mail.
