BUYING FROM
A TO Z
REMEMBER: The home-buying process can vary based on your specific circumstances. Working closely with a trusted real estate agent and seeking professional advise will help you navigate through each step successfully.
BUYER'S
GUIDE
Buying a home is a significant financial and personal decision. To ensure a successful home purchase, it’s important to approach the process with careful planning and consideration. Here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide for purchasing a home.
REFINED LIVING
BUYER'S GUIDE
Own the home of your dreams. Let our guide inform you of the important details that go into the purchasing process.
OWN YOUR
DREAM HOME
Write down everything you’re looking and what makes the perfect house for you and your family!
Take note of your must haves and wants.
FINDING THE
PERFECT AGENT
Hiring the right real estate agent is a vital part of the home buying journey. Let’s break down how a buyer’s agent can help you along the process.
- Works & negotiates for YOU, not the seller's best interests.
- Has access to available properties not syndicated to sites like Zillow and Trulia.
- Can schedule, on your behalf, to tour properties on days and times that work for you.
- Navigates legal contracts to ensure you are being taken care of, not taken advantage of, when purchasing a home
- Stays aware of ever-changing local and federal laws that are pertinent to home buying.
- Helps you negotiate the best price and best terms so you aren't overpaying for a home.
- Buyer's agents don't collect commission from you - that is already negotiated with the seller's agent and seller. There are no out-of-pocket costs to hire a professional.
BUYING
VS. RENTING
Have you noticed how much rental rates have been growing in your market? It may be the right time to considering purchasing a home instead of renting.
With a booming housing market and a strong economic atmosphere, rental rates have been increasing at an alarming speed. This makes purchasing a home more sensible than renting in our current market conditions. With low mortgage rates, monthly payments on your own home instead of a rental can be considerably cheaper. Home ownership also comes with the bonus of equity, personal space you can decorate and renovate without limitations, no hindrance on having pets, and the potential to net more money from your home when you choose to sell in a strong market.
Today’s market conditions create the perfect time to consider purchasing. If you wait too long, the increasing interest rates can make a difference on your monthly payment by hundreds, or thousands, of dollars.
READY, SET,
MOVE
When your move in date is near, you’ll want to make sure to collect the proper information for the home to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Electricity Company
- Gas Company
- Elementary School
- Alarm System Company
- Trash Company
- Trash Pick-up Days
- Middle School
- Mailbox Location and Number
- Water Company
- Sewage Company
- High School
- Cable and Internet Company
Step 1:
Find the perfect real estate agent
Evaluate your finances, assess how much you can afford to spend on a home, and get pre-approved for a mortgage
Step 2:
Determine your budget
Seek a knowledgable and reputable buyer’s agent who can assist you in finding suitable properties, negotiating and navigating through the home-buying process
Step 3:
Define your wants and needs
Make a list of your must-have features (e.g., number of bedrooms, location, amenities) and preferences (e.g., yard size, open floor plan, finishes) to guide your search
Step 4:
Secure financing
Finalize your mortgage application, compare loan options, and select the most suitable lender and loan terms that best suits your situation. Ensure you understand all associated costs and requirements.
Step 5:
Begin house hunting
Search for homes within your budget and desired location. Attend open houses, explore online listings, and rely on your agent’s expertise to identify potential matches.
Step 6:
Make an offer
Work with your agent to prepare a competitive offer that considers market conditions, recent comparable sales, and any contingencies you may need, such as a home inspection or appraisal.
Step 7:
Negotiate and perform due diligence
Be prepared for potential counteroffers and to negotiate the terms of the sale. Review all relevant documents, such as the seller’s disclosures and title reports, and address any concerns or issues that arise.
Step 8:
Conduct thorough inspections
Once you find a home you’re interested in and are officially under contract, arrange for professional inspections to assess the properties condition, including structure, systems, termites, and pool if applicable to help identify any potential issues.
Your agent can then work with you to negotiate repair requests for items you’d prefer be taken care of by the seller.
Step 9:
Complete the closing process
Once your offer is accepted, work with your agent and a real estate attorney or escrow company to finalize the necessary paperwork, secure title insurance, and coordinate the closing timeline.
Step 10:
Close the purchase
Attend the closing meeting to review and sign all documents, pay the closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys to your new home!
