Home Buying Process

Home Buying Steps / Process:

Step 1 – Getting Pre-Approved Prior to Shopping for a Home

It’s obviously important to know how much home you can afford, what type of down payment to budget for, monthly mortgage payment as well as what type of loan program you’ll be using to finance the new property.

Certain mortgage loans have residence type, HOA, appraisal or insurance restrictions that your agent needs to be aware of prior to showing you listings.

A personalized strategy session with a trusted mortgage professional should address all of your initial loan approval questions, as well as uncover any potential challenges that can complicate the entire transaction.

Step 2 – Assembling Your Home Buying Team – Knowing The Players

The home buying process has many steps, participating parties and potential challenges that can be overcome with the right team on your side.

Your agent, attorney, title company, insurance agent and lender all have important roles to play.

Buying a new home is literally a team sport since there are so many tasks, important timelines, documents and responsibilities that all need special care and attention.

Besides working with a professional team that you trust, it’s important that the individual players have the ability to effectively communicate and execute on important decisions together as well.

Step 3 – Purchase Offer Submitted

Assuming that you’ve already been given a mortgage approval and have a firm understanding of the type of property you are qualified to purchase, your agent will submit your purchase offer to a listing agent or seller.

Once you receive an accepted offer, the due-diligence period starts a series of timelines for final mortgage approval, appraisal, inspections and other requirements which would be spelled out in the terms of the contract.

Step 4 – Conditions and Paperwork

It comes in from all angles at this point, lenders, processors, insurance agents, sellers, real estate agents…. and the list can go on.

Step 5 – Closing

A successful closing requires all of the team players to come together at the same time, with the same agenda, on the same date…. with numbers and figures that match.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Simple economics is the rule of thumb here.

Everyone wants to “buy low and sell high,” but the truth of the matter is there is no way that can happen for everyone, every time.

Seller’s Market = More buyers than sellers

Buyers Market = More sellers than buyers

The Earnest Money Deposit is credited back towards the buyer’s closing costs and/or down payment.

Any additional funds are given back to the buyer from the escrow company.

Some mortgage programs require a borrower to get a home inspection if it is mentioned in the purchase contract.

Either way, there are several reasons why it is important for a home buyer to have a licensed professional take a closer look at a property before the transaction is finalized.

A Home Owner Association may have the power to determine the color of your home, the number of pets you have and the type of grass you have to plant.

They also may have the power to levy assessments, dues and fines.

Or, they may be as simple as collecting a few dollars per year to make sure the grass is cut in the common areas.