Our job is to be your guide throughout your Home Buying process. Whether this is your first purchase, or your 10th, you have enough to worry about without adding stress from the technical details. Allow our team of trusted advisers to make the process as easy as possible for you and your family. 

The general steps in the buying process will be determined by the contract deadlines. It will usually take 30-45 days from contract to close to complete the process. 

• Discuss agency relationships and select your buyer’s agent to represent your interests.
• Become pre-approved with a mortgage lender as this will help determine your price range and make you a more attractive buyer when making an offer.
• Begin your search for a new home. If you have a home to sell, it is best to begin this search before your existing home in under contract.
• Discuss your needs. Make sure your agent fully understands what type of home will best suit you and your family.
• Make an offer!
• Follow your agent’s guidance through the due diligence of the contract process.
• Learn all about the neighborhood and city that you are about to live in.
• Make preliminary moving plans with regards to utilities, insurance policies, schools and moving day.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, buying a home is an exciting process. However, there’s also a lot to consider when you decide to buy. So before you begin your search for the perfect property, here are four questions you should ask yourself. 

What do I want? Take the time to figure out what type of property you want to buy. From single-family and multi-family homes to condos and co-ops, there are many different options on the market and it’s important to choose the type that best fits your needs. Figuring out the town or neighborhood you want to live in is equally important. While a property might have all of the amenities you’re looking for, factors like crime rate and proximity to highways can impact the overall home-owning experience. A good idea is to list out and prioritize your needs (e.g. large backyard, great school system) before you begin your search.

What can I afford? The rule of thumb is that you should never spend more than 30% of your monthly income on a mortgage payment. An alternate rule states that you can afford to buy a property that runs about two-and-a-half times your annual salary. For a more tailored look at what you can afford, use an online mortgage calculator to see what your monthly mortgage payments would be if you bought a home today. 

Am I financially prepared? A few months before you start searching for a home, review your credit history and make sure it is in good standing. Get copies of your credit report, ensure that it’s accurate, and fix any issues you discover. It’s likely that you’ll also want to get pre-approved for a home loan, which will put you in a better position to make a serious offer once you find the right property. Pre-approval from a lender is based on your credit history, debt, and income.

How do I make the best bid possible? Do your research! Your opening bid should be based on the sales trends of similar homes in the area. So before making your opening bid, get online and review the selling prices of comparable properties. If these properties sold for less than the current asking price of the home you’re looking at, you can feel comfortable make a bid that’s slightly lower than what the seller is asking.

Don't forget to check out some of the hints and tips taken straight from our comprehensive and informative Buyer's Guide. Check out the links to these hints and tips for more information.

Would you like a complete copy of the Guide? Simply complete this form to get one today!

First Time Home Buyer? Renting and Want to Own? Searching for a Second Home?  The home buying process can seem daunting at first, and many people don’t know where to start. Our goal is to bridge the educational gap between the consumer and the process of buying a home so that they are better informed and can make better decisions. We have preferred mortgage lending partners that offer specialized programs that can provide you with terms that meet your financial and real estate goals. Our lending partners will make sure that potential home buyers understand all of the options available to them on the financial side, as well as the real estate side, so that they can put themselves and their families in the best position for their future. 

Interested in Investing in Real Estate? We have worked with many investors who buy and sell properties for rental income and investors looking for opportunities to remodel homes for profit. We offer connections to referral partners in the lending, construction, insurance and investment industries that can assist you in making the best investment decision for you!

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Considering selling or refinancing your home? Get an INSTANT property valuation now!

Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!