1. Determine what you can afford
Consider what your monthly payments are today and what they will be after you purchase a home. Key factors include income, debt, credit score and closing cost.
2. To get pre-approved
Getting pre-approved means that a lender has reviewed your income, expenses, and credit report and has agreed to loan you a set amount for a mortgage.
3. Search for a Home
Checking online is a fast and convenient way to search for homes. It may also help to drive through neighborhoods you’re interested in.
4. Find a Realtor
Most first-time buyers work with a real estate agent. An experienced agent has represented numerous buyers in the past and can be your advocate throughout the process.
5. Visit open houses and tour homes
Visiting homes in person can help you identify the features that are most important to you.
6. Submit an offer
Your agent can help prepare your offer, which includes your offer price, obtaining disclosures, and establishing a closing timeline.
7. Get a Home Inspection
A thorough home inspection will help you identify any issues with the home and determine whether there are repairs that need to be addressed.
8. Get an Appraisal
An appraisal is an estimate as to the value of your home from a professional appraiser. Lenders require an appraisal prior to issuing a mortgage.
9. Renegotiate
If problems arise during the inspection period, you may be able to renegotiate the home’s purchase price to account for any repairs that need to be made.
10. Close the Sale
On closing day, all parties will sign the papers officially sealing the deal, and ownership of the property will be transferred to you.
To see how much you could save when you buy or sell a home with us use this handy calculator.