How to Buy A Home
(A step-by-step guide)
This guide to the home buying process will help you understand what to expect when buying a new home, condo or townhouse. Contact Julie at Coral Shores Realty if you have any questions about the process or if you'd like to get started searching for your dream home.
1 - Choose Your Realtor
When searching for a realtor, you want someone who is available and responsive. A realtor can guide you through the buying process and negotiate and on your behalf to ensure you get the best possible price on your dream home. Let's connect today!
4 - Submit An Offer
Submitting the right offer can make all the difference. Let me guide you through the process and help you put together an offer that will get noticed. From determining a property's value to negotiating terms, we'll work together to secure your dream home.
7 - Loan Commitment
Now that your offer is accepted, it is customary to submit a deposit called earnest money. We will have a certain amount of time to finalize your mortgage details and secure your home loan.
10 - Appraisal
The lender will order an appraisal to assess the value of the property based on several factors. The reason for the appraisal is to ensure that the property is not worth less than the mortgage amount.
13 - Final Walkthrough
During the final walkthrough, usually on closing day or one day prior, we will thoroughly inspect the property to confirm that all agreed-upon repairs have been made, and that the property is clean and in the condition you expected.
2 - Get Pre-Qualified
If you're ready to start shopping for your dream home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential. If you're already pre-approved, that's great, lets start looking at homes today. If not, I can help you get connected with a lender who can get you pre-approved!
5 - Negotiations
Sometimes the seller will make a counter offer. You can either accept it, or respond with your own counter offer. We will work together to negotiate the best possible price and terms for your property, ensuring that your goals and needs are met.
8 - Home Inspection
A Home Inspection is recommended as it may uncover issues that were not immediately apparent. It can also be used as a negotiation tool, allowing buyers to request repairs or a price reduction if needed.
11 - Home Insurance
For your protection and also to protect the lender's interest, you will need to ensure you have the proper insurance coverage for your new home. This will need to be completed prior to closing day and is a loan requirement.
14 - Closing Day
At closing, all documentation will be reviewed and signed by buyer and seller, and any remaining funds will be transferred to complete the sale. Congratulations, you are a home owner!!
3 - Start Home Shopping
Start your home search online. I can set you up for automated email notifications of properties that meet your criteria. As soon as a property hits the MLS, it will go straight to your inbox. Simply let me know when you'd like to see one and we can schedule a showing.
6 - Executed Contract
Congratulations, your offer has been accepted! Now that both parties have signed the contract, we will begin the final steps of buying your new home. As we move towards closing, I will be there to guide your through the next steps in the process.
9 - Post Inspection Negotiations
After a home inspection, there may be additional negotiations that need to take place between the buyer and seller to address any issues that were found. This could be in the form of repairs or a price reduction.
12 - Title Insurance
Title insurance is a one-time fee that provides protection against any title problems that would prevent free and clear ownership, such as unknown liens and encumbrances, fraudulent claims of ownership, and errors in public records.
Contact
Let's connect! I can't wait to meet you.