8 Key Steps of Homebuying 

1. Define your needs.
   Before you go out house hunting for the first time, it's a good idea come up with a game plan.  With all the homes  that you may end up seeing, it´s best to organize your search so you don´t get confused.  This can be done with  your agent, or on your own.First, define what kind of homes you are interested in, and exclude types you would not be interested in.  Sounds simple, but most people skip this simple step.  Second, establish which neighborhoods would best suit your desires and needs.  Next, divide your lists into negotiable and non-negotiable items, such as community amenities, and features you would like to have in your new home The more refined your list is, the more effective your home search will be, although after you begin looking this list may change a bit or a lot.  But it helps to have focus.    
   
   
2. Get prequalified or preapproved by a lender.
   Now that you idea of where your home search is headed, you need to find out what you can afford. It's heartbreaking to fall in love with a home, only to find out that it is out of your price range.  Avoid this heartache by knowing what you can qualify for before proceeing with your search.  There are two ways to go about this: prequalification or preapproval.  In most markets, preapproved buyers are preferred by sellers over those who are pre-qualified. If you don´t already have a lender, I refer you to one that I have worked with in the past.  Your preapproved status lets the seller know: * You have gone through an extensive financial background check. * A lender is willing to do business with you. * The likelihood of unexpected obstacles regarding financing is minimal.
   
   
3. Let the house hunting begin!
   Now you are ready to look at homes!  The most efficient route is to allow your real estate agent do the initial scouting for you. Using your wish list as a guide, I will alert you of new and existing listings that match your list. I can email these results right to your inbox, where you can review them at your convenience.  Don´t have email?  I can set up a private webpage for you to review your listings, or I can fax listings to you, or I can simply give you a call when I see there is something new that may meet your needs.   When you find a listing you like, I can arrange home tours at your convenience.
   
   
4. Make an offer.
   When you're ready to make an offer on a home, I will help you determine the offer price by reviewing recent sales of homes in the surrounding area of similar size, quality and amenities. With this information and input from you, I will then draft a contract that outlines what needs to be done by both parties to execute the transaction. Always remember, if the seller accepts the offer, the document becomes a binding legal agreement, so it is imperative that you speak up if anything is not clear to you before signing on the dotted line.  Never be afraid to speak up and ask questions, as I am more than happy to explain anything you don´t understand. If the seller changes any aspect of the offer, it is not a binding legal agreement until you, the buyer agrees to the seller's changes.
   
   
5. Strike a deal.
   In most instances in today´s market, the seller will not accept your first offer, but they will make a counteroffer. This is where my experience in negotiations will be invaluable to you. Keep in mind almost everything is negotiable when you are buying a house, but it´s also important to remember that bargaining is not always a winner-take-all situation. It involves compromise and mutual respect from both parties Some items you may negotiate:
   * Price
   * Financing
   * Closing costs
   * Move-in date
   * Repairs
   * Appliances and fixtures
   * Landscaping
   * Painting
   
   
6. Prepare for the closing.
   When an offer is accepted, it becomes a binding legal agreement.  After that point, is where most of the work takes place.  I will help you tackle the checklist of action items that you, as the buyer, have agreed to perform prior in order to get to closing. Depending on the contact, this is typically when you will:
   * Conduct a home inspection.
   * Get an appraisal and finalize your financing.
   * Secure title insurance.
   * Shop for a home warranty.
   * Order termite inspection.
   * Secure home owner's insurance to begin after closing.
   
   Having these procedures done in a timely and professional manner is a must, as often there are time limits established in the contract, and delays could threaten a successful closing. I serve as your "one-stop shopping" referral source for service providers and I also help coordinate activities and make sure the vendors have access to the property to perform their jobs.
   
   
7. Last Minute Items
   A few days before your closing date, your lender will send a final closing statement that outlines your closing costs, if applicable. I will review this document with you to ensure its accuracy, as well as help you gather any necessary documentation that you'll need to bring to closing.   At this point we will also check with your lender to make sure that you loan has been approved and that they have all the paperwork they need. 
   
   
   
8. Close the deal
   Congratulations! Your big day has arrived!  The closing is where home ownership is legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Closing procedures usually are held at the title company's or lawyer's office. The closing officer will coordinate all the document-signing and the collection and disbursement of funds.  After papers are signed, you will be handed the keys to your new home.  Now it´s time for the biggest job of all-moving in!