Buying or selling a home in Kearny?
Buying a home is a stressful event for a lot of people, but it's not that confusing with a bit of planning ahead of time.
I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the whole deal so they understand exactly what to expect.
These are my nine steps to buying a home.
Should you have questions about any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .
Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
There are many things you'll want to do before starting your home search.
It's likely that you'll want to put together a check list of items you want to have, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget.
A good principle to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be around 30 percent of your net monthly income.
Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where I come in.
We'll arrange a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that might affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Kearny area.
I can also assist you with getting started on your loan.
I partner with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Kearny, so you're in great hands.
They will help you determine which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.
Step 3 – Start house hunting
After our first meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that are a good fit for you.
I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and exclude the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses when it's convenient for you.
When we view homes, I'll show you the positive features and negative ones. I'll also ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like.
Oftentimes, buyers change their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some items become more important than others.
If that happens, I'll search all the listings again and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.
Step 4 – Understand the market
An agent's awareness of the Kearny home market is an essential aspect in your home search. And I assure you I'm acquainted with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can let you know what areas are "hot" and require prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.
When we tour houses, I'll let you know when the list price has room for negotiation and also when I know the house is "priced to sell."
Any real estate agent in Kearny will claim to truly understand the home market, but be careful, and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions.
If things don't add up, call me at 2019977860 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire deal.
Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find your dream home in the Kearny area, and when we do, I'll carefully create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include several contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clean title.
Upon turning in your purchase offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a seller to secure an offer to purchase the property. The amount is usually put towards the closing costs. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts don't close on the beginning offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll figure out whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.
Market circumstances will play a big part in how aggressively we negotiate the deal.
In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll compose a deal that works well for you.
Step 7 – Get financing
Upon signing the deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan.
If you're already pre-qualified, this won't take much time at all, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender.
And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will supply you with a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your application.
The estimate is based on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll go over the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.
Then we'll close on your home. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and easygoing occasion.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, simply call me at 2019977860 or e-mail me at .