Buying
Buying a new home is an exciting experience! It can be a scary process if you don’t know what to expect. So, I put together a list that explains the step by step process of buying a home to help you better understand what to expect.
- First step to buying your home is to get preapproved if we need financing. If we are buying with cash we can skip this step.
- Set up a portal. Portals are direct emails sent the moment a home is added to the MLS. Portals give the agent the ability to set custom filters, specific to your wants and needs in a home.
- Start searching for homes!
- Go on showings. When you find a home your interested in reach out to your agent. Your agent can then schedule a showing, and you can tour the home.
- Make and Offer/Negotiate. If you love the home you just toured, it’s now time to make an offer. You will work with your agent on a price you think is fair. Then submit an offer. The seller can do 1 of 3 things.
- Accept
- Decline
- Counter
- Get a home inspection. This step isn’t always necessary, but I would almost always recommend it.
- Negotiate Fixes. After the home inspection it is wise to negotiate fixes.
- Work with Lender and Title Company. This step will be a very large part of your buying process. You will coordinate with the lender and title company and gather all necessary documents to complete the loan.
- Final walkthrough. A few days before closing (generally I like to do 3 days.) you and your realtor will walk through the property one last time to make sure there hasn’t been any big changes.
- Closing. Sign, Sign, Sign. Lots of signatures with your title company.
- File with the County. The title company will file with the county.
- Get your Keys! Finally, the best part. You are officially the owner of your new home. Congrats!
Selling
- Find a realtor that can accurately evaluate your property and conclude a fair list price for your home.(Hint… ME!)
- Discuss any known defects with your realtor. Anything that you know that may be wrong or defective with the property MUST be disclosed.
- Determine a list price based on most recent/comparable sales.
- Prepare your home for photos and for buyers to tour.
- List it!
- Schedule showings!
- Accept the best deal that comes along, your realtor will help you determine what offer that might be.
- Keep property in the same condition as when it was listed until closing.
- Receive your payment.
