Simplifying the Homebuying Process

By, Stephanie Haywood

Purchasing a new home is an exciting, monumental milestone. The home buying experience, however, is notorious for being stressful and complicated. Use the following guide for an overview of each step as well as helpful tips to ease the process.

1. Evaluate Your Readiness to Be a Homeowner

Owning a home is a major commitment. Before you start the process, consider your financial and lifestyle situations. Lenders will review your income, employment history, credit rating, and debt-to-income ratio to determine your suitability as a borrower. Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to prepare for this step.

2. Determine What You Can Afford

The cost of homeownership extends well beyond the initial purchase of the house. You should be able to pay for the mortgage and all home-related expenses including:

• Homeowners’ insurance

• Property taxes

• Utility bills

• Maintenance

• Furniture and décor

Experts advise that your housing costs should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Use a home affordability calculator to determine your home budget.

3. Shop for Lenders and Obtain Mortgage Pre-Approval

Obtain loan estimates from multiple lenders. Compare interest rates and closing costs to find the best loan terms.

Get preapproved for a mortgage. Having a preapproval letter helps you narrow your search to homes within your budget and reassures sellers that you are a serious buyer.

4. Choose a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent represents your best interests at every step of the homebuying process. Your realtor aids your search, schedules showings, makes offers, and handles negotiations.

To find a reliable and skilled agent, seek recommendations from community members who have worked directly with realtors in your desired area. Vet potential agents by asking about their experience, local expertise, and strategies for finding the right home for clients.

5. Search for Homes

Besides your budget, consider other factors to direct your search:

• Square footage and land acreage

• Physical condition of the home

• Number of bedrooms

• Desired amenities

• Neighborhood and surrounding area

• Commute length

Prioritize what’s most important. While a home may not check all boxes, it should meet your must-have criteria.

6. Make an Offer

When you’re ready to make an offer, your agent will advise you on a fair price and any worthwhile contingencies. You’ll submit your offer along with an earnest money deposit. The seller will then accept, reject or counter your offer.

7. Schedule a Home Inspection

Hire a third-party inspector to do a comprehensive home inspection identifying major issues or areas needing repair. If the report shows significant red flags, consult with your realtor about your options.

8. Get Homeowners’ Insurance

Homeowners’ insurance is essential and covers damage to your home and personal property as a result of specified causes. A home warranty is optional and offers protection against costly repairs to home systems and appliances. So are warranties worth it on appliances? Review the inspection report and ask about existing warranties before you decide if you want a home warranty.

9. Conduct a Final Walkthrough

Check the property to verify that the seller has met all contracted obligations. Repairs should be completed and the sellers should have removed all belongings.

10. Close on Your New Home

Get ready to sign a stack of legal documents and pay your closing costs. Once this step is complete, collect your keys and unlock the door to homeowner bliss.

Avoid taking shortcuts during the homebuying process. Skipping steps can create delays or cause you to miss out on your dream home. Do your due diligence and connect with an experienced, trustworthy real estate agent from 207 Prime Properties. You’ll be settling into your new home before you know it.