For all of those first time homebuyers or homebuyers that haven't purchased in a while, this is all of the steps of a transaction from start to finish.
Find a REALTOR. If you're thinking about purchasing a home and you don't have a REALTOR yet, get one. They will be your main point of communication during the transaction and serve many purposes. They will help you find properties to look at, take you on property tours, create contracts, and provide representation.
Get your pre-approval. In the event that you find the perfect property, you'll want to be prepared to make an offer! Not only is a pre-approval required for your REALTOR to write an offer, but it will also determine your price range.
Go home searching! This is the fun part, but also the most time consuming. You and your REALTOR work as a team to help find your new home! Keep in mind, unless your building your home from the ground up it may not be perfect. Be prepared to compromise on a couple of things.
Make an offer. When you find a property that you love, it's time to talk over an offer with your REALTOR. Depending on your situation, your conversation with your REALTOR will look different.
If your offer is accepted, this is the start of the inspection period. This is a time that you can get your inspections done! This is something you'll have to schedule with your REALTOR or their transaction coordinator, I always highly recommend an inspection to ensure that you know exactly what you're purchasing. If your offer is not accepted, thats okay, just keep looking for homes! For more information on inspections please click here.
Let your agent do their thing! Some agents have transaction coordinators that will help with scheduling and adding new additions to the contract, but your agent will still be by your side. It's normal to have questions and be nervous about this purchase. They are there to help with any questions you may have, please don't hesitate to ask your questions.
Be available. If your lender, REALTOR, or title company needs information from you they will let you know! Pay attention to your emails and keep your documents readily available just in case. It will help tremendously, I promise.
Closing day! Congrats, you've made it to closing day. The final walkthrough will be scheduled the morning of or the day before closing day. I always recommend the day of closing. This is to ensure that the home is in the same condition as it was when you made that offer. Once that final walkthrough is completed, it's time to head to the title office and sign paperwork! If you have a hybrid close, the paperwork should take about an hour or so. Once all of that paperwork is done, that home is all yours!
If you still haven't completed step 1, I'd love to help you out! If you have questions or are looking for a REALTOR, contact me!
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