Once the decision has been made to buy your first home (or your next home) it's time to take steps to make that dream a reality and a check list is a great place to start. A check list will guide you through the process of searching for a home that meets your needs, wants and desires. So here is a brief checklist on some things you should do to make that dream happen.



 

 

Get A Free Credit Report

 

Once every 12 months you can request a free copy of your credit report from the Big Three credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. It is a good idea to make this request before you begin searching for homes, this way you will allow sufficient time to check your reports and dispute any inaccuracies in your files.

 

Get Pre-approved

 

When contacting a lender for a pre-approval letter, it's a good feeling to know your credit files are correct and up-to-date. Having this in hand, your Realtor® will be able to search only the homes that you are in your price range. This will save you time, money and disappointment by not searching homes outside of your budget.

 

Find A REALTOR

 

A Realtor is an important part in your house hunting process because they know the real estate business, How to search for homes, how to complete documents, establishing time lines, interpreting real estate data and so much more. It's recommended to find one that can offer you a buyer's consultation which will inform you of the home buying process. You will know about deadlines, counteroffers, loan commitment dates, earnest money deposits, inspections and so much more.

 

Make An Offer

 

Once you find the "right" home that you are ready willing and able to make an offer on your Realtor® will counsel you on how best to write the offer, They will review details with you such as, comparable home pricing, seller response time, attached riders, anticipated closing date, financing details, special agreements and more

 

It's strongly recommended not to try to low ball the seller and try to get a "Steal Deal" There are too many want to be home buyers that have lost their dream home because someone else made a better offer. Be it ever so slight. It is best to put your best foot forward first!

 

When submitting your offer, have your loan pre-approval letter written slightly above you "best foot forward price" by your lender. Submitting a pre-approval letter gives the seller confidence in your offer and the letter tells them what you're able to get a loan for.

 

Obtain A Loan

 

The first step after the sales price is agreed upon is to make an earnest money deposit. This money is deposited into a special account and applied to your purchase price when closing. In most cases this money will be returned to you in the event you are unable to close. Please see your Realtor for details

 

To approve the loan the loan you lender may require a home inspection (which is a GREAT idea, even if your lender doesn't require it) an appraisal to be sure the house is worth what you are offering and other documents as required and this may take a few weeks regarding Alabaster Locksmith. Be sure to stay in touch with both your lender and Realtor during this time.

 

Get Moving

 

Now that the papers are signed and you have the keys to your new home, it's time to get moving - literally. Remember to decorate your new home and add all of those special touches that reflect your personality. After all, a house is only a house until you make it a home.