What to do before you buy your home!

What to do before you buy your home!

__ Choose a real estate agent. Sign Exclusive Buyer’s Brokerage Agreement
__ Choose a lender. Ask important questions and compare several lenders’
closing costs
__ Learn the terms used in buying a home, condominium or a co-op.
__ Get prequalified, ,or even better, get pre-approved for a loan. This will make
it easier for you when making the offer because you can show the seller you
are ready, willing,and able.
__ Decide on the type of home you want. Know what price range is best for you.
__ Decide on the features you want in your home. Share these with your agent.
__ Start house hunting! Use the Home & Property Evaluation Form on our website
to jog your memory about properties you have seen. You may want to also take photos.
__ When you find a home you want and can afford, negotiate price, terms,
personal items that will remain, ask for a homeowner’s one year
warranty, make sure you have property contingencies,
( i.e. Appraisal, Loan, Inspection, etc.)
__ Make an offer in writing. Have your earnest money ready to put down.
__ Find an attorney and a tax accountant if you feel you need them.
__ Choose the best mortgage for you – have your lender prepare a
“Good Faith Estimate” for you.
__ Make sure to get the home inspected by qualified inspector. Attend
your home inspection. Feel free to learn all about your new home.
__ Shop for homeowner’s insurance from your insurance agent & get quotes.
__ Obtain approval from homeowner’s association, condominium association, or co-op.
__ Contact utility companies to change all utilities into your own name as
of the date of closing.
__ Shop for moving company rates and schedule your movers.
__ Prepare for closing. You will need a certified check or funds wired over
for your down payment, you will need to bring a picture ID. to closing
and your first year’s insurance policy.
__ Make sure you purchase title insurance to protect your title and
your equity.
__ Review closing documents with your agent before going to the closing.
__ Attend closing at the attorney’s office or escrow company to sign
final documents.
__ Pick up keys at or after closing & start moving.

“In the time we have, it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can, in all the ways we can.” – William Barclay