The Home Buying Process
Pick an amazing agent! That's me!
Complete online application provided by your chosen lender. Understand cost to buy a home.
Tell us what your home looks like in your head, and we start the hunt for you. Literally, like a dog!
Discuss your offer and how competitive you'd like to be; electronically sign contract and compliance documents.
Timeline starts now! Sign lender disclosers, send the title company the earnest and option money, schedule home and termite inspections. Go, go go! No worries we help you!
Shop for Homeowners' Insurance (HOI), finish getting docs to teh lender, order appraisal (based on market timeline).
Inspectors point everything out (as they should!), don't let an 85-page report scare you. Deep breath, relax, now let's look at this thing together.
Loan Officer will be collecting documents needed to complete your application.
What is important to you? What are your non-negotiables? Pay attention to REPESS (Roofing, Electrical, Plumbig, Systems, and Safety).
Being funny, but kinda not. The appraisal is the long pole in the tent. It does take the longest and there will feel like a lot of hurry up and wait time here. Patience is key. Finish getting docs to your lender. Don't do any of the Common Mistakes below. Once the appraisal is back things will move quickly so take this time to get everything ready. Also, if you can think of anyone else who needs to buy or sell their home, now is a great time to let us know so we can help them out too!
If property meets value that's awesome! If it appraises higher, even better. If it appraises lower, we need to talk and renegotiate. Remember, we are with you!
Lender and title have balanced your closing documnet and you have signed your disclosure. Federal 3-day countdown has begun.
Not a requirement, but highly advised to make sure repairs are done to standard and we receive invoices and warranties.
One last walkthrough (preferably right before closing) to make sure the property is ready for you to take ownership.
Closing is signing all the documents with the title company; Funding is when the money is received and disbursed. It's not your home until funding and recording with the county.
Congratulations! You are a homeowner! MAke sure all utilities are transferred in your name. Get a copy of closing documents for the post office. Who else do you know buying or selling?
Helpful Strategies
- Talk to your spouse about what you want in a home, let us know if those wants and needs change
- Save and submit all pages of pay stubs and bank statements
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
- Notify your lender of any salary or wage change
- Continue to pay all your debts and loans on time
Common Mistakes
- Do not make large purchases using existing credit
- Do not apply or acquire any additional lines of credit or loans
- Do not co-sign for anyone seeking a loan or line of credit
- Do not change jobs or bank accounts
- Do not pay off, transfer, or close credit balances before talking to your lender
