Buying or selling a home?

With some planning ahead of time, buying a home isn't too complicated, but the event is intimidating for a lot of people.So you understand exactly what to expect, I like to furnish my buyers with an overview of the entire deal.These are my nine steps to buying a home.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
Before you begin looking for a home, there are a lot of things you'll want to take into account. You'll want to assemble a list of items you need, get a feel for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and start planning your budget.Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to a third of your monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent in Hickory
That's where I come in.I'll schedule a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans.We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Hickory area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

In addition, I'll assist you with getting started on your loan.There are some very good mortgage professionals in Hickory, and I work with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands.They'll assist you in choosing which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
After our first meeting, I'll begin finding available houses on the market that are great for you.I'll research many of the homes and throw out the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you what things you like and dislike. It's pretty common for buyers to amend their must-have list as we view homes and some features become far more important than others.If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and narrow it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Understand the market
Your agent's knowledge of the Hickory housing market is a leading agent in your house search. And I can assure you I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I can communicate which districts are "hot" and call for immediate action and the rest that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll let you know when the list price has room for negotiation and also when I think the house is "priced to sell."When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask lots of questions. Any REALTOR^® in Hickory will claim to comprehend the market.If things don't add up, call me at 828-612-2757 or e-mail me at shane@faithparkerproperties.com, and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will help you stay a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
I'm sure we'll find your dream house in the Hickory area, and when that happens, I'll carefully create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made with your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

When turning in your purchase offer, you'll probably need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's often applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the initial offer. It's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions.We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Upon signing the deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan.It shouldn't take very long at all if you're pre-approved, but you'll want to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender.And I'll deal with all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.>

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of getting your application.The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will most likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and pleasant event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to contact me at 828-612-2757 or send me an e-mail.

s! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to contact me at 828-612-2757 or send me an e-mail.