The Home Buying Process
1. Financing - Find out what you can afford. - Get pre-approved before you start looking. We can provide you with the names of some qualified mortgage brokers we have worked with in the past.
2. Do you have a home to sell?
If the answer is yes, will you be able to carry the costs of both houses? If you can't then you must think about putting your current home on the market. Don't assume that your home will sell in a few days just because one of your neighbors did. You don't want to be forced to back out of buying your dream home because you did not put your home on the market until it was to late.
3. Decide where you want to live - Every community has its own unique charm. What features in your new town will be most important to you? (schools, community activities, population, boardwalk, etc...) Find all the areas that meet your criteria and are in your price range.
4. What type of home do you want?
style, # bedrooms, # bathrooms, size of the yard, etc…
5. How do you want to look for a home?
If you are serious about buying a new home soon you will want to look at as many homes as possible to become knowledgeable in your marketplace. This way when you see a home that you want to buy you will know if it is priced right.
6. How will you select a Realtor®? Work with only a full time Realtor.
7. Search for a home.
8. Make an offer.
9. Negotiate.
10. Agree on price and terms.
11. Set up a Home Inspection. We can provide you with qualified and Licensed Home Inspectors.
12. Select a Real Estate Attorney. Choose only a full time Real Estate Attorney. An attorney who is in court all day is hard to get a hold of. We can provide you with names of Attorneys.
13. Draw up contracts. (Sellers Attorney)
14. Review contracts with your Attorney and sign.
15. Send signed contracts to Sellers Attorney with deposit check.
16. If not already approved, solidify financing.
17. Termite Inspection, if not already done.
(You usually have 15 days from when you sign the contracts)
18. Appraisal. (Arranged by Bank or Lender)
19. Order Title (Your Attorney)
20. Order Survey, if necessary. (Your Attorney)
21. Confirm all CO's in place. (Your Attorney)
22. Set moving date.
23. Set closing date.
24. Walk through before closing.
25. Arrange to transfer ALL utilities to your name on closing date.
26. Close (Congratulations on your new home!!)
27. Notification of new address. (post office, relatives, bank, etc…)
28. Host a House Warming Party.