It’s always best to find out how much house you can afford before you go house-hunting. I can refer you to a loan officer who can assist you with determining how much of a down payment you can afford, along with a monthly payment you can handle. (To help determine how much house you can afford, see pages 6–7 of this booklet.)
Make a list of everything you want in a home. Is a master suite important? How many bathrooms? What about closet space? Do you need a yard for the kids and pets to play in? How about a fireplace or a bay window? Do you prefer a rambler or a multiple-story house? Are schools or access to public transportation important?
Separate the essentials from the items you could do without and put them on the “A” list. Prioritize the rest of the items into a second and third list in order of importance. We’ll then go over the lists so that I’m very clear on what you want and need in your home.
Keep good notes as we look at homes. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember which features belong to which home. I can provide you with a form and rating system to help you compare homes.
When selecting a home, look beyond cosmetics. Make sure the home is in good physical condition and that you understand the cost of repairs. For more information on how to assess the home’s condition, refer to “Home Inspections” on page 10 of this booklet.
Look at additional homes, even if you love the first one you see. Many times, it takes looking at several homes before you find the one that is really right for you.
As your Windermere agent, I’ll check with you regularly, even if you haven’t yet found the home that’s right for you. Keeping in contact allows us to establish a good rapport, and helps me learn how to help you effectively. I’ll continue to be on the lookout for homes that suit your needs.
Interest rates and your personal finances will influence the amount of house you can afford. That’s why it’s always good to talk to a lender before you start shopping for a home. I can refer you to lenders suited to your specific financial needs.
There are a wide variety of loan programs available to buyers. I can give you the names of several mortgage specialists who can review all of your options with you.
In order to plan properly, you need to understand what lenders are looking for from a borrower. There are three factors that help determine if you qualify for home financing:
YOUR INCOME
YOUR ASSETS
YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
Most loan programs require you to verify all of your income sources. Your mortgage consultant will let you know what documentation is needed. Typically, you will need to provide pay stubs and your W-2, and if you are self-employed, you may need to provide copies of your tax returns.
The required down payment varies according to the loan program. There are several affordable options for borrowers. Closing costs are associated with finalizing the transaction and include the appraisal fee, loan origination fee, title insurance, escrow services, and legal recording of documents. Each loan is different, so it is important to discuss these fees with a mortgage expert.
All lenders review a borrower’s credit history to determine the type of credit used, the amount owed, and the borrower’s history of repaying debt.
When you speak with your mortgage professional to figure out how much home you can afford, it’s also a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage before we start your home search. This will help us narrow your home search to a price range that’s comfortable for you, and being preapproved also makes for a stronger offer in the eyes of sellers.
Once you’ve found the home you want to buy, together we’ll complete a purchase and sale agreement. This is the contract in which you and the seller outline the details of the property transfer. The purchase and sale agreement usually consists of the following pages:
These terms refer to your status in the loan approval process. Prequalification is a determination of your probable ability to obtain a loan. To become prequalified, meet with a loan officer or mortgage company. They will help you determine the price you can afford, based on your monthly income and your current debts, as well as the cash you have for a down payment.
Preapproval means that the mortgage lender has already verified and approved your credit and income. Obtaining preapproval early in the process will make your offer more attractive to the seller.
Earnest money is a “good faith” deposit submitted with your offer to show the sellers that you are serious about purchasing their home. Earnest money is a required part of an offer. There is no set amount that is required, but the amount sometimes makes a difference in the negotiation process. Earnest money eventually becomes part of the purchase, and will show as a credit to the buyers on the settlement statement drawn up by the escrow company.
Closing costs are charges paid to various entities during the real estate transaction. They can include escrow fees, document preparation fees, the cost of an inspection, and lender fees.
A point is equal to one percent of the loan principal. Some lenders charge points, in addition to interest and fees, at closing.
Title insurance protects against loss from any defects in the legal title, liens against the property or other adverse claims. The lender usually requires title insurance.
The standard home inspector’s report will review the conditions of the home’s heating and cooling systems; interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement and visible structure. The inspector will also look for cracks in cement walls, water stains that indicate leakage, and any indication of wood rot.
A home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.
As your Windermere agent, I’m familiar with home-inspection services and can provide you with a list of names from which to choose. Another good way to find a home inspector is to ask a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance, who has had a home inspection and can recommend a home inspector they were satisfied with.
Remember, no home is perfect. If problems are found, I will help you negotiate through the process.
During the negotiation stage of the transaction, a mutually agreed-upon date for closing is determined. “Closing” is when you and the seller sign all the paperwork and pay your share of the settlement fees, and the documents are recorded. Settlement obligations vary widely due to specific contract language, local laws and customs. Prior to closing, the closing agent (usually an escrow or title company or attorney) will complete a detailed settlement statement for both buyer and seller. As your Windermere agent, I can help you understand which of the following typical settlement fees apply to you.
The process of moving is long and complex. Being organized, knowing what needs to be done, and tackling tasks efficiently can make your move significantly less stressful. Here’s a checklist to keep you on task and help make your move successful.
Michelle's love for real estate shines through in her exceptional customer service, negotiation skills, follow-through, dedication, and, most importantly, her marketing strategies. She excels in communication, enjoys solving problems, and takes great satisfaction in helping clients achieve their real estate goals and dreams. Contact her today!
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