Buyer's Guide
From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, learn more about the buying process
Buying a home is an exciting experience!
This can be true whether you’ve purchased several homes or you’re preparing to buy for the first time. With the right support system, and the help of a trusted RE/MAX® professional, you can make the most informed decisions.
Our guide breaks down the steps of buying a home so you can start the process feeling confident and prepared. From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, you’ll find helpful tips right here.
I'm here to help you every step of the way!
Define Your Goals
Before you begin looking, consider why you want to purchase a home. Are you tired of renting? Do you want an investment property? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need to sell your current home before you buy?
Answering these questions will help narrow your search, filter out homes that don't fit your criteria, and help you make important decisions along the way.
Take a good look at your current living situation and evaluate what you’d like to see differently in your future home. Is it more counter space in the kitchen? An extra bedroom to use as a home office? A bigger yard? Whatever it may be, start a wish list for must-haves in your new space.
Also, consider dividing the list into “want” and “need” categories, that way you know which features to prioritize and which can be compromised.
Determining Your Financial Standing
This is a very important step in the buying process! Preparing to buy a home begins with organizing finances, calculating a realistic budget and exploring mortgage options. A mortgage professional will help you determine your buying power so you can quickly eliminate homes not in your price range. They can advise you on how much you should put towards a down payment, and present loan options and other costs associated with purchasing a home. Before searching for homes, it's not uncommon for an agent to ask for a pre-approval from a lender. In a strong market, homes are going under contract within days, if not hours. Sellers frequently ask for a pre-approval with an offer, and getting qualified ahead of time puts you at an advantage. Remember, a pre-approval does not guarantee a mortgage. Be prepared to shop around with different lenders, or work with a mortgage broker.
Choose a REALTOR
Once you’ve defined your home search goals and spoken with a mortgage professional, you’re ready to find your dream home!
You'll want a hard working agent who understands your goals to represent you.
In addition to being a Haywood County native, and my local knowledge as a real estate agent, I offer online tools that can help make your initial search as easy as possible. Whether you are buying your first home, relocating, or moving down the street, you want a trusted professional by your side!
Let my experience work for you as I help guide you through the home search, negotiations, purchase agreements, inspections, and closing matters.
Let's Begin Your Search Together
If you haven't already created your personalized Re/Max account, or downloaded my search app, now is the time to do so. This app allows you to conveniently search online for new and available listings, save homes you love, schedule showings, and request information.
Whether you're looking to move quickly, or the idea of buying is a distant dream, there's nothing wrong with searching local listings online to get a feel for the local market. This is also a great way to discover your likes and dislikes, and fine-tune that wish list. However, there are some things you still want to be able to see with your own eyes, and you may want to consider doing a physical drive-by of the neighborhood before scheduling. We will be available for showings, to help answer questions, and provide you information so that you can make decisions swiftly and with confidence.
Make an Offer and Negotiate Terms
Shopping for a home an be a lot of fun! When you find "THE ONE," we'll present the seller with your BEST offer. As your agent, we will help negotiate your offer based on your financial goals and comparable homes in the area. Once your offer is accepted, and you are officially under contract, you will enter into the due diligence period. Contingencies, negotiated up-front between buyer and seller may include the following: Securing a loan with a lender, property inspections, a property appraisal, a title search, and tying up any loose ends that could stall or prevent the transfer of property.
Closing
This is the final step of your home buying journey. Closing is the official transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. Once you, your mortgage loan officer, and closing attorney have satisfied conditions (appraisal, certain financial info, personal info etc.) you are then issued a CLEAR-TO-CLOSE. Typically, the closing date will already be agreed upon on the purchase contract. At closing, you will sign your paperwork to solidify your purchase. Once the deed is recorded, you are officially a homeowner and will be handed the keys to your new home so you can begin making wonderful memories.