What is the process for finding and buying a home?
The first two steps in the process of buying a home are
Find a realtor who will represent you in the transaction
Work with a local loan professional for pre-qualification of your new mortgage
Your realtor should give you up to the minute information on what homes are available for sale that fit your criteria. You want to discuss with your realtor specific wants and needs for your new home. A good realtor will help you determine which of the wants are mandatory and which are on your “wish list.” This is helpful as you look at and compare many different homes.
One of the advantages of today’s home buying process is that much of the work can be done on-line. There are photos, virtual tours and floor plans on-line that allow you to narrow down your choices before actually spending your time and gas driving around.
Your Realtor should provide you with a comparable market analysis (also know as a CMA) and assist you in determining an offering price. Your realtor will also assist you in the negotiation process in terms other than price (i.e.-which appliances will be left, closing time and date, closing costs paid by the seller, etc.).
Your realtor will be with you every step of the way, from the moment you decide you want to look, to the settlement table. This is why it is so important to interview Realtors and choose the one that best fits your style and personality in addition to having all the requirements and education that help the realtor work in your best interest.
