Category: First Time Home Buyers Guide

Using A Real Estate Agent

Real estate agent are trained professionals that help you navigate the home buying or selling process. Real Estate Agents are called Different Things Real Estate Agents are generally called realtors . Realtors assisting with buying a home are referred to as Buyers Agents. Those assisting sellers are called Seller Agents. How do Real Estate Agents… Continue reading Using A Real Estate Agent

Open Houses

An open house is “a scheduled time when a house for sale is designated to be available for viewing by potential buyers” according to Investopedia. You and your real estate agent visit an open house to access its features, livability and make a decision to submit an offer. Mistakes most home buyers make Many home buyers… Continue reading Open Houses

Making An Offer

After you’ve decide to make an offer on a property, you must submit an offer letter to purchase the property in writing. Your offer letter is a legally binding document that includes details such as: Buyer information such as your your name and current address Price you’re willing to pay for the home Deadline for… Continue reading Making An Offer

Real Estate Appraisal

Real Estate appraisals are estimate of the properties market value.  Appraisals are valuable to buyers as they provide a non-baised assessment of a properties’ value as compared to others in the local area. Appraisals are used to determine the risk of lending money for the purpose for buying a house. Banks use either a sales… Continue reading Real Estate Appraisal

Home Inspection

This is an absolute must. Hire a home inspector to thoroughly search the home for defects, old repairs, potential problems, and really anything that can bring down the value of the home.  What is a Home Inspection? A home inspection is an independent visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house of… Continue reading Home Inspection

Final Walkthrough

Final walk-through A final walkthrough is used to confirm that all requested and agreed to home repairs found during the home inspection were completed according to the terms of the contract. During the walk through, you should check the following:  All repairs are complete House is in the condition listed in the contract House should… Continue reading Final Walkthrough

Signing the Paperwork

At closing, you have two major responsibilities: Signing legal documents: This includes the Closing Disclosure, promissory note, deed of trust and certificate of occupancy. Paying closing costs: This may include fees for your mortgage application, appraisal, survey and title search as well as paying your down payment. Your lender is required to provide a Closing… Continue reading Signing the Paperwork

Moving Day

It has been a long process: You planned your budget, found the home of your dreams, had your offer accepted, and signed the closing documents. There is only one final step – the move.  If it fits in your budget, hire a professional mover. This will save you time and energy. At the very least,… Continue reading Moving Day

Save for a Down Payment

Listen to advertisements for mortgages and you will hear everything under the sun regarding terms. So, what exactly is a down payment for a house? What Is A Down Payment For A House Considering today’s market prices for homes and how they have drastically risen, mortgages have become a necessity when purchasing a home. With… Continue reading Save for a Down Payment