Home Buying: 10 Steps to Success Part 2
Home buying doesn’t have to be as difficult as it’s made out to be as long as you have the right realtor giving you guidance and the right information along the way. To read the first part of this article click here.
Step 6: Make an offer
Once you’ve found a home you want, your agent will work with you to craft an offer. Remember that the listing price is just a starting point. Your agent will understand the market and guide you to make the most attractive offer, whether it’s below, at or above the listing price.
Step 7: Home inspection day
If your offer calls for a home inspection, this is going to be a big day. You will have the chance to have a home inspector look over the home to make sure there are no unseen defects you want to negotiate to have fixed. It’s also the most time you’ll get to spend in your new home until closing, so start planning and taking measurements for your move-in.
Step 8: Get insurance
If you already own a home, you can quickly call your insurance agent and let them know you’re buying a new home. They will handle writing a new policy. If you don’t have an insurance agent, now’s the time to find one because your lender will require homeowners insurance. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, insurance is a critical part of protecting your investment.
Step 9: Closing day
This is the most important day before moving in and will involve a lot of paperwork. You’ll sign and read papers then sign and read papers even more. But remember though you’re just sitting around a table, you’re finally nearing the finish line.
Step 10: Get your keys and move in!
You did it! Your sale contract will specify when you get to move in. Sometimes it’s by a certain time on the day you sign closing papers. Sometimes possession happens a few days after closing. Whenever it is, you’ve just gone from home buyer to homeowner.
For more information on how to get the home buying process started, contact a realtor here that will work with you to make sure every step is covered. You can sign up for our FREE homebuyers handbook here.