Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Buying your first home can be a stressful experience and the best way to tackle it is by taking it a step at a time.
First, you will have to figure out your needs, wants, and your budget. This will guide you through each step of the process. It is important to determine these things in the beginning, so you don’t waste your time on the wrong things. The home buying process can be a long one. A home is so much more than the looks and location.
Next, you must do your own research. This includes reading up on real estate topics, watching videos, and even speaking with professionals. You do not want to jump into such a large commitment without any previous knowledge. Start looking at homes on your own and it will give you more of an idea of what you want. Having previous knowledge will make the transaction go much smoother.
Finding an agent is the next step of the process. You will want to go with someone you believe to be trustworthy and honest. Someone who will give you the inside facts even if they are not pretty. The last thing you want is to run into a bunch of issues with your home down the line. It is important to find a knowledgeable agent because they have access to more resources than the regular consumer and will know how to utilize the market better. It takes some of the pressure off your back to have someone to rely on.
Money is a huge part of the process so it’s critical to find a good mortgage lender to help you with your loan. After providing your credentials you will be pre-approved and know exactly how much you can spend on your new home!
The agent you choose will send you listings and it is your job to go out and take a look for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Going to open houses are important because sometimes the pictures don’t do justice. You might hate the pictures but fall in love with the atmosphere of the place. Consider the location the house is in and its surroundings. The attractions near the home might just sell you on it.
Once you find a place you like, it is time to put in an offer. You and your agent will help you decide what is right for you and what is a fair for the seller as well. Negotiating is important and most of the time the buyer leaves a little wiggle room on the original price.
When your offer is accepted, you sign a contract. This includes multiple agreements including a home inspection contingency where you then get the place checked out for any repairs needed to be done. Depending on your contract, you could ask the seller to pay for the repairs. Your lender will need to have the home appraised to make sure the property value is enough to cover the mortgage.
Last but not least, is the settlement. You then sign the last of the paperwork to make it official. Now it’s time for champagne! Congratulations! You are officially a homeowner!
To contact me, call 708-583-8300, e-mail gz@zerillorealty.com or visit www.zerillorealty.com, or follow me on social media @zerillorealty
