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Buying a Home
Empowering You on Your Journey to Homeownership
Buying a home is a personal journey, and as a husband-and-wife team rooted in family and faith, we’re here to empower you every step of the way. Living in the “city by the lake,” we know the local market inside and out, ensuring we find a home that fits your lifestyle. As experienced investors, we provide valuable insights and strategies to help your investment pay off. With our one-stop approach to real estate, we simplify the process, making it easy and enjoyable. Let us help you find your dream home and build a bright future!
First Time Buyer Information
(Enclosed information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.)
Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to invest for your new home.
While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You also will avoid being disappointed when going after the homes you are interested in that may be out of your price range. With Pre- Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for their home. Costs for pre-approvals are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.
Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the desired bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage,etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (Backyard, Pool, additional upgrades,etc.) but that aren't absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably won't get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you're looking for.
Consider hiring your own real estate agent, one who is working for you and specializes in your needs.
In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:
- One or more detailed maps with your areas of interests highlighted.
- A file of the homes that your agent has shown to you, along with setup sheets and photos.
- Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.
- Take pictures to help refresh your memory on individual homes.
- Location: Look at potential homes as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on curb appeal, school districts, crime rate, proximity to positives (shopping, parks, freeway access), and negatives (abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise) features of the area?
When searching for your new home ask yourself the following questions. Does this home really meet your needs? Does it financially make sense? Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don't forget such essentials as:
- Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
- Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
- Check to see that no changes have been made that weren't agreed on (i.e., closing cost, repairs, etc.). All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That's why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. Please email us or call us directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail.
Leveraging Technology for Your Dream Home
Discover a seamless home buying experience with our technology-focused services. Utilize AI-driven searches, virtual tours, and instant document processing to find and secure your perfect home quickly and efficiently. Our innovative tools give you the edge in a fast-paced market.
First-Time Buyer?
BUYING
We would be honored to assist you in your search for a new home. Contact us to inquire about exclusive new-home-buyer incentives that are only available to our team members.
Learn More About the Area!
COMMUNITIES
Before you invest, check out the properties in the neighborhood. The Featured Areas area is a good place to look for information about the neighborhood.
Consider Using a Mortgage Calculator.
CALCULATOR
Calculate your monthly mortgage payments using the Mortgage Calculator.
Get in Touch with a Pro!
CONNECT
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us whenever you have questions regarding the area or a specific property you're interested in. At each point in the process of purchasing a home, you can rely on our assistance.
Curated Homes For You
BUYING FAQ'S
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor who needs a refresher on how transactions work, here are some answers to the most often asked questions.
The first step in the home-buying process is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Obtaining a lender's pre-approval letter sets the ball rolling in the correct way.
Buying a home takes roughly 10 to 12 weeks from start to finish (from searching online to closing escrow). The average time to close escrow on a home is 30 to 45 days after a home is chosen and an offer is accepted (under normal market conditions). However, cash-paying home purchasers who are well-prepared have been known to purchase properties much faster.
The average down payment in the United States is 11%. However, this figure includes both first-time and recurrent purchasers.
If the equity in your current home will be used to pay for the down payment on your new home, the former must be sold first.
It's entirely up to you! Home buying is, without a doubt, easier today than it has ever been. The opportunity to browse for homes online and view photos before leaving the comfort of your own home has dramatically transformed the home-buying process. Convenience has never been higher. But nothing beats seeing a house in person to get a sense of how it looks and feels.
The timeframe in which the seller must react should be specified in written offers. It should be enough to give them twenty-four hours.
