Pre-Approval
The first steps to buying your new home:
- Attaining a pre-approval is a crucial first step in evaluating your home buying abilities. This information from a credited lender gives a price range to work with on your home searches.
- The Pre-approval letter from your lender is required to be submitted along with any offers you wish to make on a home. The pre-approval letter is acceptable to make offers for up to 90days in most cases. This letter should always be sent to your Real Estate Broker so they have it ready for the right one.
Cash to Close
What is escrow?
- Down payments: Most home buyers will be obligated to make a down payment on their purchase. The payment ranges from a minimum of 3.5% – 5% of the purchase price. There are some loan assistance programs that will allow for a 0% down buy based on a buyers income and credit scores.
- Closing Fees: Mortgage lenders will require closing costs to buyers ranging from 2%-5% of the loan. These fees are separate of your down payment. They include pre-paid property taxes, mortgage insurance, and title processing fees. The closing fees can be negotiated with sellers possibly allowing a credit to a buyer to help them save cash to close.
What is the process of purchasing a home?
- Step 1: Check your credit report and score
- Step 2: Figure out how much you can afford
- Step 3: Find a real estate agent
- Step 4: Get pre-approved by a lender
- Step 5: Start looking at homes
- Step 6: Make an offer
- Step 7: Home inspection day
- Step 8: Get insurance and establish utilities
- Step 9: Closing day
- Step 10: Get the keys and move in!