Purchasing a new home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With many aspects to consider such as location, price point, and size, buying a home is a process that shouldn’t be undertaken alone. As the leader in premier real estate services to the Atlanta market, we are passionate about helping people find their dream home. To help in the home buying process, we’ve created an easy 10 step guide on all the things you need to know as you begin your home search.
Step 1: Check Your Credit Score
Before you start the home-buying process it is important to check your credit score. Your credit is one of the first things a lender will look at to determine if they will approve your mortgage.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approval Letter
One important step in the home-buying process is getting a pre-approval letter from a lender. Many sellers expect to see a pre-approval because it verifies that you are a qualified buyer. This step can also let you know how much you are approved to borrow. A lender will check your credit, employment, and income to determine if you meet their loan guidelines. To get pre-approved you need to complete a loan application and provide the necessary documentation to verify your income. Once pre-approved, it’s time to find a real estate agent and look for a home.
Step 3: Select a Real Estate Agent
Many people begin their home search online. Sites including evatlanta.com are a good place to start looking for a new home. Hiring a real estate agent also provides easy access to more home options, and can also assist with setting up viewing appointments. Our seasoned advisors are qualified, knowledgeable, and highly discerning to help you find your home.
Step 4: Need’s Analysis/ Buyer’s Consult
Our Need’s Analysis questionnaire is designed to be thorough and offers us every piece of information to help you find the best home that supports your lifestyle. Your goals, wants, needs, abilities and motivations are our advisor’s greatest concern. This questionnaire taps all of these areas and help efficiently and effectively provide a great home-buying experience, saving days or even weeks in the searching process.
Step 5: Select and View Properties
After completing the Need’s Analysis and consulting with your real estate advisor, it is time to start looking and viewing properties. Your advisor will search databases for active listings that match your needs/desire. Once some properties have been selected, your advisor will take you to inspect the properties and learn more about the community.
Step 6: Write an Offer
Once a property has been chosen, your advisor will contact the listing agent and obtain a Seller’s Disclosure Statement, Lead-Based Paint Exhibit (if property constructed prior to 1978), Homeowners’ Association information (if appropriate), and any other pertinent documents that may be needed for review prior to making an offer.
Step 7: Negotiate Terms
As your advisor drafts an offer, he/she will consult with you to determine terms desirable to be included in the offer. Once all the terms have been negotiated, an offer will be submitted to the listing agent.
Step 8: Accept Contract
Once the seller accepts your offer, it is important to review the contract, and schedule inspections. Scheduling a home inspection is an important step in the buying process. The home inspector will point out any potential problems on the property. After the inspector confirms that there are no major issues , you’ll submit a mortgage application. Then, it’s time to sign the contract!
Step 9: Close on the Property
Before the big day, you are entitled to a final walk-through to confirm that there are no changes since the inspection. On closing day, bring your photo I.D. as well as any paperwork you received throughout the home-buying process.
Step 10: Move Into Your Home
After signing the paperwork, you’ll be handed the keys, and officially become a homeowner!
As the Atlanta leader in real estate and new developments, we’d be glad to assist you with the home-buying process. Our season advisors would be more than happy to discuss your real estate goals. Just call us at 404.845.7724 or find out more at www.evatlanta.com.