While buying a new house can be an exciting experience, you may find yourself filled with nervous energy as you consider the things about the home buying process that you don’t know. You’ll learn a great deal more when you speak with us about buying a property, but we would like to share the basic six steps to buying a home to help you feel more confident as you move forward.
🏠 What are the steps to buying a home?
Your credit score and financial stability is an important factor when it comes to buying a home. You will need a significant amount of money in savings to cover the down payment and closing costs.
Getting pre-approved for a home mortgage loan is a wonderful first step that can save you time and some frustration as you proceed. Having a real estate agent on your side makes the entire process easier when it comes to finding the right home to meet your needs, sending an appealing offer, and closing the sale.
💯 What credit score do I need to buy a house?
There are different options when it comes to mortgage loans, and the credit score required will depend on your financial situation, the type of loan, and the amount of your down payment. There is a chance you’ll secure a lower interest rate if you have a higher credit score.
The first step is to order a copy of your credit report from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. These are the three main reporting agencies that will provide a report once a year without cost to you due to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Because there may be a difference in the information being reported, you want to make sure you get a copy from each agency to make comparisons. Report any errors that you find immediately because it may take some time to clear up the matter, and you want this taken care of as soon as possible so it does not delay your purchase.
💲 How much money should I have in savings?
While it’s not unheard of when it comes to buying a home, most people can not afford to pay cash for their new property. It’s for this reason that home buyers secure a home mortgage loan that requires a down payment to help them pay for the new house.
There’s more to consider when it comes to buying a home than just the money needed for a down payment. You’ll also need to cover closing costs and moving expenses.
There are times for the seller of the property will pay all or part of the closing costs, but you want to be prepared in the event that the terms of the contract call for you to cover these.
👥 How do I find a real estate agent?
You’re already on the right track for finding a real estate agent to help guide you through the home buying process and helping you find the right home to meet your needs. We are looking forward to working with you to make your experience a positive one.
You’ll find that we are dedicated to assisting our clients throughout the buying transaction with attention to details, a high level of communication, and the use of our solid negotiation skills. We genuinely listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have along the way!
☑️ Should I get a mortgage loan pre-approval?
Getting a home mortgage loan pre-approval can be a great help in several ways. The pre-approval saves you valuable time and creates a buffer against disappointment that can happen when you are searching for a home that falls outside of your budget range.
Today’s real estate market is fast-paced, and you may find that your offer has competition when it comes time to approach the seller. A pre-approval sends the seller a strong message that you are serious about the purchase of the property and have the ability to follow through with the terms of the same should they accept your offer.
💰 How do I make an offer on a house?
Creating an offer that is appealing and catches the attention of the seller is an important step in the home buying process. The offer needs line up with your real estate goals while still taking into consideration the current market trends.
We’ll use our knowledge of the real estate market and our experience in helping other home buyers to help you create an offer that is appealing to the seller and gets their attention. We’ll deliver the offer to the seller’s agent and you will not have to deal with them directly.
📝 What happens when an offer is accepted?
Once the seller accepts your offer, and the details of the contract are solidified, you are on your way to the closing day! At this point, your agent will collect your earnest money deposit (aka “good faith deposit”) and submit it to the sellers’ agent, for deposit into the Brokerage’s escrow account. It will be returned to you as a credit at closing. The mortgage loan lender will make arrangements for the appraisal – but first – you will need to order the inspections that are needed. (Don’t worry! We’ll be happy to provide you with a list of reliable local inspectors!)
In most cases, you’ll have a move in date set immediately after closing day, but in some instances, there may be terms in the contract that cause a delay. This delay would have to be approved by all parties and will also need to accommodate the moving needs/timelines of the seller. Delays can occur if you don’t submit all needed financial documents to your lender in a timely manner, so you’ll want to make it your priority to submit all requested items ASAP!
Homes for Sale in Lancaster County
We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your real estate goals and current home needs. Be sure to sign up for the custom home search option we provide for you at no cost.
Having a free account allows you to create saved home searches that are based on your needs and the criteria you find important in a property. When new listings come on the market that match your search, you’ll be notified by email!
