For many people, buying a home is a stressful event. However, with some planning ahead of time, it isn't too difficult.
So you'll understand exactly what to expect, I like to furnish my buyers with a road map of the whole deal.
Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home.
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When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or send e-mail to trendexgroup@trendexgroup.com. I'm glad to answer questions you have regarding this information.
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Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
Prior to starting your home search, there are a lot of things you need to consider.
It's likely that you'll want to put together an outline of features you need, get an idea of what school districts you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget.
Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or around a third of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.
Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where The Trendex Group, Inc. comes in.
I'd be happy to plan a time to meet with you and talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Nashville area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future.
In addition, I'll help you start the loan process.
There are some great mortgage professionals in Nashville, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands.
They can help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.
Step 3 – Start house-hunting
Following our initial meeting, I'll begin finding homes on the market that meet your needs.
I'll get a sneak peek of most of the homes and throw out the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.
As we tour the houses, I'll show you the good features and negative ones. And I'll ask you what things you like and dislike.
Oftentimes, buyers change their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some features become far more necessary than others.
If that happens, I'll search all the listings another time and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.
Step 4 – Know the market
My awareness of the Nashville market is an essential advantage in your home search. I am conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I will let you know some neighborhoods are "hot" and require prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for more consideration.
As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell."
Trust your instincts and make sure you ask your agent plenty of questions, as every REALTOR® will convince you they truly understand the home market.
If it seems like they don't know everything, contact me at (615) 383-5544 or e-mail me at trendexgroup@trendexgroup.com, and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.
Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm confident we'll find your dream house in the Nashville area. When we do, I'll precisely create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including many contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.
When sending in your offer, most likely you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is typically put towards the cost of closing. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals aren't closed on the beginning offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll talk about whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.
How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on the state of the market.
We'll also work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a contract that is best for you.
Step 7 – Secure your loan
After the deal is complete, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan.
If you're already pre-approved, it won't be a long process at all, but you should to keep in close contact with your lender.
And I'll take care of all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will send you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs within three days of getting your application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application.
The estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.
Then we'll close on your house. This should take place at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and relaxing event.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you call me at (615) 383-5544 or send me an e-mail.
