House Hunting Tips
How to find the home of your dreams and what to do next...
Steps to House Hunting
Consult with your Realtor®. The IDEAL Realtor® is someone who actually listens to what you have to say – your opinions are important especially when it comes to where you are going to be living for many years to come. Please choose an agent that is working at this full-time not a part-timer. The full-time agent is generally more knowledgeable and dedicated to the profession and will be more available to you, working around YOUR schedule and not their other job. The agent will work the way that you want to work. If you want to be provided with a list of properties so that you can drive-by and check out the neighborhoods first... that’s what your agent should be providing. The agent is there to provide information not to try to hard sell you on something that is not suitable for you.
Get pre-approved for a loan. Your Realtor may recommend several local lenders who will be able to provide you with financing. It is up to you to conduct interviews and select the lender you feel comfortable with. In the preapproval process, you will be required to fill out a loan application and provide information pertaining to your income, down payment source(s), credit scores, tax returns and more. it is important to get this step accomplished prior to making any offers in order to strengthen your negotiating position.
Research – start touring neighborhoods and looking at homes. Check out the comps for the area so you have some idea of what a good buy is. Ask your Realtor for an updated list homes sold in the area. Those websites that claim to give comps are not nearly as reliable as someone who lives and works in the area! For some suggestion on other things to look for - keep reading.
What should I look for in a neighborhood?
- Where are the things that are most important to you located? This list may include schools, supermarkets, libraries, hospitals, places of worship, fire and police stations, public transportation...
- What zoning regulations apply – if you what to have a few chickens you need to find a home that’s appropriately zoned
- What community services are available – do you need to be close to a senior center
- What construction plans are in the offing – what are they planning on building on that vacant lot across the street?
Walk around the neighborhoods that look attractive to you. Visit the schools your children will be attending. Talk with people at bus stops, in shops, in parks, in front yards (ask what they like and dislike about the neighborhood). Take notes!
When you find what you like, you make an offer to purchase.
Seller accepts your offer and agents will open escrow. Time frames set forth in the contract come into play and must be adhered to. You may have a contingency for a home inspection, contingency to obtain financing, time-frame with which to provide seller with a lender pre-qualification letter. Time frames by which the seller must provide you with disclosures pertaining to the property, etc. It’s up to your agent to ensure that all is accomplished when it’s supposed to be and to remind you of your deadlines.
As the date of closing approaches there will be a frenzy of activity. You will be notifying utility and phone companies, filing a change of address with the post office, arranging for homeowner insurance, arranging for moving van or lining up friends to help you make the move, signing your loan documents at the escrow company, bringing in your down payment and closing costs.
Buying
Remember you and the sellers want the same thing – a smooth and satisfactory transaction.
What is in a sales contract? Your offer to purchase is the document your Realtor will draft which presents your price and terms to the seller. Only you can decide which home you want, and the price is up to you and the seller.
Terms and conditions of the contract vary depending on the situation. The following are typical matters you and a seller may negotiate and agree upon:
- What items convey with the home – such as chandeliers, appliances, personal property, swimming pool chemicals etc.
- The sale price
- The amount of your deposit
- The amount of your down payment and/or the amount of the mortgage loan you intend to obtain.
- The date, time and place of settlement, when you take possession of the home.
- Any contingencies which must be met before settlement can take place (painting, roofing, termite repairs, proof of clear title, home inspections, appraisal etc)
Understand that the seller has three basic options: to accept your offer, counter you on specific details or reject your offer. This is where an agent's help in invaluable. The agent keeps the negotiation process running smoothly until an agreement can be reached.
Consult with your Realtor®. The IDEAL Realtor® is someone who actually listens to what you have to say – your opinions are important especially when it comes to where you are going to be living for many years to come. Please choose an agent that is working at this full-time not a part-timer. The full-time agent is generally more knowledgeable and dedicated to the profession and will be more available to you, working around YOUR schedule and not their other job. The agent will work the way that you want to work. If you want to be provided with a list of properties so that you can drive-by and check out the neighborhoods first... that’s what your agent should be providing. The agent is there to provide information not to try to hard sell you on something that is not suitable for you.
Get pre-approved for a loan. Your Realtor may recommend several local lenders who will be able to provide you with financing. It is up to you to conduct interviews and select the lender you feel comfortable with. In the preapproval process, you will be required to fill out a loan application and provide information pertaining to your income, down payment source(s), credit scores, tax returns and more. it is important to get this step accomplished prior to making any offers in order to strengthen your negotiating position.
Research – start touring neighborhoods and looking at homes. Check out the comps for the area so you have some idea of what a good buy is. Ask your Realtor for an updated list homes sold in the area. Those websites that claim to give comps are not nearly as reliable as someone who lives and works in the area! For some suggestion on other things to look for - keep reading.
What should I look for in a neighborhood?
- Where are the things that are most important to you located? This list may include schools, supermarkets, libraries, hospitals, places of worship, fire and police stations, public transportation...
- What zoning regulations apply – if you what to have a few chickens you need to find a home that’s appropriately zoned
- What community services are available – do you need to be close to a senior center
- What construction plans are in the offing – what are they planning on building on that vacant lot across the street?
Walk around the neighborhoods that look attractive to you. Visit the schools your children will be attending. Talk with people at bus stops, in shops, in parks, in front yards (ask what they like and dislike about the neighborhood). Take notes!
When you find what you like, you make an offer to purchase.
Seller accepts your offer and agents will open escrow. Time frames set forth in the contract come into play and must be adhered to. You may have a contingency for a home inspection, contingency to obtain financing, time-frame with which to provide seller with a lender pre-qualification letter. Time frames by which the seller must provide you with disclosures pertaining to the property, etc. It’s up to your agent to ensure that all is accomplished when it’s supposed to be and to remind you of your deadlines.
As the date of closing approaches there will be a frenzy of activity. You will be notifying utility and phone companies, filing a change of address with the post office, arranging for homeowner insurance, arranging for moving van or lining up friends to help you make the move, signing your loan documents at the escrow company, bringing in your down payment and closing costs.
Buying
Remember you and the sellers want the same thing – a smooth and satisfactory transaction.
What is in a sales contract? Your offer to purchase is the document your Realtor will draft which presents your price and terms to the seller. Only you can decide which home you want, and the price is up to you and the seller.
Terms and conditions of the contract vary depending on the situation. The following are typical matters you and a seller may negotiate and agree upon:
- What items convey with the home – such as chandeliers, appliances, personal property, swimming pool chemicals etc.
- The sale price
- The amount of your deposit
- The amount of your down payment and/or the amount of the mortgage loan you intend to obtain.
- The date, time and place of settlement, when you take possession of the home.
- Any contingencies which must be met before settlement can take place (painting, roofing, termite repairs, proof of clear title, home inspections, appraisal etc)
Understand that the seller has three basic options: to accept your offer, counter you on specific details or reject your offer. This is where an agent's help in invaluable. The agent keeps the negotiation process running smoothly until an agreement can be reached.