Buying a condo or a home is a rewarding achievement, but there are many considerations and decisions that need to be made before you move in. It’s also important to take note that this is a big commitment, and knowing what you’re facing can prepare you.
That being said, here is a guide to assist you through the homebuying process and to get you familiar with what’s to come.
What Can You Afford?
The best way to start is to figure out how much you can afford for a home. You can do this by getting pre-approved from a mortgage lender and also making a list of income/debts.
Check your savings account and see if you already have enough for a down payment. They typically range from anywhere from 3% to 20% so set aside some time to save for this if you have to.
The mortgage loan officer will look at credit reports because your credit history is an important factor when it comes to obtaining a mortgage for the purchase of your home. They want to see how you borrowed and repaid money in the past.
It’s smart to check your credit scores and see a full report so you can help get yourself to a good standing before applying.
Selecting a Local Real Estate Agent
You can search for condos or homes all day, but you will need some expertise along the way when making such a large financial decision. A local real estate agents can help guide you through the property search and also the negotiations.
Don’t be afraid to interview with an experienced agent from your area in order to find the best for you. You should consider how much experience they have, how many homes they have sold, and how much they know about the home buying market.
Locating a Home
Now that you know how much you can afford, located the real estate agent, it’s time to start looking at condos or homes in the locals of interest.
No house is perfect but keep in mind that the home you purchase should meet as many of your needs as possible. Consider making a list and bringing it with you when you go to showings, this way it can help you visualize. Other priorities to consider is determining what location, how many bedrooms and bathrooms, walkability & sustainability, and commuting distance.
Choosing the type of condo or home can narrow down what you’re looking for. Be mindful of your plans for the coming years because you want to make a good investment. Schedule appointments with your real estate agent to go see open houses. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Make an Offer
After carefully searching, you’ve found a great condo or home that you like and now you’re ready to make an offer.
An offer is a commitment stating that you will buy a condo or home for a certain price if terms and conditions are met. If the seller accepts the offer, then you both sign the agreement. If you have contingencies, the property may remain on the market (active, subject to…) until the contingencies have been met. For example: a private home inspection contingency.
There are considerations that you might to want to think about before making the offer, such as the how old the house is, how long it’s been on the market, and what repairs may be needed.
When preparing the offer, pay close attention to all the details and make sure terms and conditions are outlined clearly.
After negotiations are settled, a purchase and sale agreement will need to be finalized laying out the negotiated terms of the purchase, so make sure you have read it thoroughly.
Financing
Mortgages are an important step when buying a condo or a home. A mortgage is basically a pledge of your property as security for payment of your home loan. It’s paid in monthly increments and made up of four parts:
Principal: the amount on your loan apart from interest paid in monthly increments for the life of your loan.
Taxes: a monthly property tax payment
Insurance: homeowners’ insurance that protects your property
As mentioned before, prequalifying can be an easy way to see how much you can borrow. Once all needed materials are given to your loan officer, he or she can give you an estimate.
There are different mortgage loans out there and it’s your job to choose the right one for you.
Fixed rate mortgages have a fixed interest rate for the monthly payments but the principal and interest payments don’t change.
Adjustable rate mortgages have interest rates that are periodically adjusted according to the type of ARM loan you have.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but make sure you do thorough research before choosing.
You will get a Closing Disclosure outlining the closing costs and other expenses. Once the loan is approved, you will get a commitment letter that outlines all the details of the loan.
Private Home Inspection
It’s a smart idea of getting a private home inspection because it can provide you an outline about the potential properties short-comings.
Things such as heating systems, electrical problems, and plumbing should be in good shape before you move in.
Sellers should consider getting a home inspection done before putting their homes up on the market so it’s in good condition.
Prior to Closing
Before closing on the house, there are other things you and your lender should go over.
A title search must be done to make sure there are no claims on the property and that the seller can provide marketable title. If there are claims, the seller typically would have to pay them off before the closing unless the contracts state otherwise.
The lender will require title insurance to protect themselves if problems do arise with the title of the property.
You will typically need to get homeowners insurance prior to closing and make sure that you have the receipt.
If the property contains a septic tank, you will need a system certification.
Closing Process
This is where ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer. You will be asked to sign many documents during this process so make sure you read everything carefully.
You should walk through the home 24 hours before closing to make sure it is in good condition for you to move in.
There are some standard costs that will need to be paid at closing, such as closing costs, down payment, attorney fees, title search and insurance, and appraisal. Your title closer will go over this in detail if you have any questions.
Lastly, the title of the condo or home will be given to you by the seller in the form of a deed. You are now a proud homeowner!
Moving In
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Here are some things to keep in mind when getting ready to make the move. You will need movers in place a couple of weeks prior to the move.
And don’t forget to notify others of your move as well as forwarding your new address with the post office.
A couple of weeks prior, you may want to get rid of things you don’t really need by having a garage sale or donating them.
Begin packing items you might want to store important documents in a safe place for the move so you don’t lose them.
Take one last look around your condo or home and make sure you didn’t forget anything. Everything should be empty and cleaned out for whoever moves in next.
Homebuyers Glossary
APPRAISAL: A written estimate of a property’s current value.
CLOSING COSTS: Fees associated with buying a house that your lender charges and/or you rack up from various third parties.
CONTINGENT: A status in which a condo or home has accepted an offer but relies on meeting certain criteria, such as passing a home inspection or appraisal.
COMMISSION: A percentage of the sale that is paid to the real estate brokerage. In most situations, commissions are paid by the seller of the property.
CLOSING COST: Fees paid at the end of the transaction by both the buyer and seller.
DOWN PAYMENT: The amount of your home’s purchase price you pay upfront.
FORECLOSURE A property seized by the mortgage lender due to the homeowner failing to make full payments on their mortgage. In hopes to recover the balance of the home loan, the lender will sell the house.
FSBO A.K.A. For Sale by Owner: A FSBO is a property that is being sold by the current homeowner without the aid of a real estate agent.
EARNEST MONEY): A deposit made by the potential home buyer to show that he/she is serious about buying the house.
LISTING: A list of information about a home that is currently on the market.
MLS A.K.A. Multiple Listing Service: The MLS is a database that includes all available homes for sale in a particular area.
PRE-APPROVAL: An evaluation by a lender that determines if the potential buyer qualifies for a loan and, if so, the maximum amount the lender would be willing to lend.
SELLER Contribution Towards Buyers Closing Costs: Money is given from the seller to the buyer at settlement to pay for part of the closing costs. The amount varies depending on what the mortgage company allows.
TITLE: The rights for a home property.
Welcome to Homeownership!
RE/MAX Results
Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, AHWD, GREEN, NCS
13784 83rd Way No, Ste. 200
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Direct: 612-616-9714
Lindstrom_S@msn.com
Shannon@ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstrom.info
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