Are you looking to buy your new home in Topton? Nantahala Real Estate Company, INC can help.

With some planning ahead of time, buying a home isn't very complex, but the event can be stressful for a lot of people. I like to furnish buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they'll know exactly what they can expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
There are plenty of things you should contemplate before commencing your home search. When you start your search, you'll want to put together a list of items you need, get a feel for what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to go by.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent
This is where I come in. I'd love to arrange a time to meet with you and speak with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Topton area.

I'll also help you start the loan process. I partner with some of Topton's finest mortgage professionals, so you'll be in great hands. They will help you figure out which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
Following our first meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and throw out the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll call attention to good features and negative ones. I'll even ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Generally, buyers amend their must-have list as we tour houses and some items become far more substantial than others. If that's the situation, I'll look through the listings once again and narrow it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Know the market
An agent's understanding of the Topton home market is a leading aspect in your house search. And I can assure you I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I can let you know some districts are "hot" and call for immediate action and others that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful analysis.

When we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Every real estate agent will convince you they truly know the housing market, but take notice, and make sure you ask your agent lots of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 8283213101 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find your dream home in the Topton area, and when we do, I'll precisely create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include several contingencies, such as getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we turn in your purchase offer, you'll likely need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is usually applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals don't close on the initial offer – it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions will play a part in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Upon finishing the deal, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, this shouldn't be a long process at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll look after all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your application. The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then we'll close on your house. This should happen at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and hassle-free affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, simply contact me at 8283213101 or e-mail me at .