Are you buying a new home in Topton?

Purchasing a home is intimidating for a lot of people, but it isn't that confusing with a bit of up-front planning. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what they can expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. Should you have questions about this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
Before you start searching for a home, there are several things you'll want to take into account. When you begin your search, you'll want to form an outline of features you need to have, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and begin planning your budget. A good principle to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be close to a third of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in Topton
This is where Nantahala Real Estate Company, INC comes in. We'll arrange a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that may affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Topton area.

I'll also help you get started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Topton, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They will help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking for a home
Following our first meeting, I'll begin finding available houses on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

As we view houses, I'll show you the positive features and negative ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and dislike. It's widely common for buyers to amend their must-have list as we view houses and some features become more important than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through all the listings another time and narrow it down to the house of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the market
My awareness of the Topton housing market is a necessary aspect in your house search. I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can let you know which areas are "hot" and require prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for more examination.

As we tour homes, I'll let you know when the list price has room for bargaining and also when I believe the house is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and make sure you ask your agent a lot of questions, as every real estate agent in Topton will convince you they truly know the home market. If it appears they don't know everything, call me at 8283213101 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer your questions. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find the house of your dreams in the Topton area, and when we do, I'll meticulously create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include a lot of contingencies, such as getting financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon submitting your purchase offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's usually applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the initial offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. In addition, we'll work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Upon signing the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this won't take much time at all, but you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. This estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will most often take place at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and peaceful occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, be sure to contact me at 8283213101 or e-mail me at .