Step 1: Get Qualified
Speak to at least 2-3 lenders about what they can do for you and what products they can offer. Expect them to ask for your W-2's or 1099's, pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns etc.
Step 2: Choose a Realtor
Whether it be me, or someone else, it is important that you choose someone that you trust, that has experience, and that you get along with, as you can sometimes be communicating with that person on a daily basis for months, sometimes a year or more, depending on how long it takes to find the right home.
Step 3: Begin Searching for Homes
This is a team effort now. It used to be that the realtors were the only ones with the databases of homes. Now, with the internet, apps and websites like Realtor, Zillow, Redfin, Trulia etc., the consumer has power and sometimes is more involved in the search process than the agent. I've found that my Buyers are searching several times a day for new properties. Passion!
Seeing as many properties as possible is the best way to learn the market area you are interested in. Open houses, private showings, etc. will allow you to see the quality of the homes in the area, whether or not you like one side of a street better than the other, school districts, and access to freeways.
Seeing as many properties as possible is the best way to learn the market area you are interested in. Open houses, private showings, etc. will allow you to see the quality of the homes in the area, whether or not you like one side of a street better than the other, school districts, and access to freeways.
Step 4: Write Offers
You should know that the market you are entering right now in 2015 is a very competitive market. You will likely write several offers on many different homes before getting an acceptance. The inventory is low, demand is high, and prices are being pushed up in some cases. It is important to write a strong, clean offer from the start. I will explain and help you with this. Every area is different, and some cities are "hotter" than others.
Step 5: Acceptance
This is where everything really starts and where your realtor is important. I will help you schedule and coordinate inspections, the appraisal, retrofitting, termite, signing disclosures and negotiating and requests for repairs or credits. Escrow can either be smooth or a very turbulent ride depending on many factors. This is why it is important to have a Realtor that has great negotiating skills and can make event the most difficult situations feel easy.
