The best time to buy was yesterday.
The second best time to buy is today.
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We can meet and discuss what you’re looking for in an agent and in a home. We’ll go through the home buying process together and get you started on your journey to home ownership!
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Lenders want to lend to you! Getting pre-approved does not mean you have to stick with that lender but you will need to get pre-approved so you know what your price range should be.
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After you’re pre-approved, the fun can begin! We’ll get you set up on a search based on your criteria and start touring homes. This process can be very fun and exciting but also stressful and nerve-racking. We can look at as many homes as you need to in order to feel comfortable making an offer.
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After we find a home you love, I’ll help you submit a strong offer to give you the edge over other buyers.
A strong offer doesn’t always mean the highest price. There are tons of other factors such as the current market, the seller’s situation, contingencies, etc. that can drastically change an offer.
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There may be negotiations both before and after a contract is in place. It helps to have a professional on your side to help you understand the terms of the contract.
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After your offer is accepted, we’ll have a home inspection done so a professional can highlight any concerns before you close on the property.
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If there aren’t any concerns after receiving the home inspection report, the contract will move forward toward closing.
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After the pre-approval, the home search, the offer, negotiations & inspections, it’s finally time to sign! On closing day, you’ll meet with the title company to sign on that dotted line (well, many dotted lines actually) to officially take ownership of your new home! Congrats!
Buyer’s Frequently Asked Questions
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Homeownership has many benefits! Owning a home gives you tax advantages, steady monthly payments, a sense of pride in ownership with freedom to tailor it to your preferences, and generally increases in value over time.
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In central Ohio, it’s not uncommon for the seller to pay the commission for both the buyer and the seller agents. Be sure to ask your agent if there are any additional fees or commissions charged to the buyer at closing.
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When you talk to a lender, they will ask for your financial information and tell you if there are any areas needing improvement in order to be qualified to borrow. Different lenders may have different criteria for approval so just because one cannot qualify you, does not mean all of them cannot approve you.
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The basic information a lender will ask for are your most recent paystubs, bank statements, tax returns, proof of employment (generally requires 2 years with the same company or in the same industry), credit score, and any outstanding debt. There may be other miscellaneous items required based on the particular lender’s requirements.
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Your down payment will vary depending on the price of the property and the the type of loan you use. Your lender will give you an estimate of how much money you’ll need for a down payment based on your financial situation.
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Getting pre-approved will give you a ballpark estimate of how much buying power you will have. You will also need to be pre-approved in order to submit an offer on a property. Sellers will not want to accept an offer without knowing a buyer has been evaluated by a lender.
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When you talk to your lender, they will let you know which type of loan will best suit you based on your financial situation.
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While earnest money is not required, it is a deposit offered by a buyer to a seller to demonstrate willingness to follow through on an offer.
