Last Updated on: Sep 11, 2023
Acquiring a home is a monumental milestone for any individual, one that we wholeheartedly endorse. Homeownership stands as the principal method through which Americans amass wealth and secure their retirement. Unlike other investments, a home is not just a means to accumulate wealth; it's a place where you can reside and create lasting memories.
What We'll Cover
The home-buying process, however, can be intricate and protracted, but fear not, for you need not tread this path alone. Every prospective homebuyer has access to a multitude of professional resources, including housing counselors, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and inspectors. Anyone considering the purchase of a home should tap into these resources to ensure a successful journey.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the home-buying process:
Pre-purchase Education
First-time homebuyer education is a critical initial step that far too many people overlook. This educational resource is designed to equip new home buyers with a comprehensive understanding of the journey ahead. It is advisable to take this course early in your planning process. Completing first-time home buyer education provides access to valuable forms of assistance, such as down payment or closing cost assistance. To avail of this assistance, one must possess a certificate of completion, indicating successful participation in the pre-purchase education course. The key is to take this course early to save money and minimize stress by avoiding mistakes during the home-buying process.
Check Your Credit
Before allowing a lender to assess your credit, review your own credit reports. Conducting this review before submitting your mortgage application is essential. Identifying and rectifying any errors or outdated information on your credit report is crucial before your lender requests your credit report and score. You may also come across legitimate items on your report that you had forgotten about. The more you know in advance, the better prepared you'll be when completing your mortgage application.
Get Pre-qualified for a Mortgage
Many homebuyers make the mistake of starting their home search prematurely. If you begin house hunting without pre-qualification, you risk wasting time on properties that may be beyond your financial reach. In the worst-case scenario, you could fall in love with a property only to discover that you cannot secure a mortgage for that amount. Pre-qualification provides a rough estimate of your approval status and the approximate loan amount you can afford. It does not guarantee approval, nor does it obligate you to borrow from that specific lender. It merely helps you establish a realistic price range, preventing you from overstretching your budget. We always advise individuals not to borrow the maximum amount for which they qualify. It is wiser to stay well within your means and borrow only what you can comfortably afford.
Work with a Real Estate Agent
A professional real estate agent serves as your advocate, ensuring you find the most suitable home for your needs and protecting your interests during negotiations. A local agent possesses valuable insights about the areas you are considering, helping you avoid neighborhoods with subpar schools, public services, or crime issues. Throughout the process, you will require other professionals' assistance, such as home inspectors, insurance providers, and contractors. A real estate agent can offer informed recommendations that carry more weight than online reviews. It is exceedingly rare for a homebuyer to navigate the home buying process without the guidance of a real estate agent, and their fees are typically covered from the sale proceeds, alleviating concerns about additional costs.
Shop for a Mortgage
At this stage, you can begin exploring mortgage options. There are various types of home loans available, so don't hesitate to seek assistance if needed to make informed decisions. Pre-purchase coaching is an excellent choice if you want to ensure you are making the best possible mortgage choices. This is when you formally complete a mortgage application, so it is essential that you have previously reviewed and corrected any credit report discrepancies. The lender will provide pre-approval for a specific loan amount and interest rate, enabling you to narrow down your property search. In competitive markets, pre-approval can be critical as it demonstrates your ability to secure financing, giving you an edge as a potential buyer. Additionally, conduct a comparison of mortgage products and costs offered by different lenders.
Shop for a Home
The home search phase can be stressful, especially in a robust housing market where properties are in high demand. Resist the urge to rush into offers or linger too long on decisions. Striking the right balance is essential: avoid moving too hastily and overspending or moving too slowly and missing out on great properties. If you are working with competent professionals, they will assist you in evaluating all relevant factors to make informed choices. Keep in mind that your first home may not be your forever home, so consider your long-term goals and preferences.
Get Inspections
Once you submit a formal offer for a property, your lender and real estate agent will help you arrange inspections. These inspections are essential to identify any property concerns before proceeding with the purchase. Your lender will not release funds for the purchase until they are certain the property is in sound condition. Beyond the standard home inspection, consider additional inspections for pests, radon gas, mold, and other issues based on the property's location and condition. Older homes may require more extensive inspections. Do not skip any recommended inspections. Upon receiving the inspection report, you may choose to adjust your offer. If significant repairs are necessary, you can request that the seller completes them or deduct an appropriate amount from the sale price for you to address the repairs. It's important to note that inspections are primarily intended to ensure the property's safety and condition, not as a bargaining tool for lowering the price.
Set Up Home Insurance and Utility Services
Your mortgage lender will require you to have home insurance to protect their investment. It is vital to ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate for potential losses, including supplementary coverage if necessary, such as flood insurance. Coordinating utility services is crucial to ensure a smooth transition between owners. Ideally, utilities should transfer seamlessly from the seller to you, avoiding any interruptions in essential services like heating, cooling, and running water.
The Loan and Home Closing
The final step involves the closure of the home purchase and mortgage loan. Additional professionals, such as title companies and attorneys, may be involved. You will receive advance disclosure of the closing costs and fees. While these costs and fees are standard in every mortgage transaction and should be disclosed in advance, it's essential to be prepared for them. Ensure you have sufficient funds available to cover these expenses, without depleting your last available cash reserves.
Move In
With the loan successfully closed, it's time to move into your new home. You can choose to hire professional movers for a quicker and more convenient process, albeit at a higher cost. Alternatively, moving yourself can save money but require more time and effort. Before moving in your belongings, take the opportunity to address any necessary repairs while the house is vacant. Consider tasks such as carpet cleaning, drywall patching, and painting. As you settle into your new home, take the final steps to make it truly yours by re-keying the locks and changing garage door opener codes.
Ensuring you follow the steps to homeownership in the right sequence guarantees you and your family are well-prepared and supported by professionals throughout the process. We cannot emphasize enough the benefits of pre-purchase homeownership counseling, which can empower you to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of buying a home with confidence.
The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
