First off, how did we become old enough to even start thinking about buying a home!! The process of buying a home for the first time can be a complex and overwhelming experience, but it can also be very exciting. Finding an agent that you feel comfortable with and trust is the first piece of the puzzle.
Here is a general overview of the steps you can expect to take when buying a home:
- Find a real estate agent: I, as your real estate agent will be a valuable resource as you begin the process. Yes, I will help you find properties that meet your needs and budget, but before that, I will introduce you to a mortgage lender that will pinpoint your purchase power. We will come up with a game plan, and a timeline, and I will guide you through the entire search, negotiation, and closing process.
- Determine your budget: Before you start looking at homes, it's important to know how much you can afford to spend. The mortgage pre-approval process will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments would look like. This can help you make an informed decision about what type of home you can afford and will help us narrow down your location options and overall make the process more efficient. I always recommend we find your maximum monthly budget and work backward from there.
- Search for homes: Now it's time to start looking for homes that meet your needs and budget. I will find potential properties that are live and off-market. This is the fun part... get in, we're going shopping!!!
- Make an offer: Once you've found a home you need to have, we'll write a formal offer to the seller. We will come up with a strategy to negotiate the terms of the sale, including the price, closing date, earnest money, and any contingencies. More on this later...
- Get a home inspection: Depending on the contract, we will most likely conduct a home inspection to check the property for any issues that may need to be addressed to know exactly what you are buying.
- Finalize the sale: Once the negotiations are over it's time to finalize the purchase by getting it to the closing table. I, as your agent, will coordinate with our chosen closing attorney, insurance broker, and lender. There are many things that are done behind the scenes by your team but most importantly your team will coordinate with the bank to facilitate your down payment/closing costs and the remaining borrowed balance while you take ownership of the home. It will feel like MAGIC!
If you're curious about your buying power or are thinking about buying in Charleston, SC, I would love the opportunity to share my industry knowledge with you! Let's Connect!!
