Buying a new home in

With a little up-front planning, purchasing a home isn't too hard, but the event can be stressful for many people. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you start searching for a home, there are plenty of things you need to do. You'll probably want to assemble a checklist of items you want to have, plan for what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to a third of your net monthly income is a good guideline to adhere to.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent
That's where I can help. I'd love to plan a time to get together with you and communicate with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future.

I'll also assist you with getting started on your loan. I work with some of 's best mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They will assist you with deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start house-hunting
After we meet, I'll begin searching for available houses on the market that best suit you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the houses and remove the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

When we view the homes, I'll point out positive features and negative ones. I'll even ask you to tell me about things you like and dislike. It's widely common for buyers to update their must-have list as we view houses and some items become far more essential than others. If that's the case, I'll look through all the listings once again and trim it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the market
Your agent's understanding of the market is a leading element in your home search. And I assure you I'm familiar with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can let you know certain neighborhoods are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful examination.

As we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate when the list price has room for negotiation and when I think the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Any real estate agent will tell you they know the housing market. If things don't add up, just call me at (972) 504-8021 or e-mail me at g.sunday@targetcosthomes.com, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
I know we'll find your dream home in . When that happens, I'll precisely develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including some contingencies, such as getting financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we submit your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property and is most often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer – it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Upon finalizing the deal, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it shouldn't take long at all, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your 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 Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to include all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and comfortable occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
You made it! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, just contact me at (972) 504-8021 or send me an e-mail.