Are you looking to buy a new home in Santa Fe? Leyba Real Estate LLC can help.

Buying a home is a stressful event for most people, but with a little planning ahead of time, it's not all that complicated. I like to give buyers an overview of the entire deal so they understand exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. Should you have any questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
There are plenty of things you need to consider before you search for a home. You'll want to make an outline of items you need to have, get a feeling for what school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around a third of your net monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Santa Fe
That's where I come in. I'd love to schedule a time to get together with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Santa Fe area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also assist you with getting started on your loan. Leyba Real Estate LLC partners with some of Santa Fe's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They'll assist you with choosing which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
After our first meeting, I'll begin finding houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll preview many of the houses and reject the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you what things you like and dislike. Usually, buyers revise their list of must-haves as we view houses and some things become far more crucial than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through the listings once more and trim it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the market
An agent's awareness of the Santa Fe home market is a leading factor in your house search. And I can assure you I'm mindful of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll alert you to what areas are "hot" and require immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for more analysis.

As we view houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the seller's asking price has room for negotiation and when I think the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any REALTOR in Santa Fe will convince you they comprehend the housing market. If it appears they don't know everything, just call me at 5054730223 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
We'll find the home of your dreams in Santa Fe, and when that happens, I'll carefully create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including several contingencies, such as acquiring financing, completing the inspection, and a clear title.

Upon presenting your offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is often applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals aren't closed on the initial offer – it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
Upon completion of the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, this won't take much time at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and hassle-free event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, just contact me at 5054730223 or e-mail me at .