Buying or selling a home? Leyba Real Estate LLC can help.

For most people, purchasing a home is a stressful event. But with some planning ahead of time, it isn't too confusing. So they'll understand exactly what they can expect, I like to give buyers an overview of the entire deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
There are plenty of things you'll want to consider before beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll probably want to create an index of must-haves, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around a third of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to go by.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent in Santa Fe
This is where I can help. We'll book a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Santa Fe area.

I can also help you begin the loan process. Leyba Real Estate LLC works with some of the best mortgage professionals in Santa Fe, so you're in great hands. They'll assist you with figuring out which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking
After our initial meeting, I'll start searching for available houses on the market that are great for you. I'll preview many of the houses and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll show you the positive features and negative ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and dislike. Generally, buyers change their wish list as we tour houses and some features become more important than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through all the listings once again and narrow it down to the house of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
My awareness of the Santa Fe home market is a leading element in your house search. I am familiar with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will let you know certain districts are "hot" and call for prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate when the asking price has room for negotiation and also when I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any REALTOR in Santa Fe will claim to truly know the housing market, but take notice, and make sure you ask your agent lots of questions. If things don't add up, call me at 505-473-0223 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My understanding of the market will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
I know we'll find your dream house in Santa Fe. When we do, I'll meticulously develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, finishing the inspection, and a clear title.

When we present your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is usually put towards the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the initial offer. It's very common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions will play a big part in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Once the contract is signed, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it won't take very long at all, but you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate depends on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if everything looks all right.

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

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply contact me at 505-473-0223 or e-mail me at .