Buying or selling a home?

For a lot of people, buying a home can be an intimidating event. However, with a bit of up-front planning, it isn't all that complex. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they understand exactly what to expect. These are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
Prior to beginning your home search, there are many things you'll want to contemplate. You'll probably want to make an outline of items you need, get a plan of what school districts you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than a third of your monthly income is a good rule to go by.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in Santa Fe
That's where I come in. We'll arrange a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about neighborhoods, schools in the Santa Fe area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any other economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you begin the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Santa Fe, and I work with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They can assist you in figuring out which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After we meet, I'll start finding homes on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and ignore the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view homes, I'll point out positive features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you about things you like and don't like. Oftentimes, buyers amend their wish list as we view houses and some things become more essential than others. If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings again and narrow it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
My knowledge of the Santa Fe home market is a leading agent in your home search. I'm mindful of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I can communicate some neighborhoods are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Be mindful and be sure to ask plenty of questions, as any REALTOR will tell you they understand the home market. If things don't add up, contact me at 5054730223 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
We'll find your dream house in Santa Fe, and when that happens, I'll meticulously create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include a lot of contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we send in your offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is usually applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Unfortunately most deals don't close on the first offer, and it's really common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions. 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 a loan
After the deal is finished, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this won't take very long at all. But you'll want to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll handle all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

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

Then we'll close on your home. This will likely happen at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and relaxing occurrence.

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