INDUSTRY INSIGHT
BUYING A HOME
SPONSORED CONTENT
7 STEPS for FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. Being a homeowner is also a great achievement. These seven steps will provide a guide for you as you navigate the home-buying process.
1- ESTABLISH CREDIT- A good credit score will make the homebuying process much smoother and will qualify you for a great mortgage rate. Not sure what your credit score is? Need some advice
on establishing credit or increasing your credit score? Contact a mortgage broker; brokers can offer free advice to help you prepare for your first-time home buying experience.
2- FIND A REALTOR- Did you know that buyers do not pay a fee to use a Realtor? Typically the commission is paid by the seller. You need a professional to help you navigate through the process. A local Realtor knows the area and will facilitate paperwork, financing, inspections, negotiations. Find a full-time Realtor with a full-service team.
3- GET PRE-APPROVED- Find out what you can afford before you start looking. Know your price range and share that with your Realtor. He / she will keep you focused on what you can afford. Make sure you know your closing costs as well. A mortgage professional will provide you a cost sheet so you know what your cost will be to close, and what your monthly mortgage payments will be.
4- START YOUR HOME SEARCH- Your Realtor will work with you to narrow your location, cost and must-haves for your new home. Typically the process begins online where you review the homes that meet your criteria, select your top choices and schedule time with your Realtor to tour the homes you choose.
5- FIND YOUR DREAM HOME- When you walk into the home that is right for you, you will know. By following each of the steps and educating yourself on the home-buying process, you will establish a routine of looking at homes online, comparing those within your price range and desired location, and communicating regularly with your Realtor. Inventory is low— when you see the right home for you, make an offer before someone else does.
6- GET AN INSPECTION- Get a home inspection to ensure that you have a thorough review of the major components of the home. Attend the inspection— this is an opportunity to learn more about your new home. The home inspector will point out major issues and minor issues and provide a full report.
7- WELCOME HOME- Congratulations! You are now a homeowner. Enjoy your home, maintain it and always pay your mortgage on time.
This Industry Insight was written by Sherri Flaherty, Realtor with the Flaherty Group at Keller Williams Realty South. For more information contact Sherri Flaherty at sherriflaherty @ gmail. com or text / call at 724.328.0006, or Denis Flaherty at denis. valentine1 @ gmail. com or text / call at 412.969.8228. Sherri and Denis are licensed real estate agents in the state of Pennsylvania, www. flahertygrouprealty. com. Contact Keller Williams Realty South at 412.831.3800.
Upper St. Clair | Summer 2016 | icmags. com 33