tips-on-the-home-buying-process | For Buyers

Details: Category: For Buyers For Buyers; Published: 06 March 2007 06 March 2007; Hits: 21897 21897

The process of buying a home can be a time consuming and emotional undertaking. With the enormous number of homes available on any given real estate market, it can be a difficult process to best gauge the home that is suited to your needs. In an attempt to simplify the process, here are some good things to remember when considering the purchase of a new home.

One of the most important aspects of purchasing a home is ensuring that your finances are in order before the process begins. The first step is to research the lenders that are operating in your area. Do your homework, find the lender that suits your lifestyle and personality. Seeing that this process is given the appropriate attention can benefit you in the long run. It will also encourage you to shop around and compare the different mortgages that are available. It is also a good idea to figure out how much you can afford on a monthly basis in terms of mortgage payments. Having a number in mind at the outset, and communicating this to the lender can assist in getting you the mortgage that you want. Finally, one of the most important steps of the financing process is to get your mortgage pre-approved. Having a full pre-approval, (not just a quick qualification) allows you the freedom to shop for a home, confident in the knowledge that when you find that perfect property, an offer can be made without complications. This also gives the buyer power in the negotiation process as it shows the seller that your offer is serious and has the financial backing necessary for a quick and hassle free closing.

Once the financing is in place, take some time to research the area that you are planning to move to. This is a great time to consider schools, services, amenities and other necessities of life. Remember that the neighborhood that the home is located in is an integral part of the home's value. This is also a good time to review the list of your desires in relation to the home that is ideal for you. Prioritize your needs and wants and know which ones you would be willing to sacrifice if the need arises.

Should you be ready to make an offer on a home at this point, sit down with your realtor and discuss your options. How much is a fair offer for the home in question? It is affordable to you, the buyer? Take into account the possibility that you may be outbid if the home is a desirable one. This is a great time to discuss your bidding strategy with your realtor and set a "high point" for what you are willing to pay for the home. Hopefully your bid will be accepted and you will be spared the emotionally charged process of bidding off against another prospective buyer.

If your offer is accepted, you will then need to have a proper home inspection done. This is critical. Is is a good idea to add a subject or two to the purchase contract, the most important being "Subject to the home passing an inspection." If a home is not inspected, the buyer could be in for real trouble. It is important to know fully the condition that a house is in structurally before purchasing.

A good inspection will reveal any imperfections in the house such as mold, water damage, improper building procedures and many other concerns. Don't hesitate to go along on the inspection and ask as many questions as possible. After all, this is going to be your home and you should know what is going on with it. What might need ongoing maintenance? What needs to be replaced immediately? Or needs to be replaced soon? Things like this can affect your closing price, and if there are things that require immediate replacement they can be utilized as a bargaining points

Assuming that your offer has been accepted by the seller, your lender will likely require you to secure home insurance. This is another place where it is a good idea to shop around to see what you can find. With numerous companies and policies available, take your time and find the one that best suits your needs, wants, and financial ability. Now the final step of the buying process can occur. Closing. It is here where the final agreements are made, and finalized. Now the actual property transfer takes place and all that is left is for you to enjoy your new home!

Keep checking back for updated information on Idaho Real Estate in the Boise real estate market.

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NanaimoInformation.com has all kinds of stuff, including Nanaimo real estate info.

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Search the Tampa MLS for Tampa Bay area real estate and homes.

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Don Wixom
RE/MAX Executives
16201 Idaho Center Blvd.
Nampa, ID 83687
Direct: (208) 880-5039
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What my clients say

"Thank you Don for your considerate and professional help on selling our house. Your informative correspondance we recieved before deciding to list it, got you the house, and your continued contact to let us know what efforts were being made to advertise and show the house were greatly appreciated. Showing mutual respect, we feel like we have made a new friend!"
~ Bill and Sharrel Cash, satisfied sellers

"Thank you so much for all of your efforts, patience, perseverance and professional behavior through the ordeal of selling our house. The way you dedicated yourself to your work and to our needs truly showed your eagerness and ability to help. Thank you again."
~ Jan Byers, satisfied seller

"Just wanted you to know that we really appreciate how smoothly the sale of our home went. It really could not have worked out any better. The wide marketing of our home you initiated really paid off. Thank you for a terrific experience. You have our highest recommendations, and we'll be more than happy to pass it along. God Bless!"
~ John and Jeanie Mowery, satisfied sellers

"We cannot thank you enough for your time and patience in finding our new home. There's no way we could've done it without you! You made all our dreams come true and we will always hold you dear for that."
~ Meguel and Kris Escutia, satisfied buyers

"Thanks to Don Wixom, we have been enjoying our new home for six months now. Don as the realtor selling our house worked very hard for us. He helped us through all the complex paperwork involved in making offers, getting a loan, etc. Don paid attention to detail and kept us well informed about how things were going. When things needed to be done, Don was readily available, seeing us through a home inspection, even crawling under the house in the dirt and cobwebs when we asked him to. Don was always only a phone call away. We still remember his phone number, we called him so much! Don has a wealth of experience and resources to offer. We would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to buy or sell real estate."
~Scott and Naomi Watson, satisfied buyers

"We were long distance buyers. We had been through some major life changes in 2005 and had first contacted Don Wixom in August of 2006. He stood by us 2 1/2 years showing us houses, driving out to houses and emailing us pictures when we were unable to go ourselves, never knowing if he actually would have gotten a sale from us and he never complained or pressured us once.
He always treated us with great respect as if we were his only customer. Don has done more for us than we would have done for ourselves. He gave us great advice. He was always learning what it was that we were looking for. As our needs changed midway through our searching he adjusted to them.
His website allowed us to search the multiple listing service without addresses and phone numbers needing to be given. He would always check into and answer our questions and requests.
When buying or selling in Idaho we would never consider anyone but Don Wixom. He stayed with us for the long haul and we will stay with him."
Steve and Jean McBee, Buyers Nampa

"Thanks Don, for the link to IDX app for iPhone. Works great! All the information I need right at my finger tips! Thanks for always leading from the front!"
Ernie Garza, Buyer

Tips on the home buying process