All About The
Home Buying Process
Buying a new home can be an exciting and emotional experience. As local experts, you can rely on us to guide you through the process so you can feel comfortable and confident each step of the way.
Get Pre-Approved
The first step to buying a home is to understand your buying power and establish a price range. How much house can you afford? A licensed lender can help evaluate your financial standing and provide a preapproval. They will review your income and credit history to determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search. Having a preapproval letter in-hand can also increase the attractiveness of your offer, particularly when a seller has multiple offers to choose from.
Concerned you might not be able to move quickly on an offer because you need to sell your current home first? Compass Bridge Loans is the simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want.
Finding A Real Estate Agent & Searching for A Home
Our real estate agents help you navigate the housing market and the entire home buying process with confidence and clarity. You can start your search for the perfect home right here with up-to-date MLS listings in your favorite neighborhoods. Create your free account to save your favorite properties, request showings, and more! As your REALTOR® team, we will also search for homes on your behalf. When you find a home that you like, your real estate agent will schedule a showing tour for you to preview the property in person.
Making An Offer
When you're ready to move forward with a purchase, I will advise you on constructing the strongest offer possible. Then I will draw up the necessary paperwork on your behalf. There is a lot to consider when making an offer. We'll discuss the purchase price, down payment, monthly mortgage payments, the closing date, sale contingencies, and any special stipulations for your particular purchase. Once an offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject or counter the offer. If the seller returns a counter, we will enter a negotiation period until an agreement is reached, or the offer is rejected by either party. (Note that private mortgage insurance may be required by your mortgage lender if your down payment is less than 20%.)
Going Under Contract
If your offer is accepted, you will be officially under contract. The purchase will not be complete until closing, but the home cannot be sold to anyone else while the contract remains in effect. At this point, unless you are making a cash purchase, it will be time to make an earnest money deposit and secure your mortgage loan. Lenders offer a wide range of loan programs, so it's important to work with a lender and mortgage broker you trust to help you determine the best loan for your specific circumstances. (Make sure to check out home loan resources from the Federal Housing Administration, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. Factors such as the home purchase price, down payments, the monthly mortgage payment, your credit report, your monthly income, and your debt-to-income ratio will all impact the loans for which you will be eligible.)
Home Inspection
No one wants to get stuck with unexpected repairs in their new home. That's why inspecting the physical condition of your next home is a vital part of the home-buying process. A licensed home inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire property and report any problems with the condition of the home's structure or systems. The inspector will also investigate potential issues such as pest infestations or mold. Depending on the purchase agreement, we may enter additional rounds of negotiation to resolve any problems discovered during the home inspection.
Home Appraisal
Next, your lender will arrange a professional appraisal of the home. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the true (or fair market) value of a home and is conducted by an independent third party. The appraiser will confirm the appraisal value of the property for all parties involved. If the home appraises at less than the expected value, you may have the option to renegotiate the purchase agreement or terminate the contract.
The Final Walkthrough
Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walkthrough of the home to ensure that all negotiated repairs have been completed and that the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the original offer was made. This home inspection is the final opportunity to call out any problems identified with the home before closing. Depending on the purchase agreement, you may sign a formal contract addendum confirming that the walkthrough is complete and the condition of the home is acceptable. Now is also a good time to set up homeowners insurance for your new residence.
Down Payment & Closing!
Time to celebrate! Your lender will provide a final closing disclosure that summarizes the loan terms, monthly payments, taxes, and other closing costs associated with finalizing the sale. They will also confirm that you are clear to close, and you will sign all of the paperwork required to complete your purchase and loan agreement. This is when the down payment is due. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties and your loan is funded, you will receive keys, and you'll be ready to move into your new home!
Connect with Real Estate Agents You Can Trust
Want to buy a house but not sure where to start? Explore more of our tips and tools for new home buyers below, or contact us at Southern Homes Collective today for expert guidance! We can't wait to show you your dream home.
Tools For Buyers
Home Search
Find your new home with up-to-date listings. Save and rate your favorites!
Email Drips
Save your searches and review daily email alerts sent direct to your inbox!
Market Analysis
Make smart decisions with local market reports. Subscribe today!
Featured Listings
Browse featured listings in your area. Sort homes by price, location and more!