Contemplating purchasing a home in the Sunset Beach area?

For most people, purchasing a home can be a stressful event. However, with a bit of up-front planning, it's not that difficult. So they know exactly what to expect, I like to supply buyers with an overview of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have questions regarding this information or if you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home  There are several things you need to consider before you start looking for a home. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to form a check list of features you want, get an idea of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 30 percent of your monthly income is a good guideline to go by.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent  This is where I can help. I'd love to plan a time to meet with you and communicate with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your future plans. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Sunset Beach area.  I'll also help you begin the loan process. I work with some of the best mortgage professionals in Sunset Beach, so you're in great hands. They will assist you in determining which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home  Following our first meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll preview many of the homes and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes whenever it's convenient for you. When we view the homes, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. I'll also ask you what things you like and dislike. For the most part, buyers change their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some items become far more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings another time and narrow it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the housing market  My knowledge of the Sunset Beach home market is a fundamental aspect in your home search. I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll communicate what areas are "hot" and warrant prompt action and others that are "cool" and allow for more analysis.  As we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate if the asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and make sure you ask lots of questions. Any REALTOR in Sunset Beach will convince you they truly know the housing market. If it appears they don't know everything, just call me at 9103676396 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. My market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams  We'll find the house of your dreams in Sunset Beach, and when we do, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include many contingencies, such as getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.  Upon submitting your offer, most likely you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's usually applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal  Unfortunately most contracts aren't closed on the initial offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.  Market conditions will play a large role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan  After we sign the final deal, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, it shouldn't take very long at all, but you'll want to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal  Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs within three days of taking your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.  Then we'll close on your home. This should happen at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and hassle-free occasion.

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, just contact me.