How to Buy a Home

How to Buy a Home

If you are looking to buy your first home or even another home, you have come to the right blog. Here at Dreams to Keys Realty LLC, we have outlined 30 steps to help you reach your desired goal of buying a home.

Step 1. Start saving early: Begin setting aside money in a high yield savings account to save faster.

Step 2. Create a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on a home and stick to it.

Step 3. Obtain a free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com: Review your credit report for areas that need correction or removal.

Step 4. Figure out where you want to live: Think of  the state, city, and areas you would want to live in for the next 3-5 years at least.

Step 5. Map out your commute to work: See how far you would want to commute to work, church, school, and other places you need to travel to regularly.

Step 6. Decide your timeline: Conclude your specific timeline by which you would like or need to move.

Step 7. List out your non-negotiables: Pick out what you will need in or near the home for the function of yourself and your family

Step 8. Connect with Je'Laune Strong, Realtor at Dreams to Keys Realty LLC: Schedule a consultation to discuss your homeownership goals.

Step 9. Review and complete your action items: Work through your actionable steps provided by Je'Laune Strong, Realtor.

Step 10. Talk with the preferred lender: Discuss the issues on your credit report and your financial state with the mortgage loan officer.

Step 11. Look for funding: Ask the mortgage loan officer about programs that can assist you financially.

Step 12. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: This can help you understand how much of a home you can afford through a mortgage loan.

Step 13. Establish a realtor-client relationship: Complete the paperwork with Je'Laune Strong, Realtor or the agent in your area to be considered a client.

Step 14. Provide the pre-approval letter to your real estate agent: This helps your agent know the price point to look in for homes.

Step 15. Review houses provided by Realtor: Compare the homes against your non-negotiables and communicate the homes you are interested in to your real estate agent.

Step 16. Understand the market: Review a comparative market analysis provided by Je'Laune Strong, Realtor or the agent in your area.

Step 17. See the homes: Go to open houses and showings with Je'Laune Strong, Realtor or the agent in your area.

Step 18. Get familiar with the paperwork: Understand the contracts and documents involved in buying a home.

Step 19. Make an offer on the home: Let Je'Laune Strong, Realtor or your agent  draft your offer when you found the right home.

Step 20. Get an accepted offer: An accepted offer leads to being under contract to buy the home .

Step 21. Get a home inspection: Ensure the property is in good condition before due diligence closes.

Step 22. Negotiate repairs if needed: Review the inspection report with the inspector and Je'Laune Strong, Realtor to find key areas that need repairs before moving in.

Step 23. Decide to close on your new home: Once all negotiations have been completed and you still want the home, respond to all real estate professionals to prepare for closing.

Step 24. Find a homeowner insurance policy: Look for insurers in your area and ask Je'Laune Strong, Realtor or your agent for any recommendations.

Step 25. Review closing documents: Provide insurance quote to mortgage loan officer and confirm all closing documents are correct and affordable for you.

Step 26. Congratulations on your New Home!: Sign all documents needed for closing and take your keys.

Step 27. Save for emergencies: Have a fund set aside for unexpected repairs or expenses.

Step 28. Set up accounts for your utilities: Make sure the utilities are on and in your name.

Step 29. Secure Your Home: Consider Getting an Alarm System for Your Home and Register it With Your County

Step 30. Submit Reviews: Let others know how Je’Laune Strong, Realtor, your lender, and others were beneficial in your homeownership journey.

We know that was a lot, but we are prepared to walk through the process with you at Dreams to Keys Realty LLC. Schedule a consultation today at the "Book Me" tab above to get started today!