There are seven steps you need to take to make the leap from loan to homeownership.
So you’ve evaluated your financial situation, weighed your options, and you’re ready for one of life’s most exciting commitments: owning a home. Congratulations!
What comes next? Here are the seven steps recommended by USA Today to make the jump from loan to homeownership:
1. Start calculating. What’s your annual income before taxes? What’s your monthly debt? How much money do you have for your down payment and closing costs? Where do you want to live? What’s your credit score? These are all important numbers and factors to take into consideration.
2. Know your loans. The most common are the FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, and jumbo loans. Which is best for you? We’d be happy to match you with a lender we trust who’ll educate you on the best loan for your circumstances.
3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This way, you’ll know how much you can afford. It also gives you an important edge over competing buyers who’ve only gotten pre-qualified. To get pre-approved, you need to know your assets, income, and credit score.
4. Work with an agent. The right Realtor can make a big difference in terms of finding the right home in the right place. They’ll also make sure you don’t overpay for the home, walk you through all the paperwork, and help you find qualified inspectors, repairmen, and movers to save valuable time and energy.
“The loan and home buying process may feel daunting at times, but the results are worth it.”
5. Find your home. Besides the size and style of the home, you also want to consider which neighborhood and school district it’s located in and what your work commute would be like.
6. Make an offer. There are several factors to consider during this step, including how much competition you have, how long the house has been on the market, and how much you’ll have to spend on repairs and updates. Be willing to negotiate, but stay within your budget.
7. Complete the loan process. Once you’ve completed all inspections, the home must meet appraisal and be reviewed by an underwriter, who’ll have to verify all the final details to approve your loan. Once the loan is approved, the closing is set. This is my favorite part of the process. I love sitting at the closing table with my clients and witnessing their excitement once they’re handed the keys to their new home.
The loan and home buying process may feel daunting at times, but the results are worth it. If you have any more questions about the home buying process or you have any other real estate needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you.
