Prior to looking…

1.        Select a REALTOR® with experience and training, with whom you are comfortable.

2.        Meet with a good lender, your REALTOR® can help you select several, to determine what you can afford.

3.        Supply the lender with the information he requests to get a pre-approval letter.

4.        Define what you really “have to have” in a home and what you “want” to have in a home.

5.        Define the areas where you would like to live.

While looking at homes…

1.        Give your REALTOR® your pre-approval letter from your lender.

2.        Be sure you set aside at least two hours to look at homes.

3.        Compare the homes to one another.

4.        Let your REALTOR know what you like and do not like about each home and which you like best.

When you find the right home…

1.        You will be asked to sign an offer and a lot of other paperwork…ask you REALTOR to explain anything you do not understand.

2.        Your REALTOR® will review comparable sales with you to help you determine the original offer price. 

3.        Be prepared for counter offers to come to terms acceptable to you and the Seller.

4.        Your REALTOR® will explain any conditions and special provisions in the contract and any estimated closing costs to you.  (There are costs in addition to the price.)

5.        You will to need write an earnest money check to go with the offer.  The check will be cashed, so make sure you transfer enough money into your checking account.  This money is applied to the price and costs to purchase.

During the escrow….

1.        Make sure you get anything your lender needs as quickly as possible.

2.        Try to make time to attend all inspections…besides identifying problems which your REALTOR will address with the seller, the inspector will explain many details about the home to you.

3.        Choose your homeowners insurance.

4.        Choose your home warranty, if one is included in the sale or you purchase one.

The week before closing…

1.        Give the post office your forwarding address.

2.        Change your address for your important mail.

3.        Have utilities…gas, electric, water, telephone, cable turned on at the new address.

4.        Schedule a moving service or a truck.

5.        Leave time for the final walk through of the home.

A two or three days before closing…

1.        Sign all closing paperwork, including all loan documents.

2.        Bring a cashiers check to closing, they will not take personal checks.

3.        Bring your photo ID, escrow needs it to notarize documents.

The closing day…

1.        Your REALTOR will arrange to get the keys for you.

2.        Enjoy your new home!