The Buying Process

#1 What's The Right Home For You?

The Buying Process

Are you looking for a home? Before deciding which house to buy, think about your lifestyle, your current and anticipated housing needs, and your budget. It’s a good idea to create a prioritized list of features you want in your next home – you'll soon discover finding the right house involves striking a balance between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves."

#2 How Much Home Can You Afford?

The Buying Process

Now that you know what you're looking for, the next step is figuring out what type of home you can afford. A review of your income, savings, monthly expenses, and debt will be necessary.

Early on in the process, you'll want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan, which helps determine how much you can afford. It enables you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested.

#3 Know Your Neighborhood

The Buying Process

When you buy a home, you're investing in a community. You'll spend a significant amount of time and money supporting the schools, community organizations and commercial centers in the surrounding areas. Before you make the final decision, take a good look at the location and make sure it fits your needs.

#4 What If You Already Have A Home?

The Buying Process

Buying a new home and selling an existing home at the same time has it's own set of difficulties. But with planning, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.

Before putting your house on the market or committing to buying a new one, take a look at the prices of houses in the areas where you'll be both selling and buying. You'll need a realistic idea of how much similar houses are going for.

#5 Shopping For A Home

The Buying Process

Selecting a buyer's agent to help you find your dream home is an important first step. He or she can represent the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a realtor explain the pros and cons of using a buyer's agent versus a sales or dual agent.

#6 Working with a Real Estate Agent

The Buying Process

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. That's why it's in your best interest to choose an experienced real estate agent who listens to and understands your needs, and works in the area where you want to live. When you choose a CENTURY 21 Big Sky agent, you're dealing with an experienced professional who understands

#7 Making An Offer To Purchase

The Buying Process

Once you’ve found your dream house, it’s time to get started with the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Let your CENTURY 21 Big Sky agent guide you through this process. Purchase contracts vary in length and terms from state to state, and within a state, from locality to locality. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on

#8 Mortgage Loan Options

The Buying Process

Unless you have enough money to pay for a house yourself, you'll need a mortgage loan. A mortgage is a loan you take out to finance the purchase of your home. It is also a legal contract stating that you promise to make a monthly payment until your loan is paid off.

#9 Getting A Mortgage

The Buying Process

It is very important to research your mortgage company before dealing with them. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you feel necessary and if anything strikes you as odd make sure you comment on it. Make sure you ask for references from satisfied customers.

#10 From Accepted Offer to Closing

The Buying Process

Home Inspections

This is a major step in the buying process and there are many potential problems that can be discovered during this period. These include a leaky roof, radon gas, termite damage, a foundation problem, and wall cracks, to name a few. These problems happen all the time. The difference between closing on your dream home and starting the process all over again is what occurs during the negotiations between you and the seller.

#11 Moving In

The Buying Process

Home Moving Checklist

Six to Eight weeks prior:

Purchase or rent moving supplies: tape, markers, scissors, pocketknife, newspaper, blankets, moving pads, plastic storage bins, rope and a hand truck. Free boxes can usually be obtained at a local supermarket, but consider purchasing wardrobe boxes for moving clothes.
Have a garage sale to clear out unwanted items and plan accordingly. Consider donating unwanted items.
Keep a detailed record of all moving expenses. Your costs may be tax deductible depending on the reasons for your move.