Checklist for Homebuyers

If you’re in the market for a new home, here are some things you’ll have to consider before you buy.

Are you ready?

Before you being to search for a home in earnest, you need to make sure you are financially and mentally prepared.

·        Clearly answer the question: Why are you buying a home?

·        Figure out your budget

·        Gather financial records like recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.

First steps

Mariott Real Estate can help you find a new home in Bryan/College Station. Why do you need a realtor? Buying real estate is a complicated process that realtors in Texas are licensed and trained to handle.

·        Find a realtor

·        Shop for a home loan and get pre-approved

It may be tempting to run with the first company that may want to qualify you for a loan, but you have options. Look around and find one that’s right for you.

Getting pre-approved for a loan will help you determine what houses you can afford and what it out of your range.

Find your new home

Look back at why you want a new house and look at your new budget with the pre-approval. Find a house that will give you what you want in a house within your budget. If you wanted a house because you need more space, you obviously wouldn’t settle for a house that is smaller than what you have. Find a house that really fits your needs with help from your realtor.

·        Research neighborhoods

·        Come up with a list of things you would like to have in your house based on why you’re buying

·        Fall in love with the right house that is within your budget

The offer

With the help of your realtor, you can make an offer and negotiate with the seller. This is also the time when a lot of legal documents start to appear. It’s a great time to have a realtor on your side.

·        Get an inspection

·        Make an offer on the house

·        Negotiate with the seller

Get financed

If you followed your bank’s conditions on your pre-approval, this part should be easy. Hopefully, you found the best lender when you were looking for pre-approval. Now you just need to fill out the paperwork and finalize the details.

·        Contact your lender and fill out all of the paperwork

Closing

Your realtor will help you through the closing process.  This includes a title search and going to a legal office to fill out your paperwork on closing day. You realtor will be able to answer any questions you have. Realtors are trained professionals that understand real estate law and contracts.

The most important part of this process is having a professional by your side who can help you navigate the complicated process of buying real estate. A licensed real estate agent in the state of Texas is educated on the topic of legal forms and contracts.  Your realtor also knows the area where you’re wanting to buy a home. Take advantage of having a licensed real estate professional by your side.