If you’re entering the Houston market for a new home, here’s a step-by-step guide to the home buying process.
Find the right Realtor
Whether this is your first home purchase or your second, no two real estate transactions are ever the same, which is why it’s important to get professional guidance from a Realto Click here to get to know our agents and see what they have to offer.
Once you have selected our Realtor, you can schedule a consultation to ask questions about the buying process. Your Realtor will guide you through the whole process.
Find the right lender
Unless you’re paying cash, you’ll need to secure financing for your home purchase. It’s important to talk to a lender and find out how much home you can afford before viewing properties. This will help narrow down the search and help you avoid looking at homes outside your price range.
How much home you can afford is determined by several factors, including your monthly income, debt, credit score, and so on. Shop around for a lender to get the best rates possible. Your Realtor can also refer you to mortgage lenders that their clients have worked with in the past.
Get pre-approval
Securing a pre-approval letter from a reputable lender is a must during the home search. This written document indicates how much the lender is willing to lend you and shows the seller that you’re financially capable of making a home purchase. To get pre-approved for a mortgage, the lender will pre-qualify you and conduct a thorough financial check.
Find the right property
Once you know how much home you can afford, your Realtor will come up with strategies to help you find the right home in the Greater Houston Area. Discuss your needs and preferences when it comes to location, property size and home features. This will make it easier for your Realtor to find listings that match your criteria.
Make an offer
After several home viewings, you might find a home that fits your needs and budget. If you’re ready to take the next step, your Realtor will help you make a strong offer for the seller’s consideration.
Negotiate the terms of the sale
It’s common for sellers to receive multiple offers on a home in the Greater Houston Area. An experienced Realtor will help make your offer stand out and be accepted versus 10 to 20 other offers for the same property.
Inspect the property
Your Realtor will help you find a certified inspector to conduct a thorough and professional check of the property. This will help you uncover any major defects. An inspector will provide a detailed report that you can use to negotiate repairs or reduce the purchase price.
Close the sale
Before closing, you will do a final walkthrough of the property. This will help you check that the property is in good condition. If you’re satisfied with the walkthrough, closing will be finalized at the title company, which will file all the necessary paperwork to transfer the property to your name. Once the file is closed and funded, the keys to the home will be released to you for immediate move-in.
Kodu Realty, LLC assists buyers in and around the Greater Houston Area. Fill out our form, call 832.651.8254 or email Eleny(at)KoduRealty(dotted)com to schedule a consultation. We’d be more than happy to help you find your dream home in Texas.