Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just interested in the process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Start by making sure you’re ready, then get preapproved for your mortgage. Once you’ve found the right property, make an offer and work with your real estate agent to negotiate. Once you’re under contract, you’ll have to get an appraisal and inspection.
1. Know Your Budget
Whether you’re planning to buy your first residential property or are already looking for properties to invest in, it’s important to know how much you can afford to spend. You’ll need to consider a number of factors, including your current income and expenses, as well as local market conditions. It’s also a good idea to review state and national first-time buyer schemes, as these can help make homeownership more accessible.
The most obvious consideration is how much you can afford for a deposit and mortgage payment. You should aim to save a deposit of at least 15% or 20% of the purchase price, as this will give you more options when it comes to choosing a home. However, if saving this much money is not possible, it’s still worth talking to lenders about what options are available to you.
Remember that homeownership comes with other recurring costs, such as homeowners’ insurance, utility bills, maintenance and repairs. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
Another important consideration is the type of property you want to buy. For example, a large house may be appealing but it can be difficult to maintain within a tight budget. You might also want to think about the location of the property – for instance, if you have children then you’ll need to review school options. Lastly, it’s also worth considering the condition of the property and whether you need to do any work.
2. Know Your Lender
First-time home buyers are often overwhelmed with a lot of information. They must find a property they can afford, secure financing, conduct a home inspection and close on the purchase. First-time homeowners can also qualify for special state and national programs to help with a down payment and closing costs.
Real estate agents, mortgage companies, lenders and title companies are just a few of the people involved in the home buying process. Each of these individuals makes their living by providing a service to prospective and current homeowners. It is important to find out who each person represents and what their job entails.
Mortgage companies provide loans to buy homes and commercial properties. These companies may be commercial banks or credit unions. They may also “sell” the loan to another institution (such as a bank, insurance company or credit agency) once it’s closed on.
Typically, you must pay a down payment of up to 20% of the purchase price. This can save you from private mortgage insurance and lower your interest rate. You must also obtain a title search to make sure there is no other claim to the property and that the seller has clear ownership.
You’ll need to provide your lender with all of the financial paperwork including all bank account statements, 30 days of paystubs and two years of W-2s or tax returns. You may be asked to provide additional documentation as the loan progresses. It’s a good idea to review your closing disclosure statement three business days before the closing date. This will detail the final loan terms and closing costs, which may include fees such as loan origination charges, appraisal fees, survey costs, title insurance and taxes.
3. Know Your Rights
The purchase of real estate involves a bundle of rights. These are governed by both the constitution and statutory codes determined by individual states. These rights include:
For instance, the seller must disclose known housing defects. This includes rat infestations, mold, structural damage to the property, as well as issues with plumbing, electrical systems, and water sources. The buyer can file a lawsuit if a seller has misrepresented or omitted such information that affects their decision to buy the property.
Additionally, the buyer is entitled to a survey of the property. This is an essential part of the buying process and can help identify any problems with a home’s foundation or other factors that may affect its value. Additionally, the buyer can request that an escrow account be set up for paying homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. This way, the lender can ensure that these payments are made on time.
A buyer should never engage in a property deal unless they are absolutely sure that the seller is the legal owner of the asset. Moreover, they must also verify the credentials of their recommended developer and RERA ID and registration. Similarly, they should avoid any sellers who propose to use money in black in lieu of tax discounts as this could prove to be a huge headache in the long run. Additionally, they must also make sure that all loan documents and statements pertaining to the seller’s outstanding loans are cleared and transferred to their name, before making the final purchase.
4. Know Your Contract
When you make an offer on a house and a seller accepts it, you can’t just shake hands and swap a fat check for the keys. That’s because the sale requires a lot of paperwork and legal safeguards to be in place. These details are laid out in a contract called a purchase and sale agreement, which can be tricky to read (although your real estate agent should serve as your guide).
Almost all purchases include contingencies, which are conditions that must be met before the home sale can be finalized at settlement. These are usually tied to the buyer’s ability to obtain financing, have the property inspected by a licensed home inspector, get a clean title report and verify that the seller is the owner of the property.
If the buyer can’t meet all of the contingencies, they can back out of the deal without penalty and have their earnest money refunded, Schorr says. “There’s a certain level of risk in breaking a contract, but you don’t want to get caught off guard,” she adds.
The contract also stipulates how much the buyer is required to pay for the home, as well as closing costs and fees. It includes a property disclosure statement, which the seller must provide, listing any known problems with the property such as lead-based paint or mold. It also requires the buyer to have homeowners insurance in place.
5. Know Your Inspections
Home inspections are a vital part of the home buying process. They allow you to find out about problems that could cost you in the future, so you can make the best decision for your own needs. You will get a report with detailed information about the property that will show what is working well and any repairs or maintenance it needs. Before you close the deal on Subiaco homes for sale, be sure to thoroughly inspect the property.
Your real estate agent should have a list of inspectors they recommend, but you can also ask friends and family for recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider their experience and whether they are certified by a professional organization, such as ASHI or NACHI.
You may choose to have a general home inspection, which covers all of the visible components of the property, or you can have more specialized inspections done. For example, if you’re considering a house with a pool, it’s important to hire someone who can do a dedicated swimming pool inspection that looks at the structure, equipment, and safety features.
If a home inspection reveals serious structural or safety issues, you can usually rescind your offer or negotiate with the seller to cover necessary repairs or reduce the sale price. This is called an inspection contingency and allows you to avoid getting stuck with a money pit or having to deal with expensive and time-consuming repairs after you move in. It’s also a good idea to check the disclosure statement, which is typically included with the sales contract. This document outlines any undisclosed problems with the property that the seller must disclose by law.
6. Know Your Closing Date
Choosing the right closing date is important for buyers. It can reduce your closing costs, and ensure the remainder of the home-buying process looks like a well-choreographed ballet of financial, legal and real estate professionals.
Whether you are buying a single-family home, condo or co-op, the purchase will involve a variety of steps that must take place between your acceptance of an offer and the final closing. In addition to the written contract, you will likely undergo a home inspection and an appraisal. You will also need to get approval from your mortgage lender, which may require an in-person interview.
Your closing date will depend on how long it takes to complete all of these tasks and reach a successful outcome. The real estate market can play a role, too. If the property is popular and there are many buyers competing for it, sellers have more negotiating power and may be willing to negotiate some buyer-side concessions.
If you choose a closing date too close to the end of a mortgage loan commitment period, you risk losing your desired interest rate. And if you choose a closing date too far in the future, you may not be able to move into your new home by that time.
At the closing appointment, you will need to sign a series of documents in front of an escrow or closing attorney, a lawyer and possibly a mortgage broker. You will need to bring your ID and a cashier’s check for the amount needed to close (if required by your lender), a copy of your signed mortgage and title documents and any other items stipulated in your contract.