Ok, You have taken the first steps to get qualified to start your Whatcom County home search (see previous blog post). We have connected you to a helpful MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL, identified your CREDIT SCORE, decided how much you can afford and what YOU WANT to pay per month.
NOW WHAT??? Well, like my LOGO says……
Here is a quick overview of the steps to take as we start your home search. Remember, organization is the Key to finding your home with the least amount of trouble or work.
1: Make a list of everything you want in your new home. Do you prefer a single story home, or is multiple levels ok? Is a master suite important? How many Bedrooms and Bathrooms? What about closet space? Do you need a yard for kids or pets or just to relax in? What about Schools and/or Public Transportation? Seperate the essentials and prioritize what are most important to you.
Start by deciding what style of home best fits your needs. Single story? Multi story?
Do you want to be in a neighborhood, or would you like to have some elbow room? Maybe some acreage for pets and animals?
Do you like modern or cottage style? Industrial or Farm house look?
Remember to prioritize features in order of importance. As we look at homes together, write down what you like about each one, and would your priorities change depending on other features you enjoy about that certain home.
When looking at a home, remember to look past the cosmetics of the home. Every home is unique to the person who currently owns the property and you will want to ad your own flair, style and decor in most cases anyway. The “bones” or structure of the home is the most important (which is why we always recommend a home inspection).
2: Sign up for automated email alerts that send new listings to your inbox as soon as they hit the market!
One of the best ways to make sure you are able to see as many homes that may be right for you, is to sign up for “AUTOMATED EMAIL ALERTS”. You can imput the features/styles/locations and price into your search parameters, then new home listings will be sent your way immediatly upon becoming available. You can weed out the ones that you know don’t suit you, and contact me for immediate “in person” showings for the homes that interest you!
3: Once we have found the home you want to buy, we will complete the “Purchace and Sale” contract TOGETHER.
Some of the paperwork we will go over together and include in the Purchase and sale agreement are.
a: Earnst Money Receipt
b: Financing Addendum
c: Inspection Addendum
d: Any Contingency Addendums
e: Disclosure Addendums
CONGRATULATIONS! We have started the important first steps in getting you into your new home! Now I know what you are saying to yourself “What do all those terms and Addendums mean?!”……”What happens next?!”. Relax…. that is why I am by your side throughout the entire transaction! You will want guidence and expertise with these contracts and negotiations throughout the process. I will explain all the terminolagy and timelines required to satisfy the addendums to you. It may seem daunting, but I am here to guide you towards the ultimate destination. YOUR NEW HOME!!
Remember, sign up for the free emails alerts!! Contact me to get you started with getting you set up with a mortgage professional (see previous blog post), and LETS GET YOU A NEW HOME!!!
My next blog will pick up with the next steps taken after we have completed the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Stay tuned and please leave any comment or questions you have as well.
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