THE REAL ESTATE LADY TOP-NOTCH SERVICE! ALWAYS WITH A SMILE

RELOCATING? REQUEST A FREE RELOCATION PACKAGE!

AS YOUR REALTOR I WILL FIRST EDUCATE YOU ON THE PROCESS

OF BUYING A HOME IN TEXAS.

Buying A Home

Step 1 - How Much Determine how much available cash you can afford to invest  in a home right now. This will be your down payment. Next determine how much your are financially comfortable in paying monthly on a mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. Make an appointment with a mortgage lender who will tell you how much you qualify to borrow on a mortgage.  This amount plus your available cash will give you the maximum purchase price for your new home or investment property.  Remember, you will need additional cash for closing costs. Your lender can give you an approximate figure for closing costs. Online mortgage calculators are great, but they do not take into consideration all of the criterions of individual lenders. Interview more than one lender, not only to find the best interest rate but the best terms and the strongest commitment.

Step 2 - Soul Searching

Make a list.  What type of home do you want? Do you prefer a one or a two story home? How many bedrooms and living areas would best suit your family's needs?  Do you need to be close to schools, shopping, church, etc.?  Would you like an older or newer home?  Is the size of the backyard important?  How about central air conditioning, sprinkler and security systems?  What square footage, and number of bathrooms would make your life more comfortable?

Step 3 - Research

Spend some time driving the neighborhoods of the geographical area in which you want to live.

Review

1. You are pre-approved for financing. 2. You now know the type of home that best suits your needs. 3. You have determined the geographical area and neighborhoods you prefer.

Step 4 - Contact a realtor

The realtor with whom you decide to work should be one who is experienced, sensitive to the needs of her/his clients and most of all, one you can trust and with whom you are comfortable. After all you will be spending quite a lot of time finding the right home. A competent realtor will take the time to listen to all of your real estate needs and wants. She will be able to provide you with all of relevant information about the homes and neighborhoods.  Your realtor will be in constant touch with you, keeping you informed and up-to-date on new properties as they become available. Once you have decided on the home you'd like to purchase, your realtor will assist you in evaluating the home, determining the best terms and offer price, and finally, drawing  up the contract. She will negotiate on your behalf and with her guidance you will have purchased a home at the end of the the negotiations. Your realtor will also assist you with service providers such as a mortgage lender, a home inspector; and she will be there long after you have closed to help you settle into your new neighborhood.