Preparing To Buy

Preparing to purchase a home is as important as pre-heating your oven before you bake. If not done properly you may get burned. This page is meant to assist you in understanding the process and covers a brief overview of the home-buying process. For a copy of the FTHB seminar workbook click the green link at the bottom of this page.

1. Decide if buying a home is the right choice for you both economically and emotionally.

2. Decide what you are looking for in a home. (i.e. # of bedrooms, # of baths, style of home, foundation preferences, and garage preferences. Click here for a worksheet.)

3. Decide which area or neighborhood is going to be best for you. (i.e a subdivision, planned community, or maybe an area close to a corn field)

4. Determine how much home you can afford. A rule of thumb is that you can usually afford approximately 3 times your annual income. The absolute best thing you can do is get pre-approved through an experienced lender.

5. Assemble your "home team". Interview loan officers that will handle you mortgage needs (if applicable). Meet with an experienced real estate agent or builder to assist you in finding your dream home. (Realtors® do not typically charge fees to find you a home and are usually compensated for their services from the seller of a home). Next, add an experienced home inspector and termite inspector to your team. They will help protect your investment and though are not always required by your lender are always recommended by the Hernandez Home Team.

6. Look for homes! This is the fun part and can be as exciting as you make it.

7. Write a contract. This is exciting and important. You want to be sure that you are protected. The best way to write a contract is to use a Realtor® or hire a real estate attorney.

8. Schedule your inspections and make arrangements for any needed repairs or wood destroying insect treatments.

9. Schedule your closing with a title or escrow company.

10. Close on your new home!

11. Take possession and move in!

Congratulations! You've just reviewed the basics of buying a home. If you would like to view the workbook for a First Time Home Buyer seminar. Click here to pull up a PDF file of the seminar workbook or register for a live seminar buy clicking on the Buying tab at the top of this page.

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