Buying a home?...

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The Home Buying Process

Steps to Buying a Home

Step 1: Check Your Credit Report & Score

Before getting a mortgage or loan, you should always check your credit. According to the law, you can receive one free copy of your credit report yearly. You can do this by visiting Annualcreditreport.com. Scores range from approximately 300 to 850; generally, the higher your score, the better loan you'll qualify for. Don't forget to check your report for errors. If there are any, dispute them. It may help your credit score. You can also check your credit score for free at www.creditkarma.com.

Step 2: Figure out How Much You Can Afford

You can calculate how much you can afford by starting online. Several online mortgage calculators will help you calculate an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Don't forget to factor in the money you'll need for a down payment, closing costs, fees (such as fees for an attorney, appraisal, inspection, etc.), and the costs of remodeling or furniture. Remember that you don't always have to put down 20 percent as your parents once did. There are loans available with little to no down payment. An experienced home loan expert can help you understand all your loan options, closing costs, and other fees.

Step 3: Find the Right Lender and Real Estate Agent

To find the right mortgage lender, it’s best to shop around. Get recommendations from your friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to at least three or four mortgage lenders. Ask lots of questions and make sure they have answers that satisfy you. Find someone you are comfortable with and who makes you feel at ease.

Once you have the right mortgage lender, make sure you at least get a pre-approval. Qualifications are only a guess based on what you tell the lender and are no guarantee, whereas a pre-approval will give you a better idea of how big a loan you qualify for. The lender will pull your credit and get more information about you. However, you could even take it one step further by getting approval before starting home shopping. That way, when you're ready to make an offer, the sale will go much quicker. Besides, your offer will look more appealing than other buyers since your financing is guaranteed.

Step 4: Look for the Right Home

Make a list of what you'll need in the house. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire. How big do you want the kitchen to be? Do you need lots of closets and cabinet space? Do you need a big yard for your kids and/or pets to play in?

Once you've made a list of your must-haves, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, the types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work, and the convenience of local shopping. Consider your safety concerns and how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.

Step 5: Make an Offer on the Home

Now that you've found your desired home, you must make an offer. Most sellers price their homes a bit high, expecting that there will be some haggling involved. A decent place to start is about five percent below the asking price. You can also get a list from your real estate agent to determine how much comparable have sold for. Once you've made your offer, don't think it's final. The seller may make a counteroffer, which you can also make. But you don't want to go back and forth too much. Somewhere, you have to meet in the middle. Once you've agreed on a price, you'll make an earnest money deposit that goes into escrow to give the seller a sign of good faith.

Step 6: Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation

There are many mortgage programs, but as a first-time home buyer, you should know the three basics: adjustable rate, fixed rate, and interest-only.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are short-term mortgages that offer a fixed interest rate for a short period of time, usually between one and seven years. After that, the interest rate can adjust up or down every year, depending on the market. ARMs are good for people who don't plan on living in their homes very long and/or are looking for a lower interest rate and payment.

Fixed-rate mortgages are more traditional and offer a fixed interest rate (and thus a fixed monthly payment) for a longer period of time, usually 15 or 30 years. They're also available in 20- or 25-year terms. These are good for people who like a predictable payment and plan on living in their home for a long time.

Both fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages can have an interest-only payment. This means that for a certain amount of time during the loan term, you're allowed to pay only enough to cover the interest portion of your payment. You can still pay the principal when you wish, but you don't have to if your budget is tight. There is a myth that you don't build equity with interest-only mortgages. This is not necessarily true since you can build equity through home appreciation. Interest-only mortgages are beneficial because you increase your cash flow by not paying the principal.

Remember to ask your mortgage lender or mortgage banker lots of questions about which mortgage is right for you and your situation.

Step 7: Close on Your Home

Make sure you get a home inspection before you close. It will be well worth the money spent since it ensures the property's structural soundness and good condition.

Setting a convenient closing date for both parties may be tricky, but it can certainly be done. Remember that you may have to wait until your rental agreement runs out, and the seller may have to wait until they close on their new house.

Be sure to talk to your mortgage banker to understand all the closing costs so there are no surprises. Closing costs will likely include (but are not limited to) your down payment, title fees, appraisal fees, attorney fees, inspection fees, and points you may have bought to lower your interest rate.

Step 8: Move In!

You've got your mortgage, closed the deal, and now it's time to move in! Whether you use a mover or not is up to you, depending on your financial situation and how much stuff you have to move, and perhaps also whether you have a lot of friends willing to help you move. Either way, you're done with the home-buying process! Just start unpacking and start enjoying your first home! Buying a home for the first time doesn't have to be a hassle if you're prepared and know what to do and when. Choose an experienced home loan lender and a friendly, knowledgeable real estate agent-they are the key to helping you have a smooth home buying experience!