Are you new to the home-buying process? Before you get started, it’s important to understand the steps to buying a house. That way, you can know what to expect and plan accordingly.
In this post, our team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Chris Schmidt Team will discuss eight key steps involved in buying a house, from hiring a realtor and getting pre-approval to signing closing documents.
Key Takeaways:
- An experienced agent can guide you through the home-buying process, recommend lenders, help you find suitable properties, and negotiate on your behalf.
- Pre-approval before house-hunting is important because it will give you a clear understanding of your budget and demonstrate to sellers that you have serious intentions.
- Start house-hunting by making a list of your top neighborhoods, desired home features, and essential amenities.
What Are the Steps to Buying a House?
- Hire a Realtor: Hire a reputable real estate agent who specializes in working with first-time homebuyers. An experienced agent can guide you through the home-buying process, recommend lenders, help you find suitable properties, and negotiate on your behalf.
- Create a Budget: Assess your finances, including income, savings, and debt, to determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. Beyond the down payment and monthly mortgage payments, be sure to consider closing costs, property taxes, HOA fees, and general ongoing maintenance costs.
- Reach out to a Lender: Meet with a mortgage lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Pre-approval before house-hunting is important because it will give you a clear understanding of your budget and demonstrate to sellers that you have serious intentions.
- Look for Homes: Start house-hunting by making a list of your top neighborhoods, desired home features, and essential amenities. You may not find a home that has everything you want– For this reason, it can help to consider which aspects of a home are the most important to you and which ones you’re more likely to compromise on.
- Submit an Offer: Once you find a home you like, work with your real estate agent to submit an offer to the seller. Your offer includes the purchase price, contingencies, and other terms of the sale. The seller may accept, reject, or counter it.
- Hire an Inspector: After your offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection to assess the condition of the property. This ensures the home is in the condition the seller said it was in.
- Finalize Your Loan: Finalize your mortgage loan by providing the necessary documentation to your lender and completing the underwriting process. Your lender will require an appraisal to assess the value of the property.
- Finish Closing: Attend the closing appointment to sign the final paperwork and officially take ownership of the property. Bring a cashier’s check or arrange for a wire transfer to cover the closing costs and down payment. Once the closing process is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.
Buy a Home in Houston with Chris Schmidt Today
If you’re considering buying a house in Houston, partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate professional can make all the difference in finding your perfect home. At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Chris Schmidt Team, Chris Schmidt and our team have been continually ranked as the best realtor in Houston.
We’ve helped many buyers find homes that match their budget and preferences thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the local housing market and unique buyer guarantees, including our Buy it Back Guarantee.
If you are interested in working with our team to buy a home, call or text today at 713-322-5604. You can also use the form below. Don’t have to wait to find your dream home in Houston!
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