Buying or selling a home? EZ Home Search Real Estate can help.

Purchasing a home intimidates most people. However, with some planning ahead of time, it's not that complicated. I like to give buyers an outline of the whole deal so they understand exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home.

Looking for listings? Click here to see my homes, or contact me today to get you more information on any home in the area.


Step 1 – Get ready to buy
There are many things you'll want to consider before you start looking for a home. When you start your search, you'll want to put together a check list of must-haves, plan for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or around 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule to go by.

Step 2 – Get with a real estate agent in Fall River
This is where EZ Home Search Real Estate comes in. I'd be more than happy to book a time to meet with you and speak with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Fall River area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that could affect your purchase today or in the future.

I can also help you start the loan process. EZ Home Search Real Estate partners with some of the best mortgage professionals in Fall River, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will assist you with choosing which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin house-hunting
Following our first meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that are great for you. I'll preview many of the houses and remove the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses when it's most convenient for you.

As we tour the homes, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to update their wish list as we tour houses and some features become far more essential than others. If that's the case, I'll look through the listings once again and narrow it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Know the market
My understanding of the Fall River housing market is an essential resource in your search. I am familiar with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will let you know certain areas are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Be mindful and be sure to ask your agent a lot of questions, as every real estate agent will claim to truly understand the home market. If things don't add up, call me at 5086464777 or e-mail me at chris@ezhomesearch.net, and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm sure we'll find the home of your dreams in the Fall River area. When that happens, I'll precisely develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including some contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clean title.

Let EZ Home Search Real Estate guide you through finding your dream home in Fall River When submitting your purchase offer, you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's most often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts don't close on the first offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to accept the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll assemble a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get your loan
Upon finishing the contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this won't be a long process at all, but you need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your application. This estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll review the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and easygoing occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply contact me at 5086464777 or send me an e-mail.