Claudia Hargrove Thoughts

Finding a new home can be a fascinating and challenging experience. It is important to have a real estate agent who takes the time to understand your personal needs and lifestyle.

Step 1: Decide to buy

The decision to buy your first home is one of the best and most important decisions you will make in your life. After all, a home is the most important (and most emotional) investment of life for most people.

Step 2: Hire an agent

When looking for a real estate agent to help you, know that good agents put their clients first and foremost. This is your dream and your agent is your partner to help you make this dream come true. 

Step 3: Secure financing

Ultimately, the lender will grant you pre-approval for a specific amount, but YOU decide how much you can comfortably pay each month. Remember, the lender only sees your financial situation on paper. The decision of how much you are willing to adjust your budget to have the house of your dreams is yours. 

Step 4: The own house

You have already obtained prior approval and are ready to begin the search. But, how or where to start? There is a large supply of properties and immersing yourself in this without any guidance can be overwhelming and confusing. A good agent will help you more accurately identify the properties that fit your criteria. The right home should meet all your important needs and as many other desires as possible.

Step 5: Make an offer

Once you have found a house that you love, the next step is to make an attractive offer. While it is likely that when you find a house that loves the emotions are going to be on the surface, it is important to remember that a house is an investment. Your agent will look for similar properties in the neighborhood to help you determine the market value, and a fair price, for your property. Use your agent to inform and guide you throughout the bidding process.

Step 6: Closing

Once you have made your offer and completed the inspection process, you will enter the final straight! In order to make sure you do not put your closing date or mortgage at risk, you should be aware of some pre-closing responsibilities. 

Step 7: Protect your investment

Congratulations and welcome home! He completed the process of buying a house, but as with any important process, there is a maintenance plan! Now it is your responsibility, and the most convenient from the economic point of view, to protect your investment in the years to come. Performing routine maintenance on the systems of your home is always cheaper than solving more important problems later. Be sure to look for signs of leaks, such as water or gas, damage and wear.

And remember, your relationship with your agent does not have to end simply because the sale has been completed. After the closing your agent can still help you, for example, with information for your income tax returns, to look for contractors and repair services and even to follow the updated value of your property in the market.

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