Buying A Home 101

So you’re thinking of buying a home, but whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless. Click on the icons below to learn more about each of the steps that will mark the path to your new front door.

DECIDING TO BUY

HIRING AN AGENT

FINANCING YOUR HOME

GOING SHOPPING

MAKING AN OFFER

INSPECTIONS & APPRAISAL

SETTLEMENT

 

Inspections and Appraisal
After your offer is accepted, it’s time to set up your home inspection. The inspection is your opportunity to know what you are buying, but don’t be surprised if a few things show up, especially if you are purchasing a “used” house. You may decide to negotiate repairs as part of the purchase. Talk with your agent about the best way to go about this. Your insurance company will also do an inspection to make sure they are comfortable covering the home and your lender will order an appraisal to verify that the home is worth the amount that they are lending you. All these steps, and a few others, have specific timelines that are outlined in your sales contract. It’s important to pay attention to those dates so you don’t forfeit any of your rights in the sales process.