Purchasing a new home in Puyallup?

For many people, buying a home is a stressful event. But with a little up-front planning, it's not all that confusing. So they'll understand exactly what they can expect, I will furnish buyers with an overview of the whole deal. These are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to answer questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
There are several things you need to do before beginning your home search. You'll most likely want to put together a list of features you want to have, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good principle to follow.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Puyallup
This is where FirstPoint Real Estate can help. I'd be happy to set up a time to meet with you and communicate with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Puyallup area, the mortgage industry, and any additional economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.

I'll also help you facilitate the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Puyallup, and I work with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands. They will help you determine which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start your home search
After our initial meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that best suit you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to view the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour the homes, I'll show you the positive features and bad ones. And I'll ask you about things you like and don't like. Frequently, buyers change their wish list as we view homes and some features become far more essential than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Understand the market
Your agent's understanding of the Puyallup housing market is a crucial element in your home search. And I can assure you I'm acquainted with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I can alert you to what neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and others that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be careful and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as every REALTOR will claim to understand the home market. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, contact me at 253.299.2088 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. My market knowledge will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
I know we'll find your dream house in the Puyallup area. When that happens, I'll carefully create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon turning in your purchase offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's often applied to the cost of closing. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the beginning offer – it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to accept the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
After the deal is signed, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, it shouldn't take long at all. However, you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of receiving your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

Then we'll close on your home. This should happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and relaxed affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you call me at 253.299.2088 or e-mail me at .