Let FirstPoint Real Estate assist you in buying your home in Puyallup

Purchasing a home intimidates a lot of people. However, with some up-front planning, it isn't that confusing. I like to provide buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they know exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. Should you have any questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
There are many things you need to do before you start looking for a home. You'll want to make an index of items you want, get a feeling for what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or close to 1/3 of your monthly income is a good rule to go by.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Puyallup
This is where I come in. We'll schedule a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Puyallup area.

In addition, I'll assist you with getting started on your loan. FirstPoint Real Estate partners with some of Puyallup's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They'll help you decide which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin your home search
After our first meeting, I'll begin looking for available houses on the market that suit your needs. I'll preview most of the houses and throw out the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour the houses, I'll point out good features and bad ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to amend their must-have list as we view houses and some items become more crucial than others. If such is the case, I'll look through all the listings once more and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
My awareness of the Puyallup home market is a fundamental component in your house search. I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll let you know some areas are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for more examination.

When we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent in Puyallup will convince you they comprehend the housing market, but be on guard, and make sure you ask lots of questions. If things don't add up, just call me at 253.299.2088 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find the home of your dreams in Puyallup, and when that happens, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including several contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon submitting your offer, you'll likely need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is typically applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close within 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts aren't closed on the first offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on the state of the market. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
Upon signing the contract, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this shouldn't take long at all, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your home. This will most often take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and stress-free affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you call me at 253.299.2088 or e-mail me at .