So now you have a Realtor representing your best interest and have your pre-qualification in hand.  What next?  You are ready to start searching for your new home!

Determine what price range you can purchase in where you are comfortable with the payments.
-Sometimes this is a lesser amount than what you are pre-qualified for.  Talk to your mortgage professional to determine where you want your payments to be.

Research the neighborhoods in your area to determine which ones you prefer.
-This might be based on schools, access to highways or shopping in close proximity.

Decide which amenities and features of a home are most important to you.  What can you not live without?  What would be nice – but not necessary?
-Do you require a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms?  Do you want an older home in a more established neighborhood, or a newer development?  Start making a list of your needs and your wants.

Share your criteria with you Agent and begin to view homes on the market.
-Take notes on the homes that you visit.  Your agent will be able to assist you in evaluating the properties you see and point out aspects of the home you may not have noticed.

Making an Offer
-Once you have found a home you want to purchase, be prepared to act quickly.  Your agent will be able to look at comparable homes that have sold in the area and help you determine a fair price to offer for the property.  This may or may not     be the sales price the home is listed for.
-Your agent will also be able to explain and advise you on the multiple aspects of the contract in addition to determining the offer amount.

Once your offer is accepted
-Your earnest money will be delivered to the title company to be held in escrow until the property closes.
-Your option money will be delivered to the owners of the home you are buying.
-You will hire a licensed real estate inspector to inspect the home and will review this report with your Agent.
-You and your Agent will discuss any repairs, if they are necessary, and you Agent will negotiate the repairs on your behalf.
-You will work with your lender and provide them with all necessary documents needed for final loan approval.
-A few days before closing your Realtor will schedule a walk through of the home you are purchasing.
-Obtain a cashier’s check for the down payment and closing costs.

At Closing
-Bring your cashier’s check.
-Make sure the terms and conditions of your loan statement are correct.
-Carefully read everything before you sign.

MOVE IN AND ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!