Are you looking to purchase your new home in the West Valley?

Purchasing a home intimidates a lot of people. However, with a bit of planning ahead of time, it's not too hard. I like to supply buyers with a road map of the whole deal so they understand exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Prior to beginning your home search, there are many things you need to consider. You'll probably want to create a list of items you need, get a plan of what school districts you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than a third of your net monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent in Glendale
This is where I can help. I'd like to set up a time to meet with you and communicate with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Glendale area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll assist you in getting started on your loan. I partner with some of Glendale's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They will assist you with determining which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin house hunting
Following our initial meeting, I'll begin finding available homes on the market that are great for you. I'll research many of the houses and reject the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you to tell me about things you like and dislike. Usually, buyers update their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some items become far more important than others. If that's the situation, I'll search the listings again and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the market
My knowledge of the Glendale housing market is an essential resource in your search. I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll communicate which districts are "hot" and require immediate action and the others that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we view houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's asking price has room for bargaining and when I think the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and make sure you ask lots of questions. Any real estate agent in Glendale will tell you they understand the housing market. If things don't add up, just call me at 623-594-7680 or e-mail me at laurenzemba@aol.com, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
I'm certain we'll find your dream house in Glendale, and when we do, I'll carefully develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made keeping your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

When sending in your offer, you'll probably want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is typically put towards the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Unfortunately most deals don't close on the initial offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market conditions. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll create a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
Once we sign the final deal, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this won't take long at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll handle all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.>

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most often take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and pleasant occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
You made it! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply call me at 623-594-7680 or send me an e-mail.