Are you contemplating purchasing your home in DuBois?

For a lot of people, buying a home can be a stressful event. However, with a bit of planning ahead of time, it isn't that difficult. So they understand exactly what they can expect, I'll supply buyers with a road map of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
There are several things you need to consider before commencing your home search. You'll probably want to create an outline of features you need, get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in DuBois
This is where Hoffer Realty Associates comes in. We can set up a time to meet so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your future plans. We'll talk about neighborhoods, schools in the DuBois area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan. Hoffer Realty Associates partners with some of the finest mortgage professionals in DuBois, so you'll be in great hands. They can assist you with deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start house-hunting
After our initial meeting, I'll begin looking for available houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll research most of the houses and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the houses whenever it's most convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll call attention to good features, as well as negative ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to change their must-have list as we tour homes and some things become far more essential than others. If that happens, I'll go back through the listings one more time and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Understand the market
Your agent's understanding of the DuBois home market is a necessary aspect in your house search. And I can assure you I'm acquainted with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I'll alert you to what areas are "hot" and call for immediate action and others that are "cold" and allow for more analysis.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be careful and make sure you ask plenty of questions. Any REALTOR will convince you they truly understand the market. If it appears they don't know everything, just call me at 8143712100 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer your questions. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
We'll find your dream house in DuBois, and when we do, I'll meticulously develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include a lot of contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we turn in your purchase offer, you'll likely need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure an offer to purchase the property. The amount is usually put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals aren't closed on the beginning offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll create a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
After the deal is complete, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, it won't take very long at all, but you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

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

Then it's time to close on your house. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and pleasant event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to call me at 8143712100 or e-mail me at .