6 SIMPLE STEPS to Buying a Home

by Expert Contributor Sarah Forti of Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty

1. Connect with a Realtor ® :

Only members of the National Association of Realtors bear the Realtor name and logo. Realtors are held accountable to abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics. It’s a good idea to interview two or three Realtors to find someone who will suit your personality and also has expert knowledge in the area where you plan to purchase a property.

2. Connect with a Lender:

The lender will collect information about your financials, employment and credit score, to determine which financing programs are best for you, and how much you qualify to borrow. They will then issue a mortgage pre-approval letter to show future sellers you are financially qualified and ready to purchase their home.

3. Ask Friends and Family for Neighborhood Recommendations:

Personal references are a great way to find out which communities could be a great fit. Whether you want a townhome with a community center, a neighborhood of 1-acre lots or a home within walking distance of shops and restaurants, people love to talk about where they live. They usually won’t be shy about sharing information with you about why their area is the best. Remember to search online neighborhood resources such as Facebook community pages and the Next Door website.

4. Make Your Lists:

Lists are a great tool to weed through a lot of information. Start with your list of Wants and Needs. Do you need four bedrooms, or would three bedrooms plus a den or office suffice? Do you want or need a garage for your antique car? When it comes to selecting a specific area or home, use a PROs and CONs list. This is a great way to make big decisions with purpose and clarity.

5. Go Shopping:

With your Realtor, your mortgage pre-approval, your list of areas and your Wants and Needs list, it’s time to search! Your Realtor will help select homes that match your criteria. Be prepared to find “the one” on your first day out, or perhaps for it to take a few tries. It comes down to what and where you are searching, and there’s always a bit of luck involved.

6. Make an Offer:

Once you find “the one,” your Realtor will walk you through the process of securing the home. This includes reviewing comparable sales to determine a pricing strategy, writing the contract and negotiating offer terms.

Follow these steps and you’re on your way to your next dream home!

Sarah Forti of Forti Homes