Home Buying
Purchasing a home is a major process, always share your needs and desires with your real estate agent. Make sure he or she has complete knowledge of your financial capabilities - how much down payment you can afford, your total income, the monthly payment you feel would fit your budget and your past credit history. The first major step in buying a home is the home search process. During this process, you will select the home you wish to purchase and write a purchase agreement to be presented to the home seller. Preparing a purchase agreement includes a review of the price you would like to offer and the terms you prefer (i.e., the type of financing, possession date, and any other terms and conditions you feel necessary to satisfy your needs). You will read the written purchase agreement and make sure you understand everything it contains. Remember, the purchase agreement is like a blueprint; whatever it shows is the way it will be done. The purchase agreement should not reflect any terms you cannot fulfill. Do not assume anything can be changed or added at a later date. Once you have drafted and signed a purchase agreement, your agent will make an appointment to present your offer. The seller(s) have three options: (1) to accept your offer as submitted; (2) reject your offer as unsatisfactory; or (3) prepare a counter offer to submit to you. If a counter offer is submitted to you, it will reflect the needs and wants of the seller(s). Maybe the price you offered was unacceptable to them, or the possession date requested by you was not convenient for them. In any case, your agent will work with you to negotiate a settlement in those areas where there are differences. After all parties sign the agreement, it becomes a binding contract. Once the purchase agreement has been accepted by all parties, you will need to seek financing. A RE/MAX sales associate can put you in contact with a full service lender providing a complete line of home loans. After all the proper arrangements are made, a closing will take place. Your agent will work with many different people and organizations to coordinate the necessary details. The closing generally takes place at the office of the title insurance company, although it could take place in the lender's office. In addition to the buyer(s), others in attendance will typically include the seller(s), the closer, and probably the agent. It generally takes one to two hours to review and sign all the papers and transfer the title to the property. The closing is an exciting time for all parties, although it would be quite natural for you to feel some apprehension. It is not unusual for previously overlooked issues to surface during the closing. Should this occur, all parties should seek to be reasonable and discuss the most logical solution to any problems or issues. Your agent can provide useful assistance in these situations | 
