Buying or selling a home in Cary? RE/MAX Performance can help.

For most people, buying a home can be a stressful event. However, with some up-front planning, it's not that complex. So they know exactly what they can expect, I'll furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. Should you have any questions about any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
Before you begin your home search, there are many things you need to do. When you begin your search, you'll want to make a list of items you need, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and begin working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good principle to follow.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent
This is where I can help. I'd like to arrange a time to get together with you and speak with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Cary area.

I'll also assist you in getting started on your loan. RE/MAX Performance partners with some of the best mortgage professionals in Cary, so you're in great hands. They will assist you in deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking
After our first meeting, I'll start finding houses on the market that are good for you. I'll research most of the homes and ignore the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses when it's convenient for you.

When we tour the homes, I'll point out good features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you what things you like and dislike. Generally, buyers change their must-have list as we tour houses and some things become more crucial than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings again and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
Your agent's awareness of the Cary housing market is a necessary agent in your home search. And I can assure you I'm mindful of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can let you know which neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for careful examination.

As we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate when the seller's list price has room for negotiation and when I believe the home is "priced to sell." Be on guard and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions, as any REALTOR in Cary will claim to know the housing market. If it seems like they don't know everything, contact me at (919) 924-4991 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer your questions. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
We'll find the home of your dreams in Cary, and when we do, I'll precisely develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including a lot of contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clear title.

Upon turning in your offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is most often put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the first offer – it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
After the contract is complete, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. This won't take much time at all if you're already pre-approved, but you should to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate is based on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a close range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will likely happen at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and relaxing event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, make sure you call me at (919) 924-4991 or e-mail me at .

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