Tips for Buyers
Buying a home is a big investment with a lot of moving parts, so it’s no surprise that you might have some uncertainties along the way. You can approach the process with confidence when you partner with Stone Properties, your guide and advocate throughout the transaction.
STEP-BY-STEP BUYING GUIDE
Pick a Pro
Buying a home is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. So when you’re ready to move — whether it’s buying a home in a different neighborhood, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating to the Carolinas — you will want a trusted and experienced Realtor on your side.
Finding your dream home is only the first step. Your agent will guide you throughout the entire home buying process, including dealing with purchase agreements, counteroffers, inspections, closing matters, and more.
How Much Can You Afford?
Before you start looking for a home, find out how much you can afford. This saves you time and possibly heartbreak down the road, if you’ve fallen in love with a home beyond your reach. To determine your buying power, meet with a mortgage professional (link to preferred mortgage provider). She will work with you to determine how much you can afford, what you should put towards your down payment, and will walk you through some of the costs and fees associated with purchasing a home.
Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved
When you meet with your mortgage professional you have the option to get pre-qualified or pre-approved. In today's fast-paced home market, a good mortgage expert always recommends that you get pre-approved.
Getting pre-qualified is a quick and informal process where you supply some basic information about your income and assets to get a general idea of how much you can borrow. However, it is nothing like a guarantee or commitment.
Getting pre-approved gives you the ability to move quickly when you find the home you love, and strengthens your position in a bidding war.
Find Your Home
Choosing the right community is just as important as the dream home itself. Browse community profiles professional (link to Explore) on this site to learn about the communities we serve. Finding the ideal neighborhoods fit will get your home search off to a great start.
Now about the home itself. Style? Bedrooms? Bathrooms? What do love and hate about your current home? Knowing all this ahead of time will help you narrow down to only homes that are just right for you.
You Found The Dream Home! What now!?
Good news, your Stone Properties broker will navigate you through the entire process.
1 – Make an Offer
When you find the home you want to buy, it is time to make an offer. With your Stone Properties broker, you will decide on a reasonable and realistic offer, which will be presented to the seller and their agent. There are many strategies a good broker can employ to making a great impression in your offer to gain the goodwill of the seller.
2 – Put Down a Deposit
When the offer is accepted, you will put down a deposit to show you are serious about buying. At that point, you are on the way to officially owning your new home.
3 – Due-Diligence Period
Your agent will work carefully with you throughout this period, making sure you understand all conditions, provisions, and obligations of your contract to buy. They will also guide you through appraisals, inspections, and other due diligence. Your agent acts as your advocate, guide, and adviser throughout this process and is able to answer any questions you might have.
4 – Closing
The final step is closing, which describes the official transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. Your closing date is the day you will be handed the keys to your new home. You will also sign mortgage paperwork, which solidifies your purchase.
5 – Celebrate
You are a new homeowner! Your new home is more than just a large investment. It is where memories will be made and milestones celebrated. We are honored to be a part of the journey to finding your perfect home