Home Buying Tips

Buying a Home is an important step toward financial
Security. And with the right help, home buying is easier
than you think.

Learn the Basics

Step 1: Defining What You Want
Step 2: Figuring Out What You Can Afford
Step 3: Shopping for Homes
Step 4: Making an Offer
Step 5: Inspections and Insurance
Step 6: The Final Closing

Step 1: Defining What You Want
Start by creating a prioritized list of features you want in your next home and the reasons why. Use it as your search guide, but remember that depending on your funding, you will probably need to make some compromises. In addition, talk to your real estate professional about where you want to live. CENTURY 21 Scheetz professionals are trained to help their clients narrow down their choices by sharing market trends and local information like neighborhood statistics and community links. Back to Top

Step 2: Figuring Out What You Can Afford
Now that you know what you want, it's time to see what you can afford. You can begin by crunching numbers yourself using our selection of calculators. When you're ready to move to the next step, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will tell you how much house you can afford and what your monthly payments will be. It also tells the seller that you can afford to buy their home. By definition, a pre-approved buyer has an approved mortgage subject to an appraisal of the property. Many times a buyer can use this pre-approved status as leverage during the negotiation process. Back to Top

Step 3: Shopping For Homes
Once you know what community you'd like to live in and have an idea of how much house you can afford, its time to start searching for a home. Beginning the search online can help save you time since it can help you target homes that meet your search criteria. Your CENTURY 21 Scheetz Agent will arrange home visits that are in your target area and price range. Make sure to look at all aspects of the property when comparing homes and remember to keep an open mind when you are looking at homes. Back to Top

Step 4: Making An Offer
Once you find the home you want, you need to make an offer. Typically this is a very difficult and trying time since both parties have totally different goals. It is best to have your real estate professional negotiate the offer. This also is a good time to consider purchasing a home protection plan. These insurance policies can be purchased by the buyer or seller and help protect against unexpected costs or home repairs during the listing period or in the initial years after a home has been purchased. Back to Top

Step 5: Inspection & Insurance
After your offer is accepted you will need to set up various inspections, including insect, radon, building quality, title, etc. You will also need to arrange for homeowners insurance and finalize the mortgage. You will also have the option of a "walk through" before the closing. This is your last chance to make sure all  of the items that you have agreed upon were completed to your satisfaction. Back to Top

Step 6: The Final Closing
Before you arrive at the closing, make sure all the necessary paperwork and deposits have been completed. If the mortgage, title work, homeowners insurance and other items necessary under local and state laws are not completed and brought to the closing table, the closing may not happen on time. Once you close, it's official- you own the house! Make sure to arrange for an alarm system, turn on utilities, subscribe to the local paper, arrange for lawn services, etc. Ask your CENTURY 21 Scheetz Agent for guidance and information on money saving offers available to our clients. Back to Top