GET READY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP

• Build a good credit history
• Get mortgage pre-approval
• Find out what type of mortgages you qualify for
• Consider hiring an attorney to review all contracts and agreements associated with the home buying process
•    Save up for a down payment (typically 10-20% of property’s value; if FHA-qualified, then possibly less)
•    Consider closing costs which can include taxes, attorney’s fees, and transfer fees
•    Consider utilities and monthly bills, such as homeowner’s assessments

FIND A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

• Get a referral from friends, family, and work colleagues, or search REALTOR.com® and look for real estate yard signs and advertisements
• Ask the real estate professionals you interview about buyer’s representation contracts and agreements; make sure you understand the terms
• Explain your needs and expectations to the real estate professional you choose to work with

FIND THE RIGHT PROPERTY

• Determine what is important to you, such as particular schools, neighborhood amenities, monthly mortgage payment, public transportation, accessibility, etc.
• Make sure you include homeowner’s assessments, utilities, and taxes when calculating the monthly mortgage payment

FINANCE THE RIGHT PROPERTY

• Contact your mortgage broker or lender
• The lender or attorney will run a title search to ensure there are no clouds on the title
• Make sure you understand the financing terms—ask the lender for clarification, if needed

MAKE AN OFFER

• Ensure the property is inspected by a licensed home inspector
• Acquire title insurance
• Make sure the title is clear, or make your offer contingent upon title clearance
• Read all contracts before signing—make sure you understand all of the terms, ask questions
• Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counter-offer
• Keep your credit score stable and in-check by waiting to purchase any big-ticket items until long after the closing
• Only one offer will result in a sale, so be prepared to move on if your offer is not accepted

CLOSING AND LIFE AFTER THE BIG PURCHASE

• Protect your new asset by obtaining insurance such as homeowner’s, flood, disaster, and fire
• Weatherproof your new home
• Maintain files—digital or print—for all warranties, insurance documents, contracts, etc.
• Keep original closing documents in a safe place, preferably outside the home (such as a safety deposit box)
• Set up utilities bills in your name, maintain files
• Implement desired aesthetic changes such as painting, minor construction, and re-flooring
• Set a move date and hire movers or plan a move party with your friends
• Get to know your neighbors and explore your new neighborhood
• If you’re happy with the work of your real estate professional, be sure to recommend her/him to friends and family

PREPARE TO SELL YOUR HOME

Home selling has become more complex than it used to be. New seller disclosure statements, longer more mysterious form agreements, and a range of environmental concerns have all emerged in the past decade.

FIND A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

In the maze of forms, financing, inspections, markering, pricing, and negotiating. It makes sense to work. with protessionals who know the community and much more. Those professionals are the loeal REALTORS, who serve your area.

SET THE LIST PRICE OF YOUR HOUSE

Several factors, including market conditions and interest rates, will determine how much you can get for the home. In other words, home selling is part art, part science, part marketing, and part negotiation.

MARKET YOUR HOUSE FOR MAXIMUM EXPOSURE

Your REALTOR® should share a marketing plan with you, but the more you know abut the process of selling your home the easier it is to support your REALTOR®’s efforts. Make your home sell fast with these tips.

NEGOTIATE AN OFFER

Perhaps the most complex moment in the sales process comes when you get an ofter for your home. Whether you have one offer or several to consider, these tips will help you navigare the negotiation.

THE ART OF SETTLING

When you have a singed contract with the buyer for your home, you may feel as if you can breathe a sigh of relief. But before you can completely relax you need to get to the sertlement table.

PLAN YOUR MOVE

Some of the activities required to sell your home can actually help with the moving process. For example, by cleaning closets, the basement, and the attic, you will have less to do once the home is under contract.