The Ultimate Home Buying Process Guide

Buying a home is a big step that requires a large financial investment, as well as a significant amount of time and effort. However, it is also a rewarding and fulfilling experience that gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. In this article, we will discuss the various steps involved in the home-buying process and offer some tips to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Before we begin, it’s important to know what you need to buy a home. You can draft a home-buying checklist to ensure you have everything you need as you start the process: 

• Have a great credit score.
• Save money needed for down payments and closing costs. 
• Get a mortgage loan pre-approval.
• Find a qualified real estate agent.
• Have all the required documentation.

Let’s get to it. 

Determine Your Budget

The first step in the home-buying process is to determine your budget. You’ll need to take into account your income, debts, and other financial obligations, as well as your down payment and closing costs. One important factor to consider is your debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage of your income that goes towards paying off debts. Lenders typically want this ratio to be around 43% or lower, so it’s important to keep your debts in check and pay them off as much as possible before applying for a mortgage.

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Next, you’ll need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This involves providing your lender with information about your income, debts, and credit history, and then having the lender check your credit and determine how much money they are willing to lend you. This step is important because it will help you know how much you can afford. It will help you to be more competitive in your bidding as the seller’s agent or the seller themselves will know that you are pre-approved and are a serious buyer.

Look for Homes that Fit Your Budget

After getting pre-approved, you’ll need to start looking for homes that fit your budget and your needs. You can start your search online, where you’ll find a wealth of information about different neighborhoods, schools, and homes for sale. Alternatively, you can also reach out to a real estate agent who can help you navigate the process and give you a better understanding of the local market.

Make an Offer

When you’ve found a home that you’re interested in, you’ll need to make an offer. You can also negotiate with the seller on the price, closing costs, and other terms of the sale. Request that your real estate agent conduct a comparative market analysis to establish an equitable value relying upon recent sales of similar homes in the area. The fewer offers it has and the longer it has been on the market, the more negotiation power you’ll have.

When deciding on an offer price, it is best to discuss with your real estate agent whether a contingency should be added to the offer. A contingency is an agreement that enables the buyer to terminate the contract without any legal liability if a certain requirement is not fulfilled.

Despite the initial reluctance of a seller to accept an offer with contingencies, there are certain types of contingencies that should be included regardless of the seller’s opinion.

• Mortgage Contingency

A mortgage contingency is a condition placed in a real estate contract that provides the buyer with a means of backing out of the purchase if they are unable to secure financing for the purchase. If the contingency is not met, the buyer may decide to withdraw from the sale and receive their earnest money deposit back.

When purchasing a home, if you are reliant on a loan to finance it, then you must incorporate a mortgage contingency into your offer. This clause would enable you to withdraw from the deal if you are unable to acquire the loan.

Even if you’ve been given preapproval for a loan, make sure that you include this stipulation in your offer. In the event that you don’t, you will still be responsible for your earnest money deposit even if you are not able to secure a mortgage.

• Home Sale Contingency

A home sale contingency is a condition that must be met before a home can be sold. It is an agreement between the seller and the buyer that specifies the conditions under which the home may be sold. This type of contingency is often used in real estate transactions to protect both parties and to ensure a successful sale.

When you hope to purchase a new home and need to sell your existing one in order to finance it, you need to include a home sale contingency as part of the plan. This contingency will give you some time to find a buyer for your property.

If you are unable to locate someone to purchase the property, the home sale contingency clause provides the ability to revoke your offer and receive back your earnest money deposit with no consequence. Most sellers will not accept this contingency, but it is typically worth a shot.

• Inspection Contingency

An inspection contingency is a precautionary measure taken during a building inspection to ensure any potential issues can be identified and addressed. This type of contingency is typically included in a contract for the purchase and sale of a property, as it gives both parties the opportunity to have a more thorough evaluation of the property. The contingency also serves as insurance in the event that there is an issue with the property that was not initially identified. This allows the buyer to either renegotiate the terms of the sale or rescind their offer altogether.

An inspection contingency can be quite beneficial. After you have submitted an offer, it is a good idea to get the property checked out thoroughly. This way, you can negotiate the offer if any repairs are needed. Additionally, if the home requires more work than you are able to undertake, you can opt to break the agreement.

• Earnest Money Deposit

An earnest money deposit is a sum of money given by a prospective buyer to demonstrate their seriousness when making an offer on a property.

In addition to your bid, an earnest money deposit must be submitted as a part of the offer. This deposit, also known as an escrow deposit, is a gesture of seriousness on your behalf and is intended to assure the seller that you are serious about purchasing and taking the home in question off the market.

The amount of money put down as an earnest money deposit is typically between 1 and 3% of the purchase price, but can be negotiated. Your real estate agent can provide more information about what is common in your area. This money is kept in an escrow account and is applied to your closing costs and down payment when the sale is finalized.

Before you put in an offer, it is essential to contemplate in what circumstances you may need to withdraw the agreement, because if you do not buy the house for any reason not specified in the contingency, the seller will obtain your earnest money deposit.

When all is said and done, having a plan B in place can be the deciding factor in either holding on to or forfeiting your earnest money.

Call a Home Inspector

If your offer is accepted, the next step is to have the home inspected. A home inspector will look at the home’s structure, systems, and appliances, and provide you with a report on any issues or concerns. You’ll also have the opportunity to renegotiate the purchase price or ask the seller to make repairs.

Get Homeowners Insurance

It’s in your best interest to obtain homeowners insurance, as it serves as a safeguard of your home and finances. Even though there is no legal requirement, most lenders will demand you purchase a policy on the property before they grant you a loan.

When selecting a homeowners insurance policy, it is essential to investigate the various levels of coverage available. These can range from basic to comprehensive and will cover damage to your home and its surrounding structures, as well as any stolen or damaged personal possessions. Make sure you select the right plan for your needs.

Do a Final Walkthrough

Now that you’re close to the end of the home-buying process, it’s tempting to wrap it up quickly. Nevertheless, don’t forget to do the final walkthrough. This last look around the property can be beneficial in case something needs to be fixed by the seller prior to closing.

Prior to closing, a final inspection is conducted, giving you the opportunity to confirm that all repairs that were arranged have been finished.

Close the Deal

Once you’ve completed the inspection, it’s time to finalize the sale. You’ll need to provide your lender with the necessary updated documents and review appraisal. The lender will then review the information and approve your loan. Once the lender has issued your final approval of your loan, you’ll need to sign the closing documents and take possession of the home.

Throughout this process, there are some things you need to consider, such as the type of home you want, the location of the home, and the potential resale value. Also, It will be helpful to have a general understanding of your credit score and credit history, and make sure that you are working with a lender that is willing to work with you.

In conclusion, buying a home is a big step that requires careful planning and preparation. By determining your budget, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, finding the right home, and working with a lender, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you are looking for advice, a real estate agent is a great resource to have, as they will be able to assist you throughout the process and offer expert advice.

Start Your Research Process. 

Find a Dr. Home Finance Verified Banker Today. 

We are not a lending company. We help you find the best physician loan on the market.  

You can find doctor loans through an online tool like Dr. HomeFinance that compares multiple lenders for you. Simply select which state you are looking at living in and get the best physician mortgage you can.

Apply now to begin the process of owning your dream home.