Buying your home in Oakland?

For many people, buying a home is a stressful event. But with a bit of planning ahead of time, it isn't that hard. I like to provide buyers with an overview of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have questions regarding this information or if you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are several things you need to do before you start looking for a home. When you start your search, you'll probably want to put together a checklist of features you want, get an idea of what neighborhoods you want to live in, and start working on your budget. A good rule to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be less than or around a third of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Oakland
This is where Thomas-Chambers Company
BRE # 01208644 can help. We can arrange a time to meet so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Oakland area.

I can also assist you in getting started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Oakland, and I partner with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands. They'll help you determine which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin your search
After our first meeting, I'll begin looking for houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll preview most of the houses and reject the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour the houses, I'll show you the good features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and dislike. It's widely common for buyers to amend their wish list as we view homes and some things become far more essential than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through the listings another time and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
My awareness of the Oakland home market is an imperative aspect in your home search. I'm informed of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I'll communicate what districts are "hot" and warrant prompt action and others that are "cool" and allow for careful analysis.

As we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be careful and make sure you ask lots of questions. Every REALTOR in Oakland will convince you they comprehend the market. If things don't add up, just call me at 5106010116 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I'm confident we'll find your dream house in Oakland. When we do, I'll precisely create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

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

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most contracts don't close on the beginning offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll talk about whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market will play a large role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
Once we sign the final deal, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, this shouldn't take very long at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then it's time to close on your home. This should take place at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and relaxing affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply call me at 5106010116 or e-mail me at .