Buying or selling a home? BVS Properties can help.

Buying a home intimidates many people, but it isn't very confusing with some up-front planning. So you'll know exactly what to expect, I like to furnish my buyers with an overview of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to buying a home.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
Before you begin looking for a home, there are a lot of things you should do. It's likely that you'll want to assemble a list of items you need, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good rule to adhere to.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Tehachapi
That's where I come in. I'd like to plan a time to meet with you and communicate with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Tehachapi area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that could affect your purchase today or in the future.

I'll also help you begin the loan process. BVS Properties works with some of Tehachapi's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They will help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin house hunting
Following our initial meeting, I'll start finding available houses on the market that are great for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the houses and throw out the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll call attention to good features and bad ones. I'll even ask you what things you like and dislike. For the most part, buyers update their wish list as we view homes and some items become far more substantial than others. If that's the situation, I'll look through all the listings again and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the market
Your agent's awareness of the Tehachapi home market is a crucial agent in your house search. And I assure you I'm acquainted with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will communicate some districts are "hot" and require immediate action and the rest that are "cool" and allow for careful examination.

As we view houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the seller's asking price has room for negotiation and also when I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be mindful and make sure you ask lots of questions. Every REALTOR^® in Tehachapi will convince you they know the housing market. If things don't add up, call me at (661) 821-1514 or e-mail me at kathy-carey@sbcglobal.net, and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you 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 positive we'll find the home of your dreams in the Tehachapi area, and when that happens, I'll thoroughly develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be written to suit your needs. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like obtaining financing and the results of the home inspection.

Upon turning in your purchase offer, you'll likely want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is usually put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the beginning offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a large role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Once the deal is complete, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it shouldn't be a long process at all. But you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.>

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks all right.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and hassle-free occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
You made it! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it.  When experience matters, call Kathy Carey at (661) 821-1514 or send me an e-mail.