Home Buying Guide In Six Steps

Think about your desires, your needs, and your budget — then work with a qualified professional, for the peace of mind you need when making a decision to buy your home.

1. Decide how much you can afford.  To be competitive in today’s market  and get the home you want, you need to be qualified by a lender and obtain a certified pre-approval statement.
2. Hire your agent under “Buyer Agency.”  You need your real estate agent to represent your best interests, not those of the seller. Buyer Agency allows your Ogden professional to work exclusively for you, not the seller, representing your best interests. Your Ogden agent will:
   1. Analyze your wants and needs in a home
   2. Search and show homes that fit your criteria
   3. Educate you on current market conditions
   4. Negotiate on your behalf
   5. Coordinate the work of other needed professionals throughout the process
   6. Keep an eye on deadlines
   7. Solve any problems that may arise
3. Find A Home.  What is your property wish list? Your Ogden agent will provide an easy checklist to help you prioritize and make the home shopping process less time consuming.
4. Make An Offer.  When you find that perfect home, then what? The next step is to make an offer. Your Ogden agent will:
   1. Research similar properties in the neighborhood to help determine the market value and a fair price.
   2. Cover financing and other contingencies you may need in your contract.
   3. Advise you on “earnest money” and other terms of the contract.
5. Perform Due Diligence.  A professional home inspection is a must because it will expose hidden issues that you might not have seen. An inspection reveals the need for replacements or repairs before you buy, for fewer surprises and that extra peace of mind.
6. Close the Transaction.  Now that you’ve made your offer, applied for financing, and had your home inspection, you are approaching the finish line. Your Ogden agent will: Communicate at least once a week with you and your lender that all mortgage steps are being completed. Conduct a final walk-through of your new home. Confirm the closing time and place, making sure you have the settlement statement, certified funds to close and homeowners insurance. Your agent will also help you arrange movers or transferring utilities, etc.