Are you buying a home in Covina? In Home Realty can help.

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for most people, but with a bit of up-front planning, it's not that complex. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I like to supply buyers with a road map of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home
Before you begin your home search, there are a lot of things you need to contemplate. When you start your search, you'll want to form a list of features you need to have, plan for what school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good guideline to adhere to.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent
That's where I come in. We'll book a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Covina area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that might affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also help you start the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Covina, and I work with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that 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 looking for a house
Following our initial meeting, I'll start finding available homes on the market that are great for you. I'll preview many of the houses and remove the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll show you the positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you what things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to amend their wish list as we view homes and some features become more essential than others. If that's the situation, I'll go back through all the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
My awareness of the Covina home market is a crucial factor in your home search. I am acquainted with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I will communicate which neighborhoods are "hot" and require prompt action and others that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

When we view houses, I'll let you know when the list price has room for bargaining and also when I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask lots of questions, as every REALTOR in Covina will tell you they understand the housing market. If things don't add up, call me at 6266087310 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
I'm certain we'll find the house of your dreams in Covina. When that happens, I'll carefully develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including some contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon turning in your offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's often applied to the cost of closing. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts aren't closed on the initial offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market conditions. In addition, we'll work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After we sign the final sales contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it shouldn't take long at all. However, you'll need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and easygoing event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, just contact me at 6266087310 or e-mail me at .