Buying or selling a home in Covina? In Home Realty can help.

Purchasing a home is an intimidating event for many people, but with some up-front planning, it isn't too confusing. So they understand exactly what to expect, I'll supply buyers with an outline of the entire deal. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. Should you have any questions about this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are plenty of things you'll want to consider before beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll probably want to form a checklist of items you need to have, get a feeling for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. A good rule of thumb to follow is that your mortgage payment should be 30 percent of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent
This is where I can help. I'd love to set up a time to meet with you and speak with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Covina area.

In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan. I partner with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Covina, so you're in great hands. They can assist you in choosing which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking for a house
Following our initial meeting, I'll start searching for available homes on the market that suit your needs. I'll preview many of the houses and remove the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. Frequently, buyers revise their must-have list as we view houses and some things become more substantial than others. If that's the case, I'll look through the listings another time and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
My understanding of the Covina home market is a necessary factor in your house search. I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll let you know certain neighborhoods are "hot" and call for prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we view homes, I'll let you know if the seller's asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as every REALTOR in Covina will tell you they comprehend the market. If it seems like they don't know everything, just call me at 6266087310 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
We'll find your dream home in the Covina area, and when we do, I'll carefully create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.

When we present your offer, you'll probably need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's typically put towards the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most deals aren't closed on the initial offer – it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain your loan
Upon finalizing the deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, this shouldn't take long at all, but you'll need to keep in close contact with your mortgage 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 your closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a close range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks good.

Then we'll close on your home. This will most often occur at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and easygoing event.

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