Are you purchasing your new home in Covina? In Home Realty can help.

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for most people. However, with a bit of up-front planning, it isn't that difficult. I like to provide buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they know exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have any questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
There are plenty of things you should do before commencing your home search. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to form a list of features you want, get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or close to 1/3 of your monthly income is a good principle to follow.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in Covina
That's where I can help. I'd like to plan a time to get together with you and speak 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 Covina area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you facilitate the loan process. There are some great mortgage professionals in Covina, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They'll assist you with figuring out which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After our initial meeting, I'll begin searching for houses on the market that are great for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and reject the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to view the homes when it's convenient for you.

As we view houses, I'll identify good features and negative ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Generally, buyers change their list of must-haves as we view homes and some features become far more substantial than others. If that happens, I'll go back through the listings again and narrow it down to the house of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the market
My awareness of the Covina housing market is an essential aspect in your home search. I am informed of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will alert you to some neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for cautiousness.

As we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the list price has room for negotiation and also when I think the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any REALTOR will claim to truly understand the home market. If things don't add up, call me at 6266087310 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. My market knowledge will keep you a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find the home of your dreams 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 obtaining financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon submitting your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's usually put towards the closing costs. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the first offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll talk over whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions. We'll also work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
After we sign the final deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-qualified, this shouldn't take very long at all, but you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will supply you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your application. The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your house. This will probably occur at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and peaceful occasion.

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