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

For many people, purchasing a home is a stressful event. But with a little up-front planning, it's not very hard. I like to provide buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they understand exactly what to expect. These are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
There are a lot of things you need to do before you start searching for a home. When you start your search, you'll probably want to form a checklist of features you need to have, plan for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning your budget. A good rule to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be less than or around a third of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent
That's where I can help. We can book a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Covina area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you start the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Covina, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They'll help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking for a home
After our first meeting, I'll start looking for homes on the market that are good for you. I'll preview most of the houses and reject the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

As we view homes, I'll point out positive features and negative ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. It's common for buyers to revise their must-have list as we view homes and some items become more necessary than others. If such is the case, I'll search the listings once again and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
My understanding of the Covina home market is a leading aspect in your home search. I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can let you know some areas are "hot" and warrant prompt action and others that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we view houses, I'll let you know if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent will convince you they truly understand the housing market, but take note, and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 6266087310 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. My market expertise will help you stay a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
I'm sure we'll find the house of your dreams in Covina. When we do, I'll carefully develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include many contingencies, such as getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we submit your purchase offer, you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a home seller to secure an offer to purchase 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 after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts aren't closed on the initial offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll talk about whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
Once we sign the final contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. This won't take long at all if you're pre-qualified, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will most likely happen at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and calm affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply call me at 6266087310 or e-mail me at .