Are you contemplating purchasing a new home in Covina?

Buying a home can be stressful for most people, but it isn't all that complicated with some up-front planning. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they'll understand exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have any questions regarding this information or if you're prepared to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
There are plenty of things you need to consider before beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll probably want to form a list of items you want, get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. A good rule to go by 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 in Covina
This is where I come in. I'd be more than happy to set up a time to get together with you and talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Covina area.

I can also assist you in getting started on your loan. There are some great mortgage professionals in Covina, and I partner with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands. They'll help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin house-hunting
After we meet, I'll start searching for homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll research most of the homes and ignore the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll show you the positive features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to update their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some features become far more substantial than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through the listings once more and narrow it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
My understanding of the Covina home market is a crucial aspect in your home search. I'm mindful of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will communicate which areas are "hot" and demand immediate action and others that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any real estate agent will tell you they comprehend the home market. If things don't add up, 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 knowledge of the market will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
I'm positive we'll find the house of your dreams in Covina. When we do, I'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies, such as getting financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clean title.

When submitting your offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is typically applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer – it's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
After we sign the final deal, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this won't take long at all. But you'll want to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll look after all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will send you a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of getting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a precise range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and peaceful event.

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