Buying or selling a home?

	Should you have any questions regarding this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at joe@exitagape.com.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
Before you start looking for a home, there are a lot of things you'll want to do. You'll probably want to form an index of features you want, get a plan of what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and start working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or close to 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good guideline to go by.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in West Columbia
This is where I can help. I'd be more than happy to arrange 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 plans for the future. We'll discuss neighborhoods, school districts in the West Columbia area, the mortgage industry, and any additional economic factors that may affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also assist you in getting started on your loan. Exit Agapé Real Estate Services partners with some of the finest mortgage professionals in West Columbia, so you're in great hands. They will assist you in choosing which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our first meeting, I'll begin looking for homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll preview many of the houses and remove the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses when it's convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll call attention to positive features and negative ones. And I'll ask you to point out what things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to amend their must-have list as we tour homes and some items become more crucial than others. If that happens, I'll look through the listings again and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Understand the market
My understanding of the West Columbia market is a crucial advantage in your home search. I am acquainted with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can alert you to what neighborhoods are "hot" and require immediate action and some that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

When we view houses, I'll let you know if the seller's asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask lots of questions, as any REALTOR^® in West Columbia will claim to understand the home market. If things don't add up, contact me at (803) 454-3504 or e-mail me at joe@exitagape.com, and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
I'm certain we'll find the house of your dreams in the West Columbia area. When that happens, I'll precisely develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including many contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we present your purchase offer, you'll probably need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is most often applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals aren't closed on the initial offer – it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

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

Step 7 – Secure financing
Once the deal is complete, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this shouldn't take long at all. However, you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks good.

Then it's time to close on your house. This should take place at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and comfortable occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you call me at (803) 454-3504 or send me an e-mail.