Homebuying Process
Thinking about buying a home? At Burnett Realty, we're here to help!
Following is an overview of the typical home buying process. If you need the answer to more specific questions, please feel free to send us an email or contact one of our agents directly.
Step One: Decide to buy
Are you ready to be a homeowner, or have you outgrown your current home?
Step Two: Choose your real estate agent
Commit yourself to working with one agent. The agent you choose to work with will learn your likes and dislikes and take you through the buying process with ease. It is very important that you, as the buyer, are well-represented in the real estate transaction.
Step Three: Begin the loan pre-approval process
Your Burnett Realtor® can recommend a reputable loan originator who will determine the type of loan that meets your needs and guide you through the loan approval process.
Step Four: Determine your price range
Based on your loan pre-approval and down payment, you and your agent will determine a price range that is most comfortable for you.
Step Five: Initial home search/define your preferences
Decide what type of home will fit your lifestyle and make a list of "Must-Have Features" and "Important Extras." Be open and honest with your agent about the information contained in these lists. Your agent will then do an initial search of homes on the market that fit your priorities.
Step Six: Start looking for "your home"
Your agent will begin to set up home previews of homes that match your criteria. You will be busy during this step driving-by, previewing and deciding if any of these homes will fit your lifestyle.
Step Seven: Write an offer
You've found the home of your dreams! Your agent will now guide you through the steps of writing and negotiating a purchase agreement.
Step Eight: Acceptance of the offer
The seller and you come to agreement on the details of the purchase agreement. Congratulations! You have purchased a home!!
Step Nine: Home inspection
At Burnett Realty, we highly recommend that all buyers have a professional home inspector do a visual examination of your new home prior to closing. This visual inspection includes everything from the roof to the basement. After the inspection, you will receive a written report on the condition of your new home. If any major problems are discovered, these issues may be handled prior to closing.
Step Ten: Mortgage approval and closing process
Your loan originator will do the final loan approval and coordinate with the escrow company to prepare all the documents for transfer of title.
Step Eleven: Closing day
You will meet with your agent and the closing facilitator to sign all of the paperwork for your new mortgage and transfer of title. Your down payment will be required at this time.
Step Twelve: Home ownership
Congratulations! You own a new home!!
