Buy

Select an Agent

The first step in the home buying process is choosing your agent, and this decision can significantly impact your entire journey towards homeownership. Choosing your agent before beginning the home buying process ensures that you have a trusted advisor by your side from the start. Their expertise, resources, and support can make the journey to homeownership smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more rewarding. Once you've chosen your agent, solidify your partnership by signing a Buyer Broker Agreement. It is now a requirement for buyers to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement before they begin touring homes with an agent.

Get Pre-approved

Before diving into your home search, secure your footing with a mortgage pre-approval. Meeting with a lender, you'll provide financial documentation for assessment, determining the maximum loan you qualify for. This step not only clarifies your budget and sets realistic expectations but also signals to sellers your serious intent, potentially giving you an edge in competitive markets. It's a proactive move that identifies any financial hurdles early on, ensuring a smoother process once you find your dream home. In short, a pre-approval lays the groundwork for a successful home buying journey, ensuring you're financially ready to make that leap.

Property Search

Many buyers find this step to be one of the most enjoyable steps in purchasing a home. During this stage you work with your High Equity Realty REALTOR to identify your preferences and criteria for a home. You’ll begin searching for properties online and attending open houses. Your High Equity Realty REALTOR will schedule private showings for homes that meet your criteria and help you narrow down your options and revisit top choices for a closer inspection. This process can be completed in 1 to 2 days or several months depending on the market conditions.

Making an Offer

Once you've found your ideal home, your High Equity Realty REALTOR will help you draft and submit your purchase offer. Be prepared to discuss the offer price, earnest money deposit, contingencies, and other terms of your offer. The seller may accept your offer as-is, reject it, or counteroffer with revised terms. Once both parties have signed the purchase agreement, the offer becomes a legally binding contract.

Due Diligence

It is highly recommended that you schedule a professional home inspection to assess the condition of the property. Your agent will review the inspection report with you to decide whether to request repairs or negotiate concessions. This is also a great time to obtain homeowner's insurance quotes and research the neighborhood. Typically, during this period, you are allowed to back out of the contract for any reason as long as you provide a written cancelation to the seller.

Secure the Mortgage

You will need to provide any additional documentation requested by your lender to finalize your mortgage application. The lender will appraise the property to ensure its value aligns with the loan amount. The underwriters will review your documents and make a final decision on your loan approval. Once all conditions on your mortgage are satisfied, you will receive the CLEAR To CLOSE.

Closing Day!

On or before the closing day wire the required funds to the closing agent for the closing costs and any remaining down payment. Don’t forget to bring two forms of IDs and the wire confirmation to the closing. Attend the closing meeting to sign the final paperwork and transfer ownership of the property. Receive the keys to your new home and celebrate becoming a homeowner!