Step 1: Deciding That You Want To Buy

One of the greatest and most important decisions that you will make in your lifetime is deciding you would like to buy your first home. Purchasing a home is most often the biggest investment, the majority of people will ever make throughout their life. So how do you determine when it’s the right time for you to buy?
There are many benefits to getting a house, and it is very important that you have a good amount of financial security before you decide to go through with such a large commitment. Not only is it is an excellent investment, but you can reap benefits such as value appreciation, automatic savings plan and building your equity.
When it comes to buying a house, knowing everything is not necessary, because at Sunset Realty our agents have the knowledge, experience and tools to assist you throughout the entire process.

Step 2: Finding Your Real Estate Agent

When considering a real estate agent, it is important to remember that a good agent will do their best to take all of your needs into consideration and work their hardest to help you find your dream home.
An excellent real estate agent should be able to give you information on the status of the current market. They will also take note of what exactly you are looking for and consult with other professionals when it is necessary. Not only is it their responsibility to show you homes that remain as closely within your budget range as possible, but they should also be able to make negotiations with the person selling the house in order to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible. In addition to helping you find your home, they will go over the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and any problems that may occur.

Step 3: Securing Your Financing

If you feel inexperienced or unsure about the financial requirements necessary to get a home, your Sunset Realty agent can help you find a financial consultant that can keep you updated on the financial process of purchasing your home.
Your consultant will review your current finances, discuss your options and show you how to balance price points that are good for you. They will also assist in getting you the best deals possible for loan approvals, total pricing, and interest rates.

Step 4: Finding Your Home

Once you have chosen your advisors, you are then ready to start looking! With so many options to choose from, it is understandable if the search feels overwhelming. However, your agent is there to help you throughout the entire process so that you can find the home that matches as many of your wants and needs as possible.
Consider asking some of these questions as you begin your search:

  1. What amount of space do you and your family need?
  2. Do you have a preference on location and number of bedrooms?
  3. Are you considering a home that you need to fix up?
  4. What amenities do you consider necessary for your family?
  5. How important to you is the value appreciation of your home?
  6. How important is the stability of your neighborhood?
  7. How important is your access to things like main highways or freeways surrounding your property?

As you look around, you will better figure out what aspects are non-negotiable and what aspects you are willing to be flexible with.

Step 5: Making an Offer

Once you find the right home, settling on a price that both the seller and the buyer can agree to is the next step. Your Sunset Realty agent will be there to help you make an informed decision on your offer by providing information on the surrounding properties and guiding you through the process
Some things to keep in mind when agreeing on pricing:

  1. The listing price – provides a foundation for the value of the home
  2. The market analysis – your agent can show you prices of other homes in the surrounding area so that you can decide if the listing price is fair
  3. If improvements can be made your agent can advise you on improvements that might be necessary for your home which will help to factor in the total value

Step 6: Knowing What Improvement Need to be Made

If any significant repairs or improvements need to be made to the home, your Sunset Realty agent will notify you of any needed improvements before you go through with the purchase.
Having knowledge of any repairs or improvements that must be made is important, because while making these improvements yourself can help to increase the value of the home over time, damages can also decrease the home’s worth.

Step 7: Closing

Once you have decided that you are happy with the price settlement on your home, you are ready to begin closing the sale!
Some important things to keep note of when completing your purchase on your home:
Keep track of your savings and your credit. It is very beneficial to keep track of your purchases and make sure that you do not spend large, unnecessary amounts on anything just before closing. If necessary, ask your financial consultant to help you.
Keep contact with both your Sunset Realty agent and your financial consultant throughout the closing process. Complete any paperwork that is necessary and don’t hesitate to ask any last minute questions if you feel uncertain about anything.

Step 8: Protecting Your Investment

Now that you have officially completed the process of buying your first home, you need to be able to maintain this new investment. Be sure to do routine checks for any damages you might come across, and keep in mind that a little maintenance when necessary will cost much less than having to fix something that turns into an even bigger problem.
Additionally, remember that your Sunset Realty agent is still here for you even after you are all moved in to your new home. Your agent will continue helping you with more marketing information, finding a professional that can assist you with repairs, and keeping track of the value of your home.