Buyers Checklist

Buyers Tips and Checklist

Find Your Dream Home with Pacific Realty

1) Getting a Mortgage

Obtain quotes from at least two lenders.

Consult with both banks and mortgage brokers to get the best interest rate. Do not run your credit until you decide on a lender.

Obtain a Pre-Approval Letter.

Once you have submitted the appropriate documents to lender of choice, it takes about 48-72 hours. Documents required will vary between lenders but typically include: W-2s, paystubs, bank statements, investment account statements, retirement account statements and tax returns. Many lenders will require a verification of source of large deposits.

2) Find a Neighborhood

3) Find the Perfect Home

4) Making an Offer

Have a Pre-Approval Letter
Provided by your lender.

Sign Purchase Contract
Provided by your real estate agent. Contract will include appliances, fixtures, etc. that will remain on the property at the close of escrow.

Submit a Deposit Check
Deposit check is usually 3% of your purchase offer.

5) The Inspection

Find a Qualified Inspector.

Contact one of the professional organizations to find an accredited inspector or your real estate agent can recommend one. Expect to pay about $300-$750.

Attend the Inspection.

This is your opportunity to ask questions about the infrastructure of the house. Be sure to learn about the operation and locations of the gas valve, water shut-off valve and the breaker box.

Consider Additional Assessments.

Ask your real estate agent if they recommend additional inspections above and beyond the standard one. This will depend on what is identified in the inspection report.

Request for Repair.

Submit a form with a list of repairs (if any) to the seller. Your real estate agent will have the form. Seller may accept your request for repairs, may give you a counter offer, or choose not to do any of the repairs.

6) Hiring an Appraiser

Have the property appraised

To determine the property value, you need an appraiser, which your lender will hire. The lender will require an appraisal. The appraisal fee will vary and may be an upfront cost.

7) Buying Property Insurance

Comparison-shop for Property Insurance.

You can choose any provider for this coverage, which protects against most risks to the property. Lender will require this prior to closing. Consider bundling with your auto or other insurance.

8) Navigating the Closing Process

Lock in Your Interest Rate.

Do so 30-45 days before your closing. Consult your lender.

Obtain a Detailed List of Closing Costs From Your Lender.

Besides the expenses tied to your loan, you will have additional fees such as title services, transfer taxes and escrow fees. These fees will vary but will typically follow industry standards. Be sure to contact your lender or escrow officer with questions regarding fees.

9) Conducting the Final Walk-Through

Verify All Repairs Have Been Completed by Seller.

All repairs agreed upon in the request for repair form.

Verification of Property.

Verify the property is in substantially the same condition as on the date of acceptance of the purchase offer.

10) Signing Loan Documents

Signing Loan Documents.

A day or two after signing loan documents, the property will record. Once that happens the home is yours.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations, once the property records, your real estate agent will hand you the keys!

Ready to Make Your Real Estate Dreams a Reality?

Trust Michael Rofail and Pacific Realty to Navigate Your Next Move. Contact Us Now!