It is natural to feel a little nervous and confused when it is your first time to buying real estate.
The whole process can be a bit overwhelming, which is why it is helpful to see it all a laid out in a simple list.
A list can help walk you through the whole thing remembering what you've done and seeing what is up ahead so that you feel informed and secure.
1.
The first step in buying a home is figuring out what you are looking for.
What area do you need to be in?How many bedrooms do you need?Do you have pets and need a yard, or do you prefer a loft condominium?Whatever the case may be, make a list of all of the requirements you need.
2.
Determining a price range is usually the next step in the process.
This is often depending on your, and/or your spouse's, income and how large of a mortgage you will qualify for.
The size of mortgage you can secure will tell you the approximate amount you have to spend and will help narrow your search tremendously.
It is also helpful to begin saving money for a deposit.
Having 10% to put down will help in the qualification process.
3.
Find a lender to arrange a mortgage in principle.
This is basically a piece of paper verifying that you qualify for a particular mortgage.
This will basically give you credibility as a buyer with real estate agents and vendors alike.
When they know you have the money to spend, they won't mind spending plenty of time with you.
4.
It is important to contact a solicitor, or property attorney, to control the legal minutia of buying a home.
This will take an amazing amount of stress from the situation while bringing a certain security.
You can always speak to several solicitors and request a cost estimate from each, but ultimately you want someone that is knowledgeable and trustworthy.
5.
Now it is time to contact a real estate agent to represent you to the sellers.
A real estate agent makes it easy for you to view properties and find the right place.
They have access to databases and listings that the average person does not as well as access to combinations and keys for viewing specific properties.
6.
When you find the property you like, it is time to make an offer through your agent.
This offer can be for the asking price, or lower depending on the circumstances.
You must way the possibility of another offer coming in and beating yours.
When an offer is accepted, it is customary to ask the seller to take the home off the market.
7.
If your offer is accepted, the solicitor can get to work on the legal processing.
8.
The offer should be contingent on an inspection of the property, which should be thorough and compete.
As long as there are no major problems, you lender will then agree to give the loan for purchasing the home.
9.
Then your attorney (or solicitor) will double check the inspection survey and make sure there are no other factors that might decrees the value of the home in the near future.
10.
Now it is time to hand over the deposit to the solicitor who will hold the money.
They will then exchange contracts with the seller's solicitors and give the deposit.
11.
Now, the loan is transferred to the seller's account through your solicitor, you will receive a transfer of deeds, the land registry certificate, and keys to the property.
Now you are ready to move into your new home!There are a few more things your solicitor needs to do such as pay stamp duty and pass the title deeds to your lender.
This is also the point where you will pay the solicitor for their work.
Of course the entire process can be done without a solicitor, but it is a good idea for first time buyers to have the help of a legal professional.
This may seem like a lot to remember, but just take it one step at a time and everything will run smoothly.