For Buyers, A Checklist To Home Ownership

Navigating the home buying process can be daunting, whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced one. By collaborating with us, we’ll guide you through every step of the way to ensure you find a home in the ideal neighborhood that aligns with your budget and fulfills all your desired features, quality standards, and value expectations.

From providing process guidance to expert negotiation skills, we are dedicated to helping you secure your dream home seamlessly. Let's work together to make your home buying journey a smooth and successful one!

Below are the steps involved in buying a home:

1) Assess Your Finances:

Check your credit score.  Determine your budget and how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments. Down payments vary from 0% to 20% or more. The down payment requirement varies depending on the type of purchase (primary residence, 2nd home, or investment) and the type of loan. VA and RUD loans can have 0% down payment required, however most standard loans for a primary residence are 3-5%.

2) Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage:

Contact lenders to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and what type of loan will work best for you and your situation.

3) Get a Realtor® - Hire US!

We will help you navigate the home-buying process. 

4) Start House Hunting:

We will help you identify properties that meet your criteria and set times to go see them. 

5) Make an Offer:

Once you find a house you like, we will write up the offer and negotiate the terms with the seller until you reach an agreement.

6) Home Inspection:

Schedule a home inspection to identify any potential issues with the property. This will cost on average $400 and is not part of the loan.  We will then negotiate repairs or adjustments to the purchase price based on the inspection results.

7) Secure Financing & Appraisal:

Finalize your mortgage loan by providing the necessary documentation to your lender.  The lender will typically arrange for a home appraisal to ensure the property's value supports the loan amount.

8) Closing:

Sign all necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of the property.

Pay closing costs, which may include fees for the loan, title insurance, and other expenses.

9) Moving Day! 🏡 🔑 🎉

Once the closing process is complete,  and the property has officially been funded and recorded, you can take possession of the house.

Shortly before closing, you will want to call the utility companies and transfer services into your name so there is no gap in service.  Here is a handy phone list for ADA COUNTY and CANYON COUNTY.

Remember that the home-buying process can vary based on location and individual circumstances. It's crucial to work closely with US, your local Century 21 Agents and your mortgage broker, to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

About the Author

Vicki Kondracki

Vicki Kondracki

Vicki Kondracki is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Eagle Rock. She has worked with Todd since 2017, assisting Todd in serving his buyer clients and in preparing and marketing all of the listings for his seller clients.