HOME BUYING GUIDE

5 Steps to Buying A Home

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life.  This can be true whether you’ve purchased several homes or you are preparing to buy for the first time.  With the right support system and the help of a trusted RE/MAX professional, you can make the most informed decisions.

This guide breaks down the steps of buying a home so you can start the process feeling confident and prepared.  From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, you’ll find helpful tips right here.  Plus, we are here to help every step of the way.

1   Step 1. Define Your Goals

Before you start looking, consider why you want to buy a home.  Are you tired of renting?  Do you want to buy an investment property?  Figuring out why you want to purchase a home will help you make important decisions down the road.  Considering what you want and need out of your home will help you narrow down your home search as well.  What neighbourhood do you want to live in?  How many bedrooms do you need?  Knowing your preferences can help with filtering out homes that don’t fit your criteria.

2   Step 2. Pick a RE/MAX ACA Realty Agent who is right for you

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you may ever make.  Whether you are buying your first home, relocating or just moving down the street – you want a trusted professional by your side.  Working with a qualified RE/MAX agent can make this process easier, helping guide you through the home search, purchase agreements, inspections, closing matters and more.  Having an agent who has your best interests at heart can ease some of your stress and can help make it go as smoothly as possible.

3   Step 3. Determine Your Financial Standing

Knowing your budget up front helps you focus your search and can save you both time and stress.  Talking to a mortgage professional can help you determine your buying power.  They can help you to find out how much you can afford, how much you should put towards a down payment, and can walk you through loan options and other costs or fees associated with purchasing a home.  Consider asking your agent for a referral; they understand your needs and can help you find a professional for your situation.

4   Step 4. Make an Offer

Once you find a home you’re interested in, you agent can help negotiate a fair offer based on comparable homes in the area.  If you offer is accepted, you’ll make a down payment and be officially under contract.  During the due-diligence period between signing the purchase agreement and closing on your home, your RE/MAX ACA Realty agent can help you understand the conditions, provisions, and obligations of your contract.  They can also help guide you through the appraisal process and inspection processes.

5   Step 5. Close on Your Home

This is the final step of your home buying journey.  Closing is the official transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.  At closing, you will sign your mortgage paperwork to solidify your purchase.  From there, you officially become a homeowner and will be handed the keys to your new home so you can begin making memories.

If you would like a more indepth look at the home-buying experience from start to finish, have a read through our RE/MAX Home Buyer's Guide.  Inside this resource is relevant information including a list of terms, things to consider when choosing a home and a checklist to help you make the right decisions for you.