FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
Getting ready to buy your first house can seem daunting but also one the most most exhilarating moments of your life. Century 21 Harris Hawkins & Co. agents will provide you with helpful information on homes and neighborhoods that aren't easily accessible to the public. Our knowledge of the home buying process, negotiating skills, and familiarity with the area you want to live in is extremely valuable to our clients.
The Purchase Process
01
CONNECT WITH A C21 HARRIS HAWKINS & CO. AGENT
Your Century 21 Harris Hawkins & Co. agent is the key to finding your home. The home buying process begins with an initial consultation with your Realtor. Together, you will outline goals, identify what you want in a home, the type of community you would like to call home, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and many other important details of your home purchase. We are committed to finding the right features in the right neighborhood that also fit into your budget. We look forward to getting you one step closer to home.
02
DETERMINING YOUR BUYING POWER
Your Century 21 Harris Hawkins & Co. agent can refer you to a reputable mortgage lender if you don’t have one already. This first step is crucial and one that will set the stage for the entire process going forward. You and your loan officer will assess credit-worthiness, establish expectations, and discuss available financing options. You will complete an application with the loan officer. The goal of completing the application is to gather as much information as possible up front. You will team up with your loan officer to collect items such as W2s, Pay Stubs, Bank Statements, and Employment History. After reviewing you application and documents, your loan officer will issue an official pre-approval.
03
SHOP FOR YOUR HOME AND MAKE AN OFFER
Your Century 21 Harris Hawkins & Co. agent will take you to tour homes in your price range. Once you find the home you want, you will work with your real estate agent to make an offer. You will be able to see what comparable homes have sold for, look at sales trends in the area and get the numbers you need to make a competitive offer​. Make your first offer your best offer. Be prepared that additional offers could come in on your desired home at anytime. Your agent will be informed if there is additional interest so that you can put forth your best offer.
04
YOUR OFFER WAS ACCEPTED
Congratulations! Your offer was accepted and you are officially under contract. Now onto a few very important stages, which included a home inspection, appraisal and loan commitment. While this sounds like a lot to take in, your agent will be holding your hand and guiding you throughout the process.
05
SETTLEMENT
Once you have completed these steps, you’ll be able to move into your new home! Settlement/closing is when the buyer and seller sign the papers officially sealing the deal, and ownership of the property is transferred. You will have selected a title company by this point, and you should plan to spend at least an hour or more at the settlement table. You will sign several documents and then, you get the keys to your new home!