Buying a new home in Franklin

	When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or send e-mail to wandab@bellsouth.net. I'm glad to address questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
There are plenty of things you should do before you start searching for a home. When you start your search, you'll want to assemble a checklist of features you want, get an idea of what school districts you want to live in, and start planning your budget. A good principle to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be less than a third of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent
This is where I come in. We can plan a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Franklin area.

In addition, I'll help you begin the loan process. Crye-Leike works with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Franklin, so you're in great hands. They will assist you with choosing which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking
After our first meeting, I'll begin searching for houses on the market that suit your needs. I'll research many of the homes and throw out the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to tour the houses when it's convenient for you.

When we tour homes, I'll point out good features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to change their must-have list as we tour homes and some items become far more substantial than others. If that's the situation, I'll look through all the listings again and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the market
An agent's awareness of the Franklin market is a necessary element in your home search. And I assure you I'm familiar with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will communicate which districts are "hot" and require prompt action and others that are "cold" and allow for careful examination.

When we view homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the seller's list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Every REALTOR^® will claim to understand the market, but be on guard, and make sure you ask your agent plenty of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 6153004200 or e-mail me at wandab@bellsouth.net, and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
I'm certain we'll find the home of your dreams in the Franklin area, and when that happens, I'll precisely create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made keeping your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

When submitting your purchase offer, most likely you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's most often applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most deals aren't closed on the initial offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
After the deal is complete, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, it shouldn't take very long at all, but you'll want to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will furnish you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs from your lender within three days of getting your loan application. This estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy, and I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will most often occur at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and easygoing event.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, be sure to contact me at 6153004200 or send me an e-mail.