The Homebuying Process

1. Get Pre-Approved and Meet with your REALTOR
   • Meet with a loan officer; by sharing income and other financial information, you will know the price range for which you are qualified
   • Get Pre-qualified
   • Obtain a pre-approval letter
   • Obtain a "Truth in Lending" letter explaining the costs of borrowing money
   • Learn about the many loans available to buyers in today's market
   • Learn about closing costs
2. Begin viewing homes with your REALTOR
   • When possible, all decision-makers should visit the various homes
   • Always be candid with your REALTOR -- it will help them understand your particular needs and desires and enable them to select homes you'll want to see
3. Prepare the offer
   • Your REALTOR will provide you with a comparative market analysis on the property or properties of your choice in order to assist you in making an informed decision
   • Your REALTOR will go through the contract with you and complete your offer
   • Negotiations will proceed until both buyer and seller agree on all terms and sign
   • All documents will be sent to the title company where a file will be opened, and title commitment and property tax information ordered
4. Make your loan application
   • Give your loan officer a copy of the contract and apply for the loan
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5. Inspect the property
   • Select an inspector and arrange for both a general inspection and wood-destroying insect inspection
   • Your REALTOR also can provide information about other environmental assessments
6. Appraisal and survey of property
   • The lender and title company will make arrangements for the property appraisal and survey
   • Buyer will be provided a copy of the Title Commitment Letter
   • Buyer will make arrangements for homeowner's (hazard) insurance, and arrange for the insurance agent to talk with the closing officer at the title company
7. Seller's closing is also arranged
   • Buyer receives a copy of the closing statement for review prior to closing
   • Buyer does a final walk-through inspection of the property
   • The REALTOR arranges a closing date and time with the buyer and title company. Seller's closing is also arranged
   • Buyer brings a cashiers check for all closing costs and the balance of the down payment
8. After the closing
   • Documents are sent to the buyer's loan company for approval and funds are disbursed
   • The title company receives and funds all money from the loan company. Payment of any accrued expenses in connection with the closing are due including taxes, attorney's fees, professional real estate fees and title company fees
   • Legal documents will be recorded in the office of the county clerk and mailed to the buyer
   • Title company prepares and issues the title policy, and sends it to the loan company and new home owner

Homebuyer Tips

• Organizing and accompanying you to view homes which meet your criteria
• Having information on various neighborhoods to help you determine the right area for work, place of worship and family activities
• Providing sales information on the neighborhood of your choice, so you can make an informed decision
• Showing you MLS properties, so you don't have to call multiple offices for information or appointments
• Working with all builders throughout the Metroplex
• Negotiating your offer to your best advantage

• Learn and define your needs, desires and goals as a buyer, and help determine your most important considerations in selecting a home
• Give you information about agency choices and services available to you
• Organize the home buying process, guide you through it and save you time
• Search for the right home, always accompany you to property showings and represent your interests
• Explore all financing possibilities with you and provide you with a list of lenders
• Provide you with a comparative market analysis to make an informed purchase decision
• Disclose all known information about properties and areas which interest you
• Assist in preparing offers, strategize your offer to the seller, and negotiate on your behalf
• Ensure confidentiality of your personal client information
• Monitor the closing process step-by-step, and make sure you're always informed
• Provide lists of inspectors to review the condition of the property
• Act as your advocate in the most professional manner possible
• Treat all parties fairly and honestly