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What to Expect During the Home Buying Process

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty,AR, LLC./Turn Key RE Group EB00053853

Buying a Home In Northwest ArkansasWhen buying a home in Northwest Arkansas, there are many factors to consider, many decisions to make, and many potential pitfalls to avoid. That is why it is crucial for you to have all the available information necessary to make a well-informed decision, as well as the time required to make use of your resources. The home buying process is easy when you have the knowledge and understanding of what to expect and the right people on your team.

Below are several steps of the home buying process that can help you feel more confident about buying your next home in Northwest Arkansas. 

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

  • Buying a home can be a very intimidating process, especially if you've never done it before. Northwest Arkansas REALTORS® provide expertise on market trends, property conditions, and many other aspects of a real estate transaction in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, and the surrounding areas.  By working with a Northwest Arkansas REALTOR®, you will be able to see comparable homes for sale, track sale prices in the desired neighborhood and gain insight on many other aspects of a real estate purchase.

Find the Right Lender

  • If you plan on taking out a loan to buy your home, it is important to find a mortgage lender before you find the home that wish to buy. Not only should they have competitive rates but also knowledge and great communication skills. Nothing is more frustrating than a mortgage lender that cannot answer your questions about the financial side of buying your home. 

Look for the Right Home

  • Clearly determine why you are buying a home and what kind of home that you are looking for. It is very important to focus not only on how a home may look in appearance, but also how functional your new home will be. What do you need specifically in a home, what may your spouse or children need? It is very important to define what features are negotiable, and what features are a “must have.”  Also remember that you can change a home, but you cannot change the location. 

Make an Offer on the Home

  • Now that you've found the home you want, you have to make an offer.  It has become conventional to submit a prequalification letter when presenting or submitting an offer. This process involves a brief conversation with your mortgage lender regarding your financial situation, and an assessment on what kind of loan that you may qualify for.
  • While having a prequalification letter to submit your offer is good, a preapproval letter is even better. The preapproval process generally involves meeting with a lender, filling out an application, and authorizing the examination of your current financial situation and credit history. The prequalification and preapproval process will make sure you have the information you need about what you can afford, and motivated buyers will take you more seriously. 

Close on Your Home

  • After finding the perfect home, making the offer, securing lending, and taking care of home insurance and the property inspection, you’ll be ready for the closing.  At this stage of the home buying process, you will sign all mortgage documents and any other paperwork needed to complete the transaction.  The title of the home, in the form of a deed, will also be transferred to you at this time.

This may all seem a bit daunting, but overcome your fears of buying a new home in Northwest Arkansas by knowing what to expect. With your entire home buying goals planned out, your financial situation thoroughly evaluated, and your trusty Northwest Arkansas REALTOR®, by your side every step of the way, buying a home in Northwest Arkansas can be an exhilarating and satisfying experience. 

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Northwest Arkansas RealtorAngela Johnson is a Realtor in Northwest Arkansas with over 15 years of real estate experience.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and all of Northwest Arkansas.  Buying and selling real estate is not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information.  Angela Johnson is eager to assist you with finding your next home, selling a home, and consulting with you on home selling tactics.  Visit www.getmykeys.com for access to homes for sale in Northwest Arkansas. 

 

Comments (2)

Thomas Turner
Caliber Home Loans, Inc. NMLS 15622 - Shelton, CT
Tom Turner

Angela, nice blog.  I hope everyone picks up on communication is the key to success

Aug 08, 2013 06:19 AM
Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

great information to share with your local area prospect, clients and neighbors!

Aug 08, 2013 07:46 AM