Home Buying Process
How Buying a Home Works
Buying a home is a long and complicated process, and it can be overwhelming if you haven’t done it before. UW Funding loves helping people learn exactly how this works.
The Process
Here, we break the process down and shed some light on each step so that you can know what to expect – and prepare accordingly.
01. Get Pre-Approved
It’s obviously important to know how much home you can afford, what type of down payment to budget for, monthly mortgage payment as well as what type of loan program you’ll be using to finance the new property. Certain mortgage loans have residence type, HOA, appraisal or insurance restrictions that your agent needs to be aware of prior to showing you listings. A personalized strategy session with a trusted mortgage professional should address all of your initial loan approval questions, as well as uncover any potential challenges that can complicate the entire transaction.
Learn More02. Assemble Your Team
The home buying process has many steps, participating parties and potential challenges that can be overcome with the right team on your side. Your agent, attorney, title company, insurance agent and lender all have important roles to play. Besides working with a professional team that you trust, it’s important that the individual players have the ability to effectively communicate and execute on important decisions together as well.
03. Find a Home
Buying a new home is literally a team sport since there are so many tasks, timelines, documents, and responsibilities that all need special care and attention. It’s important to consider the whole picture when finding a home – don’t fall in love or sign on the dotted line before ensuring that the home and the mortgage fit within your parameters.
04. Submit an Offer
Assuming that you’ve already been given a mortgage approval and have a firm understanding of the type of property you are qualified to purchase, your agent will submit your purchase offer to a listing agent or seller. Once you receive an accepted offer, the due-diligence period starts a series of timelines for final mortgage approval, appraisal, inspections and other requirements which would be spelled out in the terms of the contract.
05. Conditions & Paperwork
It comes in from all angles at this point, lenders, processors, insurance agents, sellers, real estate agents… and the list can go on.
06. Closing
A successful closing requires all of the team players to come together at the same time, with the same agenda, on the same date…. with numbers and figures that match.
Learn MoreHome Buying Process FAQs
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What’s the difference between a “buyer’s” and a “seller’s” market?
Simple economics is the rule of thumb here. Everyone wants to “buy low and sell high,” but the truth of the matter is that there is no way that can happen for everyone, every time.
Seller’s market = More buyers than sellers
Buyers market = More sellers than buyers -
Do I need a home inspection?
Some mortgage programs require a borrower to get a home inspection if it is mentioned in the purchase contract. Either way, there are several reasons why it is important for a home buyer to have a licensed professional take a closer look at a property before the transaction is finalized.
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Does it matter if I buy a home that is part of a Homeowner’s Association?
Homeowners Association may have the power to determine the color of your home, the number of pets you have and the type of grass you have to plant. They also may have the power to levy assessments, dues and fines. Or, they may be as simple as collecting a few dollars per year to make sure the grass is cut in the common areas.
Begin Your Home Loan Journey Today
Ready to get started? Get a quick quote or contact Craig to ask questions and discuss your options.
