Purchasing a home in Plantsville?

With a little planning ahead of time, buying a home isn't that hard, but the event intimidates many people. I like to provide buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
Before you begin looking for a home, there are plenty of things you should take into account. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to create a checklist of must-have features, get an idea of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule to adhere to.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where Perrella Realty, LLC. comes in. We'll set up a time to get together so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Plantsville area.

I can also help you begin the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Plantsville, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They can help you figure out which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin house hunting
After our initial meeting, I'll begin looking for available homes on the market that best suit you. I'll research most of the houses and eliminate the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

As we view homes, I'll call attention to good features and negative ones. I'll also ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. It's common for buyers to update their list of must-haves as we view houses and some things become more crucial than others. If that's the situation, I'll go back through all the listings again and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
Your agent's understanding of the Plantsville home market is an essential factor in your home search. And I assure you I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will alert you to some areas are "hot" and warrant immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for more consideration.

When we view houses, I'll let you know if the seller's asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Any REALTOR will claim to understand the home market, but be careful, and be sure to ask plenty of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 860-621-7130 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer your questions. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
I'm confident we'll find your dream home in the Plantsville area. When that happens, I'll carefully develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include many contingencies, such as getting financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we submit your purchase offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's typically applied to the cost of closing. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the first offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

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

Step 7 – Secure your loan
Once the deal is finished, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It shouldn't take long at all if you've been pre-qualified, but you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll care for all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks all right.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will most likely happen at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and stress-free event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, just call me at 860-621-7130 or e-mail me at .