Are you contemplating purchasing your new home in Alpine, Fort Davis or the Big Bend region?

Buying a home can be intimidating for many people, but with a bit of up-front planning, it's not too complicated. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I will furnish buyers with a road map of the whole deal. These are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me at 432-364-2002 or e-mail me at Stormie@3NailsRealty.com .  I'm glad to answer any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
Before you begin looking for a home, here are a few suggestions.   It's likely that you'll want to make an outline of features you need, get a plan of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is around 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good guideline to follow.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent
That's where I can help. We can plan a time to meet so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Alpine or Big Bend area.  I'll also help you facilitate the loan process. 3 Nails Realty works with some of the Big Bend region's best mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They can help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After our first meeting, I'll begin searching for available homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll preview many of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes when it's convenient for you.  As we view homes, I'll identify positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers update their must-have list as we tour houses and some items become far more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll search all the listings again and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the market
Your agent's understanding of the Alpine and Big Bend area market is an essential factor in your home search. And I assure you I'm mindful of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I'll let you know what neighborhoods are "hot" and require prompt action and others that are "cold" and allow for careful consideration.  When we view homes, I'll let you know when the list price has room for negotiation and also when I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be  sure to  ask a lot of questions.  My understanding of the market will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find your dream home in Alpine or the Big Bend area, and when we do, I'll meticulously develop your home purchase offer.  The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including a lot of contingencies, such as getting financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clean title.  When we send in your offer, most likely you'll need to present "earnest money."  This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is most often put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the property in about 30 to 60 days.  This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Many contracts don't close on the first offer.  It's pretty common to receive a counter offer.  Don't let it intimidate you.  We'll figure out whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.  The state of the market will play a big part in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your budget.  And when it's all said and done, we'll compose a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
Once the contract is finished, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, this won't be a long process at all, but you'll need to keep in close contact with your lender.   And I'll deal with all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a precise range of accuracy.  I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.  Then we'll close on your home.  This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, simply call me at 432-364-2002 or e-mail me at Stormie@3NailsRealty.com .