What do I do first?

Just the other day I received an email asking, "What do I have to do before I can buy a house?"

Excellent question. Buying a home doesn't have to be an overwhelming process if you just break it down into steps.

There are 4 basic steps in buying your home.

1.) SECURE THE FINANCING. This will give you the amount of money that you can borrow for a mortgage. That allows us to look at the right price range of homes.

That is done by talking with a lender and providing him the proper documentation. I work with several lenders that specialize in first time home buyers. I can match you up with one that best suites your needs.

2.) IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS that meet your needs and desires. Decide whether you'd like a single family home or townhouse. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What neighborhoods do you like?

We'll spend a little time narrowing down your needs and likes so we can target good possibilities.

Based on these things, I will send you listings of homes that fit your criteria. It's helpful to me to have you search the internet and send me the listings of homes you like.

3.) VIEW THE HOMES and WRITE an OFFER.

4.) THE PROCESS: Once the seller has accepted an offer, we will do a home inspection, appraisal and the title work. When that is completed, we meet at the title company's office for closing.

I will work closely with you, the lender, and the title company to make sure things go smoothly. Since this is your first home, I will work and explain each step as we go and always welcome your questions.