Buying or selling a home in Annapolis?

Buying a home is a stressful event for a lot of people, but with a little planning ahead of time, it isn't that complex. So they know exactly what they can expect, I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
Before you begin searching for a home, there are many things you'll want to do. You'll want to make an outline of features you need to have, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in Annapolis
That's where I can help. I'd be more than happy to schedule a time to meet with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Annapolis area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you facilitate the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in Annapolis, and I partner with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They can assist you in figuring out which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After we meet for the first time, I'll begin finding available homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll research many of the houses and ignore the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll identify good features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we view houses and some things become more important than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through the listings once again and trim it down to the house of your dreams.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
Your agent's understanding of the Annapolis housing market is an imperative agent in your home search. And I can assure you I'm conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can communicate some areas are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll let you know if the seller's asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent in Annapolis will convince you they understand the market, but be mindful, and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, call me at 410-647-8000 ext. 817 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find your dream house in Annapolis, and when that happens, I'll carefully create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we submit your purchase offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is typically applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days after. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals don't close on the beginning offer – it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
Upon completion of the contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It won't take much time at all if you're pre-approved, but you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will provide you with a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a close range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks permissible.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will most often occur at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and peaceful event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, be sure to call me at 410-647-8000 ext. 817 or e-mail me at .