Buying or selling a home in North Kingstown?

For many people, buying a home can be a stressful event. However, with a little up-front planning, it's not all that difficult. I like to supply buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have any questions about any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
There are several things you should consider prior to commencing your home search. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to assemble a list of features you want, get a feeling for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and start planning your budget. A good guideline to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be less than a third of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent in North Kingstown
This is where I can help. I'd be happy to schedule a time to get together with you and speak with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the North Kingstown area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you start the loan process. There are some great mortgage professionals in North Kingstown, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They will help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start house-hunting
After we meet for the first time, I'll start searching for available homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll research most of the houses and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to view the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view homes, I'll call attention to positive features and bad ones. I'll even ask you to tell us about things you like and dislike. It's pretty common for buyers to update their wish list as we view houses and some items become more essential than others. If that happens, I'll search all the listings once again and trim it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the market
My awareness of the North Kingstown market is a fundamental element in your home search. I'm informed of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I can alert you to some districts are "hot" and call for prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Any REALTOR in North Kingstown will convince you they comprehend the market, but be on guard, and be sure to ask your agent a lot of questions. If it appears they don't know everything, call me at 401-932-9005 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
We'll find the house of your dreams in the North Kingstown area, and when we do, I'll carefully create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including some contingencies, such as acquiring financing, completing the inspection, and a clear title.

When turning in your purchase offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the home seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is most often applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals aren't closed on the beginning offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to accept the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on the state of the market. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Once we sign the final sales contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. It won't take much time at all if you're already pre-qualified, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then we'll close on your home. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and calm occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, make sure you call me at 401-932-9005 or e-mail me at .