Buying or selling a home in North Kingstown? Greater R.I. Properties, LLC can help.

For most people, buying a home can be a stressful event. However, with some planning ahead of time, it's not all that difficult. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I will furnish buyers with an overview of the entire deal. These are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have any questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Prior to beginning your home search, there are many things you need to consider. When you start your search, you'll want to create a check list of items you want, get a feeling for what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around a third of your monthly income is a good rule to go by.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in North Kingstown
That's where I come in. We'll plan a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the North Kingstown area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future.

I can also help you facilitate the loan process. I work with some of North Kingstown's best mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They can assist you with figuring out which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your home search
Following our first meeting, I'll start searching for homes on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll research many of the homes and remove the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll point out good features and negative ones. I'll even ask you to talk about things you like and dislike. Oftentimes, buyers change their must-have list as we tour homes and some features become more substantial than others. If that's the case, I'll search the listings one more time and trim it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
An agent's awareness of the North Kingstown home market is an essential element in your house search. And I can assure you I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will communicate certain districts are "hot" and warrant immediate action and some that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we view houses, I'll let you know if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and make sure you ask plenty of questions, as any REALTOR in North Kingstown will convince you they understand the market. If it appears they don't know everything, contact me at 401-932-9005 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
I'm sure we'll find the house of your dreams in the North Kingstown area. When that happens, I'll thoroughly create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clear title.

When turning in your offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure an offer to purchase the property. The amount is typically put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Unfortunately most contracts aren't closed on the first offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
Upon completion of the contract, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, it won't take long at all. But you'll need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll look after all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your application. This estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a narrow range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and relaxed affair.

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