Are you purchasing your home in North Kingstown? Greater R.I. Properties, LLC can help.

Buying a home can be stressful for many people, but with a bit of planning ahead of time, it isn't that confusing. So they'll understand exactly what to expect, I will give buyers a road map of the whole deal. These are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to address questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
There are several things you'll want to consider before commencing your home search. It's likely that you'll want to create a checklist of items you need to have, get a plan of what school districts you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than 1/3 of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where Greater R.I. Properties, LLC can help. I'd be more than happy to plan a time to meet with you and speak with you regarding your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, schools in the North Kingstown 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 get started on your loan. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in North Kingstown, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They will help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our initial meeting, I'll start searching for homes on the market that are good for you. I'll preview most of the houses and exclude the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll point out good features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and dislike. It's widely common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we view homes and some things become more necessary than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through all the listings another time and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
My understanding of the North Kingstown market is a fundamental factor in your home search. I am conscious of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will communicate some areas are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful analysis.

As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you when the list price has room for bargaining and also when I know the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be careful and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Any REALTOR will claim to know the housing market. If things don't add up, contact me at 401-932-9005 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
We'll find the home of your dreams in the North Kingstown area, and when that happens, I'll precisely create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including several contingencies, such as acquiring financing, completing the inspection, and a clear title.

When presenting your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is usually put towards the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals don't close on the beginning offer, and it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market circumstances. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After we sign the final deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, it shouldn't take very long at all, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll care for all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements dictate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

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

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, just call me at 401-932-9005 or e-mail me at .