Purchasing a home is a major investment. At Capstone, our goal is to ensure that you understand the process and feel confident. Key steps of the process include:
- Do Your Homework Before Searching
Investigate schools & local amenities to decide on neighborhoods that are right for you. Also determine the most important property features.
- Get Your Finances in Order
Review your credit report — be sure to have enough money for the down payment & closing costs.
- Don't Wait to Get a Loan
Pre-qualify for a mortgage before looking at homes. You’ll be taken more seriously.
- Get Help
Hire a local, well-informed agent to act on your behalf. Unlike a listing agent (whose first obligation is to the seller), a buyer's rep works for you. This is a major advantage.
- House Rich vs. House Poor
Don’t overextend yourself. Buying the most expensive home you can afford might put you at risk to afford maintenance, repairs, decorating, and savings.
- Make an Offer
With your agent, you’ll put forward a conditional offer detailing terms & conditions. If the seller accepts, it becomes a binding agreement — carefully review the offer with your agent and speak up if anything isn’t clear. Your contract should be contingent upon an inspection and mortgage. If the inspection reveals a problem, you have three options: 1) negotiate a resolution with your agent; 2) withdraw the offer; or 3) accept the deficiencies and move ahead.
- Move Forward on Your Mortgage
As soon as the seller agrees to the contract, start the loan process by contacting your mortgage professional. If you’re pre-qualified, much of the legwork is already done, and your loan will be processed more quickly.
- Close the Deal
At closing, you’ll sign papers and get keys to your new home — with ownership legally transferred from seller to buyer. Closings are typically held at the title company or law firm. The closing officer will coordinate all document signings and collect & disburse funds.
For more detailed information about the steps involved in a home purchase, check out the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s comprehensive guide, Buying a Home.
Purchasing a home is a major investment. At Capstone, our goal is to ensure that you understand the process and feel confident. Key steps of the process include:
- Do Your Homework Before Searching
Investigate schools & local amenities to decide on neighborhoods that are right for you. Also determine the most important property features.
- Get Your Finances in Order
Review your credit report — be sure to have enough money for the down payment & closing costs.
- Don't Wait to Get a Loan
Pre-qualify for a mortgage before looking at homes. You’ll be taken more seriously.
- Get Help
Hire a local, well-informed agent to act on your behalf. Unlike a listing agent (whose first obligation is to the seller), a buyer's rep works for you. This is a major advantage.
- House Rich vs. House Poor
Don’t overextend yourself. Buying the most expensive home you can afford might put you at risk to afford maintenance, repairs, decorating, and savings.
- Make an Offer
With your agent, you’ll put forward a conditional offer detailing terms & conditions. If the seller accepts, it becomes a binding agreement — carefully review the offer with your agent and speak up if anything isn’t clear. Your contract should be contingent upon an inspection and mortgage. If the inspection reveals a problem, you have three options: 1) negotiate a resolution with your agent; 2) withdraw the offer; or 3) accept the deficiencies and move ahead.
- Move Forward on Your Mortgage
As soon as the seller agrees to the contract, start the loan process by contacting your mortgage professional. If you’re pre-qualified, much of the legwork is already done, and your loan will be processed more quickly.
- Close the Deal
At closing, you’ll sign papers and get keys to your new home — with ownership legally transferred from seller to buyer. Closings are typically held at the title company or law firm. The closing officer will coordinate all document signings and collect & disburse funds.
For more detailed information about the steps involved in a home purchase, check out the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s comprehensive guide, Buying a Home.