Buyer's Guide

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, you may want to consider a monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This may include doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could affect your budget.

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes, but why wouldn't you have a top agent, like CRHE, to protect you and take the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also offer knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. We will always give you the information to make the best decision for you.  Through our Network, we can find those hidden gems, as well as pointers that will help you find your dream home for the right price.

Once you have selected the perfect home, we work together to craft an offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. There is more than just price that goes into an offer. Consider a closing date, personal property that may or may not be included, contingencies, and repairs as well.  We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement.

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with. In a market where interest rates are moving, you will want to make sure the best program that works for you. You should take into consideration the value you are getting on the home, how long you plan on staying in that home, and available cash to put towards your new home. CRHE only works with the top Lenders who will show you more than just a rate, but what is best for your situation.

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.