Everyone’s home search is different. Some buyers fall in love with the first home they see, and others have wish lists that are harder to satisfy. Buyers typically make their decisions based on location, size, finishes and features, and of course price. What most buyers don’t realize is that the process doesn’t end when you choose your dream home and put in an offer.

The Offer Process

In many ways the offer process is straightforward. You determine a price you’d be willing to pay, add any conditions or requests you’d like the seller to consider, and then allow your agent and possibly a lawyer to review it before it’s submitted. If you’re submitting an offer without having secured financing, there are other actions you need to take, including showing proof of income.

Once your offer is accepted by the seller, there are only a couple of reasons why you’ll be allowed to back out of the deal. Some purchases are contingent on financing, while some are contingent on the results of a home inspection. If neither party backs out, however, you go to closing.

What is Closing?

Closing is the name given to the time when your home purchase becomes final. In order to close your mortgage needs to be approved, and you must officially turn in your down payment and checks for closing costs. Sometimes you’ll be able to sign the final contract early, but often that step has to wait until closing day. Your closing day is the day you receive your keys and your house is officially in your name. That’s the day when your home search is truly over.

Need Help With Your Home Purchase?

We can help you pre-qualify for a mortgage and help you understand what mortgage rate you would qualify for. More importantly, we can help you establish how much home you can afford. Since rates are near or below 2011 lows, now is the time to lock in extremely low rates before they are gone, which is not a question of if, but when.