Buying or selling a home?

	When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or send e-mail to clarksmith@thevillagerealty.net. I'm glad to address questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
There are a lot of things you need to take into account before commencing your home search. You'll most likely want to create a list of features you need, get an idea of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent
This is where I can help. We'll schedule a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about neighborhoods, schools in the Corpus Christi area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also assist you in getting started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Corpus Christi, and I work with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands. They can assist you in deciding which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that are good for you. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll point out good features and bad ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and dislike. It's widely common for buyers to update their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some things become more essential than others. If that happens, I'll search all the listings one more time and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a feel for the housing market
My understanding of the Corpus Christi market is an indispensable resource in your house search. I am informed of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I will communicate some neighborhoods are "hot" and call for immediate action and others that are "cold" and allow for careful examination.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know when the list price has room for negotiation and when I think the house is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions, as any real estate agent will tell you they comprehend the home market. If it seems like they don't know everything, call me at (361) 985-1135 or e-mail me at clarksmith@thevillagerealty.net, and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
I'm positive we'll find your dream home in the Corpus Christi area. When we do, I'll carefully create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including some contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, finishing the inspection, and a clear title.

When sending in your offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure an offer to purchase the property, and it's most often applied to the closing costs. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts don't close on the first offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to accept the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions will play a vital role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
Once we sign the final sales contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this shouldn't be a long process at all, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will supply you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate depends on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve 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 we'll close on your house. This will probably occur at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and easygoing event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you call me at (361) 985-1135 or send me an e-mail.