Buying a home intimidates a lot of people. However, with some planning ahead of time, it's not very confusing. We like to give buyers a road map of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. These are our nine steps to purchasing a home.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
Prior to beginning your home search, there are many things you'll want to take into account. When you start your search, you'll probably want to make a check list of features you want, get a plan of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. A good rule to follow is that your mortgage payment should be close to 1/3 of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent in Atwater
This is where we can help. We can 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 discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that might affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Atwater area.

We can also help you begin the loan process. Ron & Jon Real Estate Team partners with some of Atwater's finest mortgage professionals, so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you in choosing which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our first meeting, we'll start finding available houses on the market that are good for you. We'll research most of the houses and eliminate the duds, and then we'll book appointments to tour the homes when it's convenient for you.

As we view the homes, we'll point out positive features and negative ones. we'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers change their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some things become far more substantial than others. If that's the situation, we'll search the listings once again and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Get a feel for the housing market
Our understanding of the Atwater market is an indispensable benefit in your house search. We are conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and we can communicate which neighborhoods are "hot" and require prompt action and the rest that are "cool" and allow for more analysis.

As we tour homes, we'll be sure to tell you when the seller's list price has room for negotiation and when we trust the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be mindful and make sure you ask plenty of questions. Every REALTOR^® will convince you they truly know the home market. If things don't add up, call us at 209-996-9792 or e-mail us at roncrain@ronjonteam.com, and we'd be glad to answer your questions. Our market knowledge will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
We're certain we'll find the house of your dreams in Atwater. When that happens, we'll precisely create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind, including a lot of contingencies, such as getting financing, completing the home inspection, and a clean title.

Upon presenting your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's typically applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to accept the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

Market circumstances determine how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll assemble a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
Once the deal is finished, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-qualified, it won't take much time at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And we'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.>

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy, and we'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your home. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and stress-free occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
You made it! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply call us at 209-996-9792 or send us an e-mail.