Buying or selling a home? Excel Realty and Mortgage can help.

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for many people. However, with some planning ahead of time, it's not all that complex. I like to provide buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they'll understand exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to answer questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you start your home search, there are many things you'll want to take into account. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to create a list of must-haves, get a plan of what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than a third of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Turlock
That's where I can help. We'll schedule a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that may affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Turlock area.

In addition, I'll help you start the loan process. There are some great mortgage professionals in Turlock, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They can assist you in choosing which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for homes on the market that suit your needs. I'll preview most of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we tour the homes, I'll show you the positive features and negative ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. It's widely common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some things become more crucial than others. If such is the case, I'll look through the listings once more and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
My understanding of the Turlock home market is a leading component in your home search. I'm mindful of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll communicate certain neighborhoods are "hot" and demand prompt action and others that are "cool" and allow for careful examination.

When we view homes, I'll make sure to communicate when the seller's asking price has room for bargaining and also when I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any real estate agent will claim to truly know the housing market. If things don't add up, contact me at or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
We'll find your dream home in Turlock, and when we do, I'll thoroughly develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including many contingencies, such as acquiring financing, carrying out the inspection, and a clean title.

When we submit your offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's most often put towards the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals aren't closed on the first offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain your loan
Upon finalizing the contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It shouldn't be a long process at all if you're pre-approved, but you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will supply you with a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and peaceful event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply call me at or e-mail me at .