Buying or selling a home?

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

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Prior to beginning your home search, there are several things you need to contemplate. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to form an index of items you need, get an idea of what school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than a third of your net monthly income is a good guideline to go by.

Step 2 – Get with a real estate agent in Greenville
This is where 1ST CHOICE REALTY can help. We'll book a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, school districts in the Greenville area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan. 1ST CHOICE REALTY works with some of Greenville's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They'll help you decide which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin house-hunting
After we meet for the first time, I'll start finding houses on the market that meet your needs. I'll preview most of the houses and reject the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to tour the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll point out positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Oftentimes, buyers change their wish list as we view homes and some things become far more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings once more and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a feel for the housing market
Your agent's knowledge of the Greenville home market is a leading aspect in your home search. And I can assure you I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will let you know some districts are "hot" and call for prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for more consideration.

When we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Every REALTOR^® will claim to know the home market, but be on guard, and make sure you ask your agent lots of questions. If it appears they don't know everything, contact me at 618-664-7355 or e-mail me at josussenbach@sbcglobal.net, and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I'm certain we'll find the house of your dreams in Greenville. When we do, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs, including many contingencies, such as acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we send in your purchase offer, you'll probably need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is typically applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts don't close on the first offer – it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll talk about whether or not to consent to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
After we sign the final contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, this won't take much time at all, but you should to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll look after all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your loan application. This estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and easygoing occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, just call me at 618-664-7355 or send me an e-mail.