A Guide: Buying A Home

Making An Offer

You have searched through dozens of classifieds, visited countless open houses, and seen more “For Sale” signs than you care to think about. But you have done it, you have finally found the one you want. Follow these tips when making your offer on the home of your dreams.

Tips:

• Get pre-qualified for a loan by coming in and talking to one of our loan officers. They will help calculate what you can afford to spend on a home.
  
  
• Decide what type of financing you want. The two basic types of financing are fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages.
  
  
• Know how much money you have for a down payment. A buyer will typically put 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price down.
  
  
• State what inspections you want to have done before you'll agree to buy the home. You can get general home inspections, as well as geological, roof, pool/spa, earthquake/flood and environmental inspections.
  
  
• State who you want to pay for inspections, the termite report, required work, title insurance and escrow fees, and warranties.
  
  
• Identify how long the escrow period will be.
  
  
• Establish how long both parties should have to complete inspections, approvals and work.
  
  
• Put a limit on the amount of time the seller has to respond.
  
  
• Present your offer to the seller yourself or through your agent.