Roadmap for Homebuyers

Posted by Got Beach on April 4, 2022

Buying a home – especially in this crazy market – can be stressful. But we are here to help you every step of the way. The Got Beach Team at Beachy Beach Real Estate has been in the business since 1998, and we have had a front-row seat to all the ups and downs of all kinds of real estate markets. Our experience has proven to be of vital importance in getting offers accepted and transactions closed. We would like to provide you with a few tips and a roadmap for homebuyers.

Take a deep breath.

Now let’s jump in!

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved with a LOCAL Lender.

We cannot stress the word LOCAL enough in this sentence. Starting with a local lender is the first step for everyone whether this is your first home or hundredth home. You need to know exactly what you can afford. There is absolutely nothing worse than falling in love with a home and then finding out it is not in your budget. More and more sellers are requiring pre-approval letters with offers. Plus, getting pre-approved moves the offer process along faster.

Step 2: Meet with a Real Estate Professional. PS… We can help with that!

Your next step in your roadmap for homebuyers is to meet with a Real Estate Agent that is knowledgeable and experienced. There is no disadvantage to using a real estate agent to represent you as a buyer. The seller pays for all commission costs, and the price of the property does not change if you do not use a real estate agent.

Be HONEST with your realtor. Tell them your needs, your wants, your wishes, and your dislikes and dealbreakers. Be patient in the searching process. Inventory is low. Indescribably low. Trying to find a property you love might take some time. Here are some more tips for this step.

We can help!! See if the Got Beach Team is a good match for you!

Step 3: Make an Offer

Your Realtor will handle all the paperwork and walk you through this process. Take a deep breath and then another one. Putting in a good, strong offer is vital in this market. Stay in constant contact with both your local lender and your realtor.

Here are some tips on putting in a good offer:

Put down a strong EMD that shows the sellers you mean business.
Waive the appraisal contingency if you can.
Shorten the inspection period.
Ask the seller for absolute the absolute minimum. It used to be the buyer could ask the seller for a home warranty, for a long list of repairs, for help with closing costs, etc. Unfortunately, we are in a time that the tables have turned, and buyers are now offering everything including but not limited to their firstborn child as part of the payment.

Step 4: Under Contract

Yay!! Celebrate for a minute. Take another deep breath. There is still more to be done. But celebrate the moment of getting under contract. The most important thing is to make sure you get everything to your lender instantaneously. Order all the inspections you want or that the bank requires (general, WDO, wind mitigation, etc). Ask all the questions. Do your own research. Talk to the HOA if applicable. Drive by the property during the sunshine and the rain. Do NOT make any big purchases including new furniture. It’s exciting and okay to shop around and make 7 Pinterest boards, but do not buy the furniture until after closing. Here is a list of do’s and dont’s for under contract.

Step 5: Closing Day!

Talk with the title company and lender for all instructions and check then double-check those instructions. Wire fraud is very real, and you need to make sure you are following all instructions carefully. You will set up a time with the title company to close either in person or virtually. You will sign a giant stack of papers then you are finished! Now is the time to exhale and do a happy dance!! You reached the finish line! Go buy all the furniture you want and fill your new property with all the happy memories in the world.

We hope this roadmap for homebuyers was helpful. If you have any questions, The Got Beach Team at Beachy Beach Real Estate is here to help you every step of the way!

Renata Murphree & Kelli Sullivan
The Got Beach Team at Beachy Beach Real Estate
Kelli: (850) 819-8246 | [email protected]
Renata: (850) 527-3923 | [email protected]
Lacey Maxwell #RealEstatePrincess
(334) 429-0878 | [email protected]