The Home Buying Process

Choosing a REALTOR®

Of all the decisions you'll face when buying a home, there's none more important than the person you choose to represent you.

The job of your Sales Associate is to support you in finding the right home with the best possible terms, and to aid you through the entire process. Your Sales Associate will explain the process of buying a home, and familiarize you with the various activities, documents and procedures that you will experience throughout thetransaction.


Tips For Selecting A REALTOR

Your Real Estate Professional should be:

Financing

Most real estate professionals and mortgage lenders recommend pre-qualifying for a loan before selecting a home to purchase. This process will help you:

• Determine the price range you can afford.

• Understand the types of loans you qualify for.

• Determine what your monthly payment will be.

• Estimate the down payment and closing costs.
  

The Loan Process

Your Sales Associate will help you to select a mortgage lender. Once you have made your decision, these are the steps of the process:

Application - All pertinent documentation is obtained. Fees and down payments are discussed, and the borrower will receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and a Truth-in-lending statement (TIL), itemizing the rates and associated costs for the loan.

You will be asked to provide certain documents to your lender in order that your loan can be processed in a timely manner.

Loan Submission - Once all the necessary documentation is in, your completed file is submitted to a lender for approval.

Loan Approval (Underwriting) - Loan approval, or underwriting, generally takes 24 to 72 hours. All parties are notified of the approval and any loan conditions that must be received before the loan can close.

Closing - Once all parties have signed the loan documents, they are returned to the lender. If all the forms have been properly executed, the lender sends the loan funds by wire transfer. At this point, the borrower finishes the loan process and actually buys the house.

Finding and Choosing the Right Home

Based on criteria that you and your Sales Associate establish together, your Associate will help you find the perfect home. There are many factors to consider in selecting a property, including location, bedroom and bath count, schools and amenities.

Your Sales Associate will apply their extensive community knowledge and professional resources to research available properties, and show you the homes that best meet your needs. If you find a property that interests you through the Internet or your own research, let your Sales Associate know so that a showing can be arranged.

As you view different properties, your criteria may change. Open and direct communication with your Sales Associate is a key element of a successful property search.


Making an Offer

Once you have found the home that you wish to purchase, your Sales Associate will apply their professional training and do all the necessary research to help you structure an effective offer.

This is where your Sales Associate's negotiation skills come into play. When an offer is made, the seller will have the option of accepting, rejecting or counter-offering. Your Sales Associate will negotiate the best possible terms for you.

Your Sales Associate will draft the purchase agreement, advising you of protective contingencies, customary practices, and local regulations. Home warranty, title and escrow arrangements will be detailed in the offer. Although your Sales Associate will give you advice and information, it is your decision as to the exact price and terms that you wish to offer.


Managing the Escrow

When the purchase agreement is accepted and signed by all parties, your Sales Associate will open escrow for you and your earnest money will be deposited. The escrow is a neutral third party that will receive, hold, and distribute all funds associated with your transaction.


Removing Contingencies

Prior to closing escrow, all of the contingencies of the Purchase Agreement must be met. Your Sales Associate will coordinate this process. Typical contingencies include:

• Approval of the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement.
  

• Approval of the preliminary title report.

• Loan approval, including an appraisal of the property.

• Physical inspections of the property.

• Pest inspection and certification.

• Acquisition of homeowner's insurance.
  Homeowners insurance protects you from financial losses caused by storms, fire, theft, and other events outlined in your policy. It is important to know what´s in your policy. This publication gives you general information about homeowners insurance, but it is not a substitute for the policy itself. Make sure you read your policy carefully and understand your specific coverages. It´s also important to know your rights. Texas has a Consumer Bill of Rights for homeowners and renters insurance. Your company must send the Bill of Rights with your policy or renewal.

  • Don´t wait until you have a claim to review your policy and to know your rights.
  • Dwelling - pays for damage to your house and any outbuildings, such as detached garages and storage sheds.
  • Personal property - pays when household items, including furniture, clothing and appliances, are damaged, stolen, or destroyed.
  • Liability - protects you against financial loss if you are found legally responsible for someone else´s injury or property damage.
  • Medical payments - pays medical bills for people hurt while on your property. It also pays for some injuries that happen away from your home, such as your dog biting someone.
  • Loss of use - pays living expenses if your home is too damaged to live in during repairs. The most common policy pays up to 20 percent of the amount for which your house is insured
    
• Acquisition of Home Warranty
  Prudential California Realty works in cooperation with American Home Shield (AHS), America's Home Warranty Company.
  
  AHS founded the home warranty industry over 30 years ago, and has continued to be the industry leader and innovator in terms of quality service and protection for homeowners.       
   
  An AHS home warranty is a homeowner's best defense against costly repairs or complete replacement of existing vital household systems. Sellers can enjoy protection during the listing period, and buyers have the security of knowing their systems and appliances are protected. Whether you are an existing homeowner, home buyer or seller or a real estate professional you will benefit from an American Home Shield Home Warranty. For more information on home warranty coverage, visit http://www.ahswarranty.com/

Closing Escrow and Moving In!

When all of the conditions of the purchase agreement have been met, you will sign your loan documents and closing papers. You will deposit the balance of your down payment and closing costs to escrow, and your lender will deposit the balance of the purchase price. The deed will then be recorded at the County Recorder's office and youwill take ownership of your home.